ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA21) — The project to construct more of the trail network in Allen County is getting state funding.

The Allen County Board of Commissioners said they will receive $3.3 million for the Pufferbelly Trail project from the state’s Next Level Trails program.

This was one of 17 projects chosen to get funding out of 82 projects submitted for funding consideration. The project will build the trail between the Life Bridge Trailhead and Fitch Road, about 4.3 miles, near the north county line.

The project already has $100,000 worth of funding from Fort Wayne Trails. Huntertown has also committed $125,000 for the project.

“The Pufferbelly Trail was envisioned by citizen advocates and continues to be a top of priority for our organization. We are very pleased to add the additional mileage and connection to an estimated 10,000 residents and 4,200 homes within one mile of the planned trail. The connection to Huntertown gives those residents access to an existing 28 miles of trail in northern Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne,” Kent Castleman, executive director of Fort Wayne Trails said.

Once fully completed, the Pufferbelly Trail will extend from the northern edge of Allen County south 13 miles where it will connect with the Rivergreenway in downtown Fort Wayne. The Pufferbelly Trail is one segment of a State Visionary Trail that will ultimately be 80-miles long, running from Pokagon State Park in Angola to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton.