Osage City, Kansas is building a short segment of the Flint Hills Nature Trail, and some of the funding for the project could come from the federal economic stimulus package.
From the Osage County Herald-Chronicle:
The Rails to Trails project in Osage City is back on track with actions taken by the Osage City Council at its regular meeting Feb. 10.
Osage City Manager Nick Hernandez presented the council with updated estimates for the project after receiving additional information from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) that the project could not be completed in phases.
Information presented last week included a base project that includes construction of a crushed limestone trail from 17th to 13th streets and a concrete trail from 13th to Ninth streets.
Also presented were multiple alternate bids that could be added to the trail, including construction material (limestone versus concrete), lighting and landscaping. Alternate bids for extensions of the trail were also presented, including extending the trail down Holliday to Fifth Street, then south to the school and from Holliday north on Fifth Street to the railroad line then to the west edge of the city.
The council approved a motion for Hernandez to request bids on the base project as outlined. The council also approved a motion to allow Hernandez to begin lease negotiations with the Rails to Trails Conservancy.
At this time, the city has 20 percent of the project funds set aside. Hernandez said KDOT had informed him the project had been forwarded to be included as part of the potential federal economic stimulus package, which might further reduce the city’s financial responsibility.
Hernandez said the base bid project will give residents in the northeast area of town a safe walking and biking route into the city while avoiding the highway. Read more
The two-mile pathway will enable Osage City residents to travel east and west through town while avoiding heavy traffic on US 56, with easy access to downtown on a connecting pathway. The Osage City segment of the Flint Hills Nature Trail is being leased from the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy. Osage City has also received a federal Transportation Enhancement grant from KDOT to build the path.
