The video above shows the projected economic impact of the Poka-Bache trail. DEKALB COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - A $5 million grant is bringing DeKalb County one step closer to connecting a trail through northeast Indiana. Community Foundation DeKalb County (CFDC) received the funds from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen the quality of life for Hoosiers. In an effort to do just that, the Poka-Bache Connector Trail will eventually span over 80 miles through Allen, DeKalb, Steuben and Wells counties. Among this past year's developments related to the trail is the connection between Auburn and Waterloo, along with an extended trail in Bluffton. The Pufferbelly Trail bridge is also in its planning stage over Coliseum Boulevard in Fort Wayne. The name Poka-Bache comes from the two state parks that will be connected by the trails once the project is complete: Pokagon and Ouabache. “We are so excited. This is the largest grant Community Foundation DeKalb County has ever received," said executive director Tanya Young. "And the timing is perfect with the recent expansion of the Auburn Waterloo Trail. This award will also set the exact route for the trail moving forward. CFDC is committed to working with multiple entities to complete the 21 miles of trails needed across the county.”