We have an opportunity to finish the entire 34-mile trail within 5 years!
We are making an application for a federal ATIIP grant for $12mm. The catch? We need to raise $2.7 million dollars before June 17, 2024. Then win with our grant application. But, we can do this!
TRAILS Inc. members, Hardin County Trails Commission, and the INHF (Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation) are working hard on soliciting large private and corporate donations as well as local, county, and state funds to meet the match portion.
We also need your donations or pledges at any level you can give! See our donations page for how to donate.
If you wish to make a pledge–or multi-year pledge–contingent upon us winning the grant email [email protected] and we will get in contact with you. We are working on pledge forms.
If you wish to donate a large amount please email [email protected] and we will get in contact with you.
This is all happening quickly. The recent $2mm TAP grant that Hardin County received made this possible. Now we must work at bridging the remaining funding gap to finish the entire trails from Eldora south to Radio Tower Road near Marshalltown and then from the current terminus of the IRET (Iowa River’s Edge Trail) at Wilson Circle in Marshalltown to the future Ann Keyser Trailhead near the 6th St Softball Complex. This will link the IRET with the Linn Creek trail system and the 330 trail that runs to Melbourne. The 330 trail will someday connect to the Des Moines metro trails as well as Story County Trails (but that’s a project for another day!).
This $19,000,000 project will include all bridge rehab/replacement as well as paving. This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for!
If all goes right, we could have a fully-completed walkable, rideable, hike-able recreational trail within 5 years!
If we can’t raise the matching funds for this grant, we will be back to 10-20 years or more before we can finish the trail.
Once completed, there will be 55 distinct miles of connected trail between Marshall County and Hardin County! This portion is a very important stretch on both the American Discovery Trail and the Great American Rail Trail. Both nationwide trails will attract trail users from all over the globe.
Upcoming Events:
Finish the Trail! Information and Fundraising Event
Thursday, May 23 – 5:30-7:00PM – MACC (Formerly Fisher Community Center)
$50/person – Smokin’ G’s hors d’oueuvres and drink tickets included
Eventbright Registration: Event Details and Registration
Email: [email protected]
Start of Summer – On The Trails!
Thursday, May 30, 5:00-8:00
Free event for everyone! Riders, Walkers, Families, All-ages!
