Tri State Trail Vision_Middle Fork Catfish Creek Multi Use TrailTR1 -STATE_
trr3i� vision
August 17, 2010
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864
RE. Middle Fork Catfish Creek Mufti-use Recreational Trail
Request for Continuing Support and Trail Development
Dear Mayor Buol and City Council:
On behalf of the Tri -State Trail Vision Board of Directors, we request your continuing
support for the development of the Middle Fork Catfish Creek Multi -use Recreational
Trail. The Trail is a key element of the Tri -State Integrated Walking, Biking, Hiking Plan
that has been adopted by ECIA /DMATS and the City of Dubuque. Because of the unique
orientation and location of the Middle Fork of Catfish Creek, a trail that follows this
waterway will continuously traverse a large segment of the City, connecting the Mines
of Spain with the Bergfeld Recreational Area. No other proposed off -road trail in the
Plan provides the opportunities for walking, bicycling, and other recreational activities in
a natural setting that this trail will create. The relatively flat grades and the many
opportunities for access to neighborhoods and businesses also make this trail a
functional transportation corridor. For example, I live near the south end of Grandview
Ave. With this trail in place, I will have straightforward access to the businesses in
Target Plaza and Kennedy Mall. And with the connection to the NW Arterial multi -use
trail, I would also have non - roadway access to Asbury Square.
Even though the Park and Recreation Commission has not acted on the recently
completed Feasibility Study of the Middle Fork Catfish Creek Trail, the Study concludes
that the trail is feasible. The Study suggests phased construction of the trail, starting at
the Bergfeld Recreational Area and proceeding south. Much of the land needed for this
segment of the trail is already owned by the City. The Tri -State Trail Vision Board of
Directors respectfully requests that the City Council set a goal of developing a multi -use
trail in the Middle Fork of Catfish Creek, starting with the first phase of construction as
described in the Feasibility Study.
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August 17, 2010
Middle Fork Catfish Creek Multi -use Recreational Trail
Thank you for this opportunity to provide this input as you set goals for the future
improvement of our City. We look forward to continuing opportunities to engage with
the City with our common goal of making Dubuque a more livable and sustainable
community.
Sincerely,
Tony Zelinskas
President
Tri -State Trail Vision
CC: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager