Fayette County Conservation has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection, commonly referred to as REAP.
REAP invests in projects that enhance and protect Iowa’s natural and cultural resources. 15% of REAP is set aside for grants to cities and counties for projects that help establish natural areas, and encourage outdoor recreation and resource management.
This grant was made possible through the Fayette County Conservation Board’s partnership with the Turkey River Recreational Corridor (TRRC) and Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D). The grant money will be used for expansion of the TRRC Trail from the City of Elgin to Gilbertson Conservation Education Area through the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Turkey River and a paved walking trail through the park complex.
This money will not only benefit Elgin and Fayette County residents, but also visitors to the TRRC. It will create pedestrian and bicycle connections so residents and visitors can safely and comfortably move between Elgin and Gilbertson Park. This project is part of a larger initiative to develop, improve, and add to the Northeast Iowa trails system that will eventually span from Guttenberg and the Cassville Ferry to Lanesboro, Minnesota.
In its 27 years, REAP has benefited every county in Iowa by supporting over 15,000 projects. REAP has funded these projects with $250 million in state investments, leveraging two to three times the amount in private, local and federal dollars. Collectively, these projects have improved the quality of life for all Iowans with better soil and water quality; added outdoor recreation opportunities; sustained economic development; enhanced knowledge and understanding of our ecological and environmental assets, and preservation of our cultural and historic treasures.
Local Contact is: Rod Marlatt, Fayette County Conservation Director