Crown Point and Schererville received a combined $1.5 million from the Indiana Department of Transportation for multi-use trails, the state agency announced early Tuesday.

Schererville received $1 million for the construction of 2.3 miles of the Pennsy Northwest Trail from Schererville Town Hall south to Rohrman Park. The project also includes signage, landscaping, a gateway shelter and parking.

Crown Point received $524,000 for the construction of 1.65 miles of the Penn-Erie Greenway multi-use trail from 93rd Avenue south to Summit Street. The project also includes parking lots, bridges, tunnels, restrooms and signage.

The funds come as part of more than $20 million awarded state-wide in Transportation Enhancement funds intended for multi-use trails. streetscape improvements and historic bridge rehabilitations.

Tuesday's announcement marks the first time the funding for multi-use trails increased from $10 million to $15 million as part of Gov. Mitch Daniels' Hoosiers on the Move trails initiative, which aims to have a trail within 15 minutes of every resident of the state.

None of the funds went to Porter County projects.

Each year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sets aside funds which states award to municipalities for the development and construction of projects enhancing the existing transportation system. Indiana's program allows funding for transportation projects to expand beyond the traditional accommodations for cars, trucks, buses and transit. All Transportation Enhancement projects include a required 20 percent local match to demonstrate a strong local commitment to the project.

For more information on the Transportation Enhancement Program, visit INDOT's Web site at www.IN.gov/indot or visit the INDOT Transportation Enhancement Program site directly at www.IN.gov/indot/2988.htm.

For more information on the statewide Hoosiers on the Move trails plan, visit INDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Web page at www.IN.gov/indot/3512.htm.