Vision Iowa wants more cash from counties

Sun July 27 2008
Posted Jul 27, 2008
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By CHARLOTTE EBY, Globe Gazette Des Moines Bureau JOHNSTON — Members of the Vision Iowa board are hoping more local dollars can be found to help pay for the extension of a recreational trail in North Iowa. The Wapsi-Great Western Line Project would include the construction of 25.5 miles of trail in Mitchell and Howard counties. The estimated cost of the project is $6.58 million. A $2.4 million grant has been requested through the state’s Community Attraction and Tourism program. Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson said they are looking for Howard and Mitchell counties, which have pledged money for the project, to put in additional dollars. “Our goal is always to stretch our dollar as far as we can so that we can do more projects all across the state, and so we look forward to them stepping up at a larger level,” Anderson said. The Vision Iowa board oversees the awarding of grants for the program. Elaine Govern , a resident of Riceville, said they hope to extend and connect trails all the way to the Minnesota border. “Let me assure you that there is no way we intend to fail,” Govern told the board. Two trailheads also would be developed as part of the project, one in Riceville and one a mile and a half from the Minnesota border. Improvements in the city of Riceville would include the purchase of property for a permanent farmers’ market site. Charlotte Eby can be reached at 515-243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.