Webster, Humboldt counties move forward with regional trail connection
Agreement advances long-planned Prairie Rivers, Three Rivers trail project
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Webster and Humboldt counties are taking another step toward connecting two regional trail systems, a project officials say has been discussed for more than three decades.
The Webster County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding with Humboldt County outlining design services, project responsibilities and cost sharing for a connection between the Prairie Rivers Trail system in Webster County and the Three Rivers Trail system in Humboldt County.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved the same agreement Monday.
"This will be a great asset for both counties when it's complete," said Todd Lee, Humboldt County conservation director.
According to Webster County Conservation Director Matt Cosgrove, the connection has been included in the MIDAS regional planning process for more than 30 years. Completion of the Badger Trail last year brought the Webster County trail system closer to Humboldt County and made the larger connection more feasible.
Cosgrove said once completed the connected trail system would total approximately 75 miles, making it the fourth-largest linear trail system in Iowa.
Over the past year and a half, officials have secured more than $1.2 million for the trail project through grant programs and other regional funding sources.
"We're pretty excited and we already have $1.2 million going into the real fundraising efforts," said Cosgrove. "Hopefully we'll be successful in bringing in the remaining that's needed."
The counties are also seeking funding through the Iowa Statewide Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program and the Federal Recreational Trails Program, which Cosgrove told supervisors is competitive, especially since they're tying together two regional systems.
Rich Volker, of Snyder & Associates, told supervisors the project is expected to cost approximately $4 million. Approximately $2.75 million in additional funding is still needed.
Current funding plans include the possibility of approximately $1.95 million in federal grant funding, with another roughly $800,000 needed from state and local sources.
Volker said multiple grant applications are planned as officials work toward beginning the design process near the end of 2026, with additional fundraising and grant writing continuing throughout 2027.
Volker also noted that the exact route of the trail has not yet been determined.
He said project planners will need to meet with landowners along the proposed corridor and evaluate options for locating the trail. In some areas, the trail could be constructed within the existing road right-of-way, while other possibilities could include easements along property fence lines or behind roadside ditches.
Agricultural and residential accesses along the eventual route would include paved trail crossings.
The memorandum designates Webster County as the lead agency for the project. Under the agreement, Webster County would administer the project and reimburse Humboldt County as eligible project expenses are incurred.
The counties will split the initial costs evenly, including approximately $150,000 for preliminary design and right-of-way acquisition work needed to determine the final trail location.
According to Lee, Humboldt County is fully supportive of the project. In addition to approving the agreement Monday, Humboldt County supervisors also approved resolutions supporting two grant applications with Oct. 1 deadlines.
Webster County Supervisor Austin Hayek said the project represents an opportunity for the two counties to build on the economic and recreational benefits existing trails have already brought to the region.
"This has been talked about for a while and I appreciate all of the work that has been done on this," said Hayek. "I think this is a great joint venture for us."
Hayek said he has also heard from private-sector businesses about the impact trails can have in drawing visitors to Webster County.
"These trails have helped to bring people to Webster County," said Hayek. "I've seen a lot of good come out of these projects, so it's really great to see all the work that you're doing on this project."