Construction for the Red Rock Prairie Trail, a multi-purpose recreational trail connecting Monroe and Prairie City, is expected to begin in spring 2019, according to officials.
Originally, the plan was to begin construction and pavement in 2018, but funding has pushed those plans were pushed back.
“We were a little optimistic in thinking we could get (construction) underway this year. We now know that it will begin in springtime,” Jasper County Hometown Pride community coach Jeff Davidson said. “Once we know exactly how much money we’re going to have (from the grants), we’re going to try to craft a project and get it underway.”
The first phase of the project, from Monroe to Prairie City, will cost about $2.1 million. So far, about $1.2 million is sitting in the bank. The project has to meet certain requirements and rules of the Iowa Department of Transportation, who administers much of the grant funds.