$570,000 secured for Wapsi trail

Wed March 18 2009
Posted Mar 18, 2009
10,031

Riceville Iowa By Staff reports Cresco Times-Plain Dealer Iowa Congressman Tom Latham has secured $570,000 in federal funds to continue construction of the Wapsi Great Western Line Trail, a planned multi-use recreational trail project in Howard County and Mitchell County. “This is a great recreational project that showcases some of the most beautiful areas of our state,” Congressman Latham said. “It’ll add a wonderful new option for Iowans, as well as visitors to our state, who are looking for recreational opportunities.” The planned 33-mile trail starts in Elma and progresses north through Riceville and McIntire, connecting to the paved Shooting Star Trail in Taopi, Minn. The trail will consist of about 15.5 miles through Mitchell County, 13.5 miles in Howard County and four miles in Mower County in Minnesota. The Mitchell County portion of the trail passes over two historic bridges. The welcome center in Riceville is housed in a historic church, while the welcome center in Elma is a historic rail depot. The federal funds are contained in an omnibus appropriations bill that passed in the House on Feb. 25 and in the Senate on March 10. The bill now awaits the approval of the president before it can become law, which could happen in the next few days.