Raccoon River Valley Trail Addition

Posted Nov 3, 2008
2,765

Matching Funds needed for the the new 33.1 mile trail addition proposed from Herndon to Waukee

Raccoon River Valley Trail Supporters: Greetings Raccoon River Valley Trail users. We are approaching a very significant time in the development phase of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Addition (RRVT). As you recall this is the new 33.1 mile trail addition proposed from Herndon to Waukee. This section creates a loop trail 72 miles long and is a part of the RRVT. The addition goes from Herndon which is on the existing RRVT east through Jamaica, Dawson, Perry, southeast through Minburn, Dallas Center, and then connects again in Waukee at the existing RRVT.

The railroad right of way has been purchased and the next phase in the project is fundraising and construction. The public will start to notice some work being done on this new addition very soon. For example, the railroad bridge west of Perry, that crosses the North Raccoon River, is being worked on to convert it to a recreational trail bridge. This work should be done by the end of December 08. The city of Perry is looking to construct part of their segment of the trail addition within their city limits sometime within the next 6 months or so. A segment of trail from Dawson to Perry is also being considered to be developed within the construction season of 2009. And the City of Waukee is in the position of developing their segment of the trail addition that is within their city limits. So, as you can see, this trail addition will be put together one piece of the puzzle at a time. How do we complete the entire puzzle? Well, with everyone pitching in together. We have several cities that have applied for grants and have budgeted for this project at various levels. We have counties applying for various government grants and providing matching budget dollars. We have been applying for corporate donation grants and asking for charitable contributions from corporations. All of these have resulted in varying degrees of success. However, a key component of this entire project is a potentially large Vision Iowa CAT (Community Attraction and Tourism) grant. In order for us to land these funds that may be over $2 million, we need to raise about the same amount. Many of the grants that we have recently applied for will not be reviewed and decided upon until late fall 08 or early 09. We feel confident that we will be successful in obtaining many of these potential funds due to the quality of our project. But, even that will not be enough. We ultimately need significant corporate donations, private funding, and individual contributions and donations. WE NEED YOU!!! Yes, that sounds like we are recruiting soldiers for the armed forces or for service to your country. This project does not compare to such important undertakings as those but in a way we are recruiting you to help in this project. Every donated dollar counts, whether it is $5 or $5000, they will add up and make a difference. Attached is a form for you to use to make a donation towards this project. Feel free to make copies of this and use it many times over. Also, if you are associated with a company that would like to support this project or if you have a contact with a company or some individual that could help raise the funds we need, then let us know. We have one of the best trails systems in the state with the RRVT. The 33.1 mile addition which creates a loop trail will enhance and make it one of the best in the nation. But, we need your help. Have WE BEGGED enough for donations, if not, we will keep trying? For more information about this phase of the RRVT development, contact the Dallas County Conservation Board at 515-465-3577.

click on donation form and print in new window (from new window, right click and choose print print) Raccoon River Valley Trail Association www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org