The state of Indiana has announced plans to purchase more than 150 miles of abandoned railways, much of which is slated to become greenspace.
"Under the pact, owners of the former Penn Central Rail Line would sell 400 parcels of land in 39 counties to the state, which would then give the land to local communities for the development of trails."
"Ray Irvin, director of greenways and bikeways for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said the state would spend $1.5 million to buy the abandoned railroads. Daniels' office declined to disclose the price tag, saying that any amount at this point would be speculative until the deal is closed later this month."
"Other parts of Central Indiana stand to benefit from the deal to buy the old Penn Central rail lines."
"Communities in Boone, Hancock, Johnson, Madison, Morgan and Shelby counties would have the opportunity to take over the parcels from the state and develop them into greenways."
"With local budgets stretched and a proposed property-tax reform plan that could make money even tighter, Daniels acknowledged that building the trails likely would require contributions from businesses and nonprofit organizations."
FULL STORY: Deal to buy rails puts Indiana on path to statewide trail system
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Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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