On September 8th 2020, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved $1 million for five State Recreational Trails Program projects, including the High Trestle Trail extension to the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Dallas County.
The State Recreational Trails Program was created in 1988 with the purpose of developing and maintaining recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized trail users. This funding is available to cities, counties, state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations through an annual application-based program.
Projects funded this cycle include
The $201,618 State Recreational Trails funding for the Dallas County Conservation Board will be combined with a recent Federal Recreational Trail Grant of $328,175. Both grants are designated for Phase IV of the Raccoon River Valley Trail to High Trestle Trail “Connector” project. Phase IV funds may be used, in addition to Phase III funds, for construction in 2021. Phase III will continue paving another one-mile section of trail west of Woodward, heading west. Phase IV will continue the eastward movement of the trail by Perry, east to M Avenue.
19 other trail projects were submitted but were not awarded any grant funds.
More details about the trails submitted can be found here.
Moving forward, the Conservation Board still needs essential private and corporate donations to make this overall $5-6 million project a reality. Private and corporate donations are used as matching dollars for the major grants. Contributions of $1,000 or more, are eligible to receive recognition on trailhead signs. This project goes as fast as the funding allows.
To make a contribution to our Raccoon River Valley Trail to High Trestle Trail Connector project you can go to www.letsconnectdallascounty.com or contact Director Mike Wallace at the Dallas County Conservation Board office at 515-465-3577.
About Dallas County Conservation Board
The Dallas County Conservation Board was established in 1962 to protect, preserve, and enhance our natural resources by providing opportunities to improve the public’s quality of life through environmental education, ecosystem management, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation. For more information visit www.dallascountyiowa.gov/conservation.