$1.3 million grant awarded to Wapsi trail project

Tue September 16 2008
Posted Sep 16, 2008
10,683

Riceville, Iowa - By Staff reports Cresco Times-Plain Dealer The Vision Iowa Board awarded a $1.3 million Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund grant to the 25-mile Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail project last week. The project includes the construction of 25.5 miles of recreational trail spanning Mitchell and Howard counties, including the communities of Riceville, Elma and McIntire as well as the construction of four bridges, three new walking bridges and one vehicle/walking bridge. The trail will connect with the Root River Trail in Minnesota. “The Wapsi-Great Western trail project has the ability to really change the face of Mitchell and Howard counties,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “By connecting to the Root River Trail in Minnesota, they will be able to pull in out-of-state bikers who will contribute to the local economies. The trail will provide riders with a diverse experience including wind farms, Amish and Mennonite farms, local food production and public art.” The award is contingent upon Howard and Mitchell Counties completing the funding. The total cost to complete the trail is estimated at $6,580,045. The trail committee requested $1,848,792 in Community Attraction and Tourism Fund grant money, and received $1,300,000. The Vision Iowa Board announced a total of $2,936,446 in grants for five Iowa projects, including the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail, a historic railroad district in Sioux City, a streetscape project for the Village of East Davenport, improvements to the art center in Des Moines and a library in Salem. The state’s Vision Iowa Board approved the award at a recent meeting in Des Moines. The Vision Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa.