State Recreational Trail Grant MRT Side Trip Grant ApplicationExhibit A -2
Required Documentation and Narrative Information
The following documents and narratives must be attached to this application. In the upper right -hand corner of each
document or narrative write the corresponding letter shown below.
®. A. A NARRATIVE assessing existing conditions, outlining the concept of the proposed project, and providing
adequate project justification. The narrative must show that the concept is reasonable from a transportation
engineering and /or recreational standpoint and is part of an area -wide, local, regional, or statewide plan.
® B. A MAP identifying the location of the project — An optional mapping application tool is available for your use
at the following website address: www.sysplan. dot. state .ia.us /fedstate_rectrails.htm
® C. A CROSS - SECTION of the proposed trail project.
® D. A SKETCH -PLAN of the trail project.
® E. An ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of the total project costs.
® F. A TIME SCHEDULE for the total project development.
® G. An OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT of the trail proposal from the authority to be responsible for the
maintenance and operation. The authority must provide written assurance that it will adequately maintain
the trail for its intended use and maintain the total trail used to justify the project in public use for a minimum
of 20 years following project completion.
• H. A NARRATIVE discussing the extent to which adjacent property owners have been informed of the
proposed project and an assessment of their acceptance.
® I. Completed Minority Impact Statement attached to application
The award of State Recreational Trails funds; any subsequent funding or letting of contracts for design, construction,
reconstruction, improvement, or maintenance; and the furnishing of materials for this project shall not involve direct or
indirect interest of any state, county, or city official, elective or appointive. All of the above are prohibited by Iowa
Code Sections 314.2, 362.5, or 331.342. Any award of funding or any letting of a contract in violation of the foregoing
provisions shall invalidate the award of State Recreational Trails funding and authorize a complete recovery of any
funds previously disbursed.
Certification
To the best of my knowledge and belief, all information included in this application is true and accurate, including the
commitment of all physical and financial resources. This application has been duly authorized by the participating
local authority. I understand the attached OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT(S) binds the participating local governments to
assume responsibility for adequate maintenance of any new or improved trails.
I understand that, although this information is sufficient to secure a commitment of funds, an executed contract
between the applicant and the Department is required prior to the authorization of funds.
Representing the City of Dubuque, Iowa
7
Signature
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Typed Name and Title
July 1, 2013
Date
July 1, 2013
Date
THE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Application for State Recreational Trail Grant - MRT Side Trip
DATE: June 24, 2013
Dubuque
kital
All- America City
II 111!
2012
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending City Council approval of
the application for $262,500 in State Recreational Trail grant funds for the Hales Mill
Loop and the resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit the application for
State Recreational Trail grant funds for the Hales Mill Loop.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
btitt44 kr,„709,,,
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All America City
Imp
2012
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Application for State Recreational Trail Grant — MRT Side Trip
DATE: June 21, 2013
INTRODUCTION
This memo transmits a grant application for State Recreational Trail funds for a side trip
off the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) on the proposed "Hales Mill Loop". The proposal
will fund construction of Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 (Northwest Arterial) Bike /Hike Trail from
Payton Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue in the City of Dubuque. An application, a
resolution, a map, and other supporting documentation are enclosed.
DISCUSSION
City of Dubuque staff, in conjunction with project partners from Dubuque County, the
City of Asbury, Dubuque County Conservation, ECIA / DMATS and the Mississippi
River Parkway Commission, developed the concept of the Hales Mill Loop as an MRT
side trip.
The MRT is a 2,000 -mile bike trail system in the 10 states along the Mississippi River
from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Portions of the Dubuque County Heritage Trail
and the City's Heritage Trail Riverfront System are part of Iowa's designated MRT route.
The Hales Mill Loop will connect Asbury and the west side of Dubuque to the Heritage
Trail. It will create a new loop along the MRT and the scenic Great River Road with
construction of Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail and paved shoulders along Hales Mill Rd.
The Hales Mill Loop begins and ends at the Heritage Pond trailhead off U.S. 52. This
site is on the Iowa Scenic Byway portion of the Great River Road as well as the MRT.
The multi - jurisdictional Loop includes two existing off -road segments: the Heritage Trail
and the Iowa 32 Trail. The Loop also creates signed on- street routes in the County,
Asbury, and Dubuque on Hales Mill Road, Radford Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
These off -road trails and on- street routes are High Priorities in the Tri -State Trail Plan.
This type of collaborative project was one of the goals of the Dubuque County Regional
Smart Plan. It also was one of the recommendations from the Community Planning
Assistance Team (CPAT) Heritage Trail final report.
Dubuque County, along with the Cities of Asbury and Dubuque, will be working on other
projects along this route to provide matching funds and will be seeking other sources of
funding for this MRT side trip.
Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail is a critical part of this MRT side trip. Without it, the Hales
Mill Loop is incomplete.
BUDGET IMPACT
The City previously has submitted several State Recreational Trails grant applications
for Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail, without success.
By being part of a regional collaboration with Dubuque County and the City of Asbury to
form an MRT side trip, Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail in Dubuque becomes much more
competitive for a State Recreational Trails grant.
As a multi - jurisdictional trail project, the Hales Mill Loop also is eligible for Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) allocation of Transportation
Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds.
The DMATS TAP funds can provide the 25% local match required by the State
Recreational Trails grant program. As a result, there is no local cash contribution
required to construct Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail in Dubuque.
The project budget for the recreational trail components of the Hales Mill Loop is:
Construction Expenses:
• City of Dubuque: Phase 4 of Iowa 32 Trail $250,000
• Dubuque County: Paved Shoulders on Hales Mill Road $100,000
Total Rec Trail Cost — Hales Mill Loop $350,000
Funding:
• State Recreational Trails grant request (75 %) $262,500
• Local Match from DMATS TAP funds (25 %) $ 87,500
Total Rec Trail Funding — Hales Mill Loop $350,000
2
Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail also requires $25,000 for final design and engineering. The
City of Dubuque's FY 13 Planning CIP #350 -2430 Trails & Complete Streets has a
current balance of $47,000 that can be carried over for these "soft costs ".
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend approval of the City's application for $262,500 in State Recreational Trail
grant funds for the Hales Mill Loop. This proposed MRT side trip is a partnership with
Dubuque County, Dubuque County Conservation, the City of Asbury, and the
Mississippi River Parkway Commission. The proposal includes funding for construction
of Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail, a key component of the Hales Mill Loop..
REQUESTED ACTION
The requested action is for the City Council to approve the resolution authorizing the
Mayor to sign and submit the application for State Recreational Trail grant funds for the
Hales Mill Loop.
The application deadline for State Recreational Trail grant funds is July 1, 2013. The
proposal will be submitted by June 28, 2013. If the City Council does not approve the
proposal, the application will be withdrawn.
Enclosures
cc: Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Jon Dienst, Civil Engineer
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager
Jenny Larson, Budget Director
Chandra Ravada, ECIA / DMATS Transportation Director
Bret Wilkinson, Dubuque County Engineer
Anna O'Shea, Dubuque County Zoning Administrator
John Goodmann, Mississippi River Parkway Commission
Brian Preston, Dubuque County Conservation
F: \USERS \ICARSTEN \WP \Grants for Trails \IDOT State Rec Trails 1Iowa 32 Trail Phase 4\IA 32 Phase 4 SRT Memo to MVM.doc
3
Prepared by: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St, Dubuque. IA 52001 Telephone: 589 -4210
Return to: Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001 Telephone: 589 -4121
RESOLUTION NO. 194 -13
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS GRANT
APPLICATION TO IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF IOWA 32 TRAIL PORTION OF HALES MILL LOOP
Whereas, the Iowa Department of Transportation has allocated grant funds in the State
Recreational Trails Program for the development of recreational trails and related amenities; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has adopted the 2008 Comprehensive Plan which includes
objectives for enhanced accessibility for parks, trails, and open space, protection of scenic and
cultural resources, and development of additional recreational trails; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has adopted the 2009 Tri -State Integrated Hiking, Biking, and
Walking Network Plan, which places a high priority on all segments of the Hales Mill Loop.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The Mayor hereby is authorized to sign and the Planning Services Manager is
hereby authorized to submit an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for a State
Recreational Trails grant for development of the Iowa 32 Trail portion of the Hales MiII Loop.
