Epworth continues to make strides toward installing lighting along a large section of the city trail.
A proposed $113,000 project would provide illumination for about 1 mile of the 1.5-mile-long path, according to City Clerk Janet Berger.
“We have a lot of people strolling or walking dogs on the trail every day,” Berger said. “We have received requests from people who walk the trail quite early in the morning for some lighting.”
City Council members recently discussed the project and bid dates. The city is waiting on the Iowa Department of Transportation to approve the preliminary bid document.
A large portion of the project’s cost will be covered by a previous state grant.
The city was awarded a DOT grant in 2011 for a quarter-mile expansion of the trail, but crews completed the work with $90,000 to spare.
The city received approval to put that money toward the trail-lighting effort.
The remaining cost will be covered by a combination of city funds and local contributions, Berger said.
About $4,000 has been contributed by city residents, with more donations expected, he said.
Mayor Sandra Gassman said the project will please many residents.
“I’ve had a few people myself tell me that we should get some lighting in there, and we get a ton of people using the trail, so it’s a good project,” Gassman said. “It’s a good way to spend the rest of the grant.”
There have been some preliminary discussions about lighting the remainder of the trail, but city officials will wait until the first section is completed before pursuing those plans.