After unanimously approving a $100,000 match commitment with the City of Carroll to support a Carroll County Conservation application for rehabilitation on a portion of the Sauk Rail Trail, the Board of Supervisors were presented with the opportunity to assist in resurfacing of another county trail. Earlier this week, Katie Mason, who is the Executive Director for Main Street Coon Rapids, met with supervisors to discuss their plan for the Riverside Trail. Like Carroll County Conservation, they will be applying for a portion of a total of $5 million in grants being offered by the Iowa Transportation Commission strictly for repairs and rehabilitation of existing trail systems. Mason says the timing is right to not only aid with much-needed repairs, but it will also set the stage for future expansion.
In their goal of resurfacing 1.85 miles of the trail, the City of Coon Rapids has already agreed to commit $25,000 of Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) proceeds. Non-profit organization, Creating Great Places, has pledged $15,000 and the Carroll County Conservation Board can help with in-kind labor at a value of about $22,700. Mason says the Coon Rapids City Council is also discussing creation of a special fund for future trail upkeep. Mason describes the proposed rehabilitation area.
Mason says they will be submitting an application by the Monday, May 17 deadline and is asking the supervisors for a $50,000 commitment if a grant is approved. Supervisor, Rich Ruggles, asked about the economic impact generated by trail activity. Mason says the tie-in with Whiterock Conservancy trails in two locations helps funnel visitors into the community to shop, dine and explore. This request was unanimously approved with the expectation that if a grant is awarded, the funds would need to be allocated in 2022 or 2023.