Section 2. That in the event said application is approved, the City Council hereby provides
its written assurance that the completed project will be adequately maintained for its intended use in
accordance with state requirements.
. Attest:
Passed, approved and adopted this 1st day of July 2013.
Kevi S. irnstah , City
Roy .1/:uol, Mayor
F: \USERSILCARSTEN\WP \Grants for Trails\IDOT State Rec Trails \Iowa 32 Trail Phase 41FY13 SRT Grant Resolution.doc
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General Information
Iowa Department of Transportation
PROJECT APPLICATION
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
Applicant Agency: City of Dubuque
Contact Person (Name & Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Title):
e -Mail : I c arsten @c ityofd
ubuque.org
Complete Mailing Address: Planning Services Department, 50 W. 131h Street
Street Address and /or Box No.
Dubuque Iowa 52001 (563) 589-4210
City State Zip Daytime Phone
If more than one agency or organization is involved in this project, please state the name, contact person, mailing
address, and telephone number of the second agency. (Attach an additional page if more than two agencies are
involved.)
Applicant Agency: Dubuque County e-Mail: engineer @dbeco.org
Contact Person (Name & Title): Bret Wilkindon, County Engineer
Complete Mailing Address: 13047 City View Drive
Dubuque Iowa
City State
Street Address and /or Box No.
52002
Zip
(563) 589-7827
Daytime Phone
Project Information -
Project Title: Hales Mill Loop
Project Description (including length): The 16 -mile Hales Mill Loop will connect Asbury and the west side of Dubuque to
the Heritage Trail. It will create a new loop along the MRT and the scenic Great River Road with construction of Phase 4 of the
Iowa 32 Trail and paved shoulders along Hales Mill Rd. The Hales Mill Loop begins and ends at the Heritage Pond trailhead off
U.S. 52. The multi- jurisdictional Loop includes two off -road segments: Heritage Trail and Iowa 32 'frail. The Loop also has
signed on- street routes in the County, Asbury, and Dubuque on Hales Mill Road, Radford Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Economic Impact Information
Type of Project:
❑ Acquisition — Number of Acres
® Development
❑ Combination — Number of Acres
Exhibit A -1
Type of Proposal: ® Grant ❑ Loan ❑ Combination
If this application is for a loan or a combination loan /grant, please state the proposed repayment terms. Include
amount of principal to be repaid, proposed interest rate, length of repayment, etc.
Project Costs (An itemized breakdown must be included on an attached sheet):
1.
2.
3.
Total Cost
Trails Fund
Applicant Match (25% Minimum)
$ 350,000
$ 262,500
$ 87,500
Match Source (s)
Amount
Assured or Anticipated
(Date Anticipated)
DMATS TAP Funds
$87,500.00
Assured Summer 2013
Are any other state funds involved in this project? ❑ Yes ® No
If yes, please explain the source and conditions
Are any federal funds involved in this project? ® Yes ❑ No
If yes, please explain the source and conditions Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS)
allocation of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds.
Estimated Project Development Schedule:
Design Start Date January 1, 2014 Completion Date April 1, 2014
Land Acquisition Start Date Completion Date
Construction Start Date May 1, 2014 Completion Date October 2014
Has any part of this trail project been started? 0 Yes ❑