River enhancement meeting talks funding

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Tippecanoe County community suggested ideas and asked questions about enhancements for the Wabash River during a meeting about possible projects outside the city limits Tuesday night at the Faith Community Center in Lafayette.

There were many ideas, questions and concerns at the meeting including preserving wildlife habitats and historical preservation. Some people would like to see horse trails along the Wabash, but many others wondered what the price of the project is to the public.

Around 100 people showed up with ideas for improving the Wabash River. At least one person, like Michele Blaas, isn't concerned as much with the actual projects as the funding.

"I would just like to know how it is going to be paid for," she said.

Wabash River Enhancement Corporation Executive Director Stan Lambert said Tippecanoe County won't see a rise in taxes for the project. Most of the funding will come from federal and state grants, private donations and from already existing taxes.

"Inn Keeper's tax is another option. Economic development income tax is another source that might be possible," he explained. "Other private sector funding source. North Central health services is very interested in the long term."

Some ideas tossed around during the meeting included horseback riding trails. There are several walking trails around the Wabash River, but Battle Ground Saddle Club Vice President Stewart Dye said horse trails along the river would provide a serene environment for riders.

"Seeing the water. It is just so peaceful that we would love to have something around this area," he said.

Dye said within a 50 mile radius of Battle Ground there are no state recreation areas for horse back riding.

"We are just a blank area here in northwest Indiana. You can put that circle anywhere else and there are horse trails," Dye said.

Lambert said horse trails are a possibility. Because the project is in the beginning stages, Lambert said anything is possible.

"You have to be real careful. We want to work together and manage to enhance the corridor from foundation of attainability so we want to work with the river and with the ecosystem. Anything we do, we want to make sure it is not going to hurt the environment in the corridor," Lambert said.

Click here to go to the Wabash Enhancement Project website for more information.