TRAILS, Inc. is a local not-for-profit group working in tandem with Hardin County officials to build the IRT, a 34-mile, multi-purpose recreational trail from Marshalltown to Steamboat Rock, with stops in Albion, Liscomb, Union, Gifford and Eldora.

Second ward councilman Joel Greer, who made the motion to expend the $30,000, has been a strong supporter of IRT since its inception.

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CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC
A $30,000 contribution by the City of Marshalltown to TRAILS, Inc. will help assist with the completion of in-town construction of the Iowa River Trail, identified as the proposed new bike trail in blue. A major facet is trail head development in the Wilson Circle area and connecting it to the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA campus and existing Linn Creek Recreational Trail system marked in red.

His motion was seconded and it carried 5-2.

Present at the June 13 council meeting were approximately 20 TRAILS, Inc. supporters.

TRAILS, Inc. President Terry Briggs of Marshalltown was thrilled with the council's support.

"On the short term, it will help us meet a $62,000 Martha Ellen Tye Foundation matching grant to finish the in-town portion of the corridor," said Briggs. "On the long term, it is going to be significantly important. And the reasoning is, almost every major awards grant committee asks what the local governmental financial support is. Because those grant committees want to make sure the projects are viable ... that the proposed project has longevity."

Briggs said that prior to the city council decision, TRAILS, Inc. could only state on applications the city was supportive, but had not committed financially.

In-town construction

"First, we are proposing to install badly needed safety features on the Summit Street viaduct, and then move east to Wilson Circle," Briggs said. "Phase two is trail head development in the Wilson Circle area and connecting it to the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA campus and the Linn Creek Recreational Trail bordering the Y property."

IRT economic impact

Kim Schryver of Marshalltown has prepared grant applications on behalf of TRAILS.

In a recent presentation, Schryver said recreational amenities such as trails attract families and businesses to communities.

"Housing is important but so are amenities within a community a family finds attractive," she said. "They are looking for a place to live, to work and to play. Outdoor amenities rank increasingly high on younger demographics of employees."

The influx of new residents, in turn, increases the tax base, making trails a worthwhile financial investment, Schryver said.

Trail development is a capital-intensive undertaking, she noted. Entities must come together to bring projects to fruition.

In addition to soliciting private donations to fund its work, TRAILS, Inc. has sought Marshall County, state and foundation grants.

As grant-making organizations evaluate applications, they look for deep and broad stakeholder commitment, Schryver said.

Briggs said TRAILS, Inc. is responsible for maintaining the trail after it is completed.

Gifts can be directed to the project through TRAILS, Inc. at 112 West Church St., Marshalltown, 50158. For more information visit iowarivertrail.com.