Jasper County Conservation

Amount Appropriated?

$1.1M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

The proposed project will also be located within a half-hour drive of over 30 communities and within an hour\u2019s drive of 12 of the largest population centers in Iowa. The project will draw in a regional population of over 550,000 Iowans. The proximity to these other communities will draw outdoor enthusiasts to the communities along the proposed trail. The paved trail will bring money from outside of the communities into the area creating economic opportunities to new and existing businesses. A key factor in generating ridership on a trail is to have a unique attraction: Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in this case. The proposed trail will eventually link three Federal Land Management Agencies. The Refuge is midway between Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock, and all three will eventually be linked by the trail. Finally, the Red Rock Prairie Trail will be free to the public and open to all ages, heritages, and capabilities. The trail may be an especially valuable resource for older and disabled Iowans, as the gentle slope of the existing rail grade does not exceed 5%, making it an easily accessible amenity for transportation and outdoor recreation. The paved surface of the trail will also allow easy use by those dependent on wheelchairs, sliding canes, and other mobility assistance. Other ADA design requirements will be included such as colored curb ramps and detectable warning mats.\n\nThis trail corridor is an important component of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and the long range goal of linking Lake Red Rock and Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge with Saylorville Lake and the Central Iowa Trail System throughout the Des Moines metro area.