The Iowa Department of Transportation Commission approved this week a $600,000 Linn County Conservation grant request for continuing hard-surface and improvements along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The construction and paving of this key 3.5 mile stretch will complete a continuous paving trail connection from Ely in southern Linn County through Center Point. The $1.3 million project (phase 4) includes: paving the trail segment from Schultz Road to Apple Creek Bridge using a combination of concrete and asphalt, drainage improvements, and seal coating the crossing at intersecting county roads.
Along with the $600,000 IDOT State Recreation Trails Grant, funding will come from Linn County Conservation capital improvement project funds. Other funding commitments include:
• City of Center Point $25,000
• Center Point Economic Development Alliance $9,000
• Linn County Trails Association $100,000
• Teeter family estate $58,000
Construction for phase 4 is expected to begin in summer of 2016 with completion in the fall. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail spans over 52 miles connecting the Linn County metro area to Evansdale. More information about Linn County Conservation at www.linncountyparks.com
