FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Sometime in the future, people will be able to travel from Pokagon State Park near Angola all the way to Bluffton by way of trails. The 81-mile long Poka-Bache connector trail is part of the Northeast Indiana United Trails plan and details of a study of its economic impact will be released Tuesday morning.

The Poka-Bache will connect multiple trails already completed or planned in the future. It was first proposed in 2006.

According to planners the trail will travel through 4 counties and 7 cities and towns. The trail will connect over 121,000 people, 140 recreational areas, 10 libraries and 50 schools within 1 mile of the trail.

Details of the economic impact study conducted by PFW Community Research Institiute were announced in a livestream at 10 a.m.

Jennifer Sharkey, Chair of the Poka-Bache Trail Coalition, announced trails that have already been constructed have resulted in an economic impact of over $42 million with about 265 jobs supported. Trail officials predicted the remaining 38 miles of trail set to be built will have an economic impact valued at more than $136 million, supporting a total of 858 jobs in the region. 

“The Poka-Bache Connector Trail is a vital piece in our collective efforts to bring more recreational opportunities for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “It’s critical that we continue to provide quality of life amenities as it will position our region for current and future success. Investing more resources in trails will lead to more economic growth.”

For more information on the Poka-Bache Connector Trail, please visit the website for Northeast Indiana United Trails.