Update!
Thanks to private donors, improvements underway on the 'Trace'
The urgent appeal in September brought in funding to pursue the engineering work required to secure federal funds for trail improvements. Thanks to many individuals and businesses who helped, along with the Iowa West Foundation and Union Pacific.
Gifts are still needed for the paving project and for additional bridge and trail repairs between Mineola and Malvern.
Learn about opportunities to support the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.
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This information was updated Oct. 14, 2009.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail has an excellent chance to receive a significant funding boost to complete vital projects with help from federal stimulus funds and a little help from supporters!
Trail leaders have been planning and trying to fund paving for the trail south from Mineola toward Shenandoah. Two short segments of trail within Malvern and Silver City will be paved in Summer 2010, thanks to an award of $450,000 in Federal Stimulus Funding (known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA).
Now, with stimulus money being freed from other trail projects that have cost less than expected or have fallen through, more money may be available soon for the Wabash Trace.
In order to be eligible for more ARRA funding, engineering design specificationss must be submitted by September 29 to the Iowa DOT for paving connected trail segments between Mineola and Malvern. That means the engineers have to start now. Funds are needed now to make this happen.
The total $55,000 cost of the engineering must be paid with private contributions. Contributions and verbal pledges so far exceed $30,000. Trail volunteers and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation are working hard to raise the remaining funds quickly that can open the door to up to $2 million more for the trail!
Please consider a gift or pledge today for the Wabash Trace. Gifts or pledges this week are especially important to success of this project!
If funds are raised beyond the urgent engineering needs, they will support:
- Any paving costs not covered by ARRA.
- Bridge repairs within the trail segments to be paved. Bridges between Mineola and Malvern need to be inspected then repaired if necessary. The Little Creek Bridge just south of Mineola also needs repair.
- Additional engineering needs, including design specs for trail segments continuing south from Malvern. Those specs are needed so the trail can compete for more paving grants next year.
Gifts marked “Wabash Trace” may be given through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Gifts will only be used for the Wabash Trace.
Donate on-line.
To pledge your support for payment in 2009-2010, reply with your interest and we’ll get in touch with you personally.
Download a flyer with additional details about this campaign.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit, conservation group that works with private landowners and other partners to protect Iowa's land, water and wildlife. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail that runs through Page, Fremont, Mills and Pottawattamie counties is a long-time project of INHF.
For more information, e-mail Anita O'Gara or Lisa Hein at INHF, or call (515) 288-1846.