Indiana communities will soon have the chance to apply for millions in state grants to build hiking, biking, and riding trails.

Gov. Eric Holcomb will use $90 million from the new Toll Road deal to build out trail systems throughout Indiana.

Holcomb says trail development helps improve “quality of place” – an increasingly vital ingredient in economic development.

“We want Hoosiers to have close access to all of our outdoor amenities and nothing ties that all together like a statewide network of trails,” Holcomb says.

There will be two types of grants – regional and local. In the initial phase, $20 million will go to regional projects, while $5 million will be dedicated for local trails.

“Worthy projects that are going to add to the quality of life in our communities all over the state of Indiana, no matter if it’s a one dot town or a major urban area,” Holcomb says.

The grants will prioritize proposals that connect existing trails or connect cities with each other. Communities can begin applying in January.