| Background of the Flint River Trail This project began as part of the Great River Gateway Vision Iowa project, which is providing funding for improvements to City of Burlington and Des Moines County community and tourism attractions - including Big Hollow Recreation Area, Burlington Public Library, Des Moines County Heritage Center, Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Burlington Bees baseball (Community Field) and the Flint River Trail. The City of Burlington and Des Moines County have been working cooperatively to complete all of these projects, including the Flint River Trail, which will be the first significant multi-mile trail planned in Southeast Iowa. The planned trail is approximately 20 miles and will extend from downtown Burlington to Big Hollow Recreation Area in northern Des Moines County. Once completed, the trail will connect the Mississippi River Trail, downtown Burlington, the Port of Burlington, Riverside Park, Starr's Cave Park & Preserve, Thye Woods Habitat Preserve, Historic Zion School, and Big Hollow Recreation Area through the Flint River Valley. The trail will be primarily separated from roadways for safety and enjoyment of the users. |
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Progress of the Flint River Trail - (click on date below to see photos/info of progress)
■ 2009 - Completed reconstruction of former rail bridge over Flint River, north of Case Company (CNH)
■ 2013 - Expected Completion of Flint River Trail from Big Hollow to Port of Burlington |
| Funding of the Flint River Trail The cost to complete the 20 mile Flint River Trail is expected to be near $6.45 million dollars. To date, over 60% of the funds have been secured by Des Moines County, the City of Burlington, and through various state and federal grants as seen below. To complete the trail more grant funding will be needed, as well as local support from the community. A goal has been set to raise $645,000 in local funding from the community. If you would like to help us reach this goal, please visit our Donation page. |
| Des Moines County | $379,000 | City of Burlington | $151,000 | |
| Des Moines Co (FY 2009-11) | $379,000 | Vision Iowa | $521,000 | |
| State Rec Trails | $360,000 | Regional Enhancements | $268,000 | |
| Federal Rec Trails | $220,000 | Regional Enhancements | $160,000 | |
| LAWCON | $17,000 | REAP ('07) | $150,000 | |
| Statewide Enhancement | $555,745 | REAP ('08) | $150,000 | |
| Statewide Enhancement ('10) | $474,345 | REAP ('09) | $150,000 | |
| TOTAL | $3,935,090 |
| Information on the Flint River Trail | |
| Trail News | |
| Trail Brochure | Trail Maps & Photos |
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