Funding for the Let’s Connect project, the Dallas County Conservation Board’s efforts to extend the High Trestle Trail to the Raccoon River Valley Trail from Woodward to Perry received substantial boosts recently from the Raccoon Valley Bank and the Department of Transportation.
The staff and board of the Raccoon Valley Bank presented the Conservation Board with $20,000 on December 19, 2019. This was the final installment of a $100,000 commitment to the project.
Bank President and CEO Terry Nielsen enthusiastically noted, “Great cause, great project, we’re excited to be a part of it.”
The 9-mile path is being funded by a combination of private and corporate donations and major grants. The contribution from the Raccoon Valley Bank, coupled with funding recommendations from the Department of Transportation bring the project closer to completion.
“We’ve had a strong fundraising push recently,” said Mike Wallace, Director of the Dallas County Conservation Board. “The project is now about 80% funded, thanks to these recent donations, as well as a number of contributions from individuals making end of the year gifts to our organization.”
Moving forward, the Conservation Board expects construction to take place in 2020 starting in Woodward and moving west. In 2018, 1.5 miles of trail was built east of Perry.
This project goes as fast as the funding allows. Contributions of $1,000 or more, are eligible to receive recognition on trailhead signs.
To make a donation 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.