Jasper County Conservation confirmed Thursday (April 17th) the department has been approved for $280,000 in project funding from the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance to make repairs to the Chichaqua Valley Trail.

A letter provided by Conservation Director Keri Van Zante states the project was approved for the Federal Fiscal Year 2015-18 Transpiration Improvement program. The Federal Highway Administration must authorize the project before the TAP funds will be made available.

According to county conservation, the trail has experienced significant damage from extreme weather over the past two years. The trail cracked open in the summer of 2012. Damages on the trial extend for 3.7 miles from the east end of Ira to the Indian Creek Bridge near Mingo. Van Zante estimates the full cost for the project at $422,933.

"Drought, followed by high rainfall, has created a 3.7-mile section of trail that cracked deep into the (trail) base producing dangerous riding conditions for trail users," Van Zante said. "The trail was pulverized in 2013 for safety reasons, and is now in need of a new asphalt surface to restore it to its previous condition."

The pulverization and seal coat on the damaged surface was a $65,000 project completed in the spring of 2013. Van Zante worries until the repairs are made, many riders will bypass the damaged stretch in favor of a route on Highway 117. With heavy traffic, the county conservation office official said this could be dangerous alternative.

"This could lead to riders enduring dangerous road conditions and ultimately end in injuries," she said. "The economic impact of this is being felt by Mingo, Ira and Baxter. This project is not only important, but is feeling a sense of urgency as the new sections of trail are completed."

Thursday's announcement comes on the nearly one week before a scheduled Chichaqua Valley Trail Grand Opening Celebration event, April 25. Organized by Polk County Conservation, the public bike ride officially marks the completion of more than 8 miles of trail connecting the Gay Lea Wilson Trail through Berwick and Bondurant. The event begins at 7 a.m. in Berwick with a 12 p.m stop at the Greencastle Tavern in Mingo, a snack station from 11a.m to 5 p.m. at the Ira Community Center and live music from 2 to 6 p.m.Cadillac Jack's in Baxter.