State Representative Carey Hamilton to co-chair bicameral, bipartisan Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) is spearheading the launch of the newly established Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus and will serve as a co-chair. Hamilton will be working with fellow co-chairs State Representative Tony Cook (R-Cicero), State Senator Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) and State Senator Eddie Melton (D-Gary) in conjunction with the Indiana Greenways Foundation and Rails-To-Trails Conservatory (RTC).

The Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus is a bipartisan initiative that will develop legislative priorities to help grow, connect and maintain Indiana's network of trails and greenways.

“Trails provide a unique opportunity to capitalize on economic, environmental, recreation, health and community benefits that already exist in Indiana,” Hamilton said. “Similar efforts in neighboring states like Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan have seen great success when legislators are committed to connecting with trail users and other key stakeholders to create better communities. I'm thrilled to be an Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus co-chair, and I'm eager to get to work.”

The Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus forms a year after the completion of the two-year Indiana Bike Trail Task Force, which Hamilton served on. The Task Force completed its work with recommendations that included forming a coordinated legislative strategy. In addition, in 2018, Governor Eric Holcomb created the Next Level Trails program providing $90 million in state funding with the purpose of developing regional and local trails. The caucus will work to build on this momentum.

The Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus plans to meet in August to discuss their legislative priorities for next year's legislative session.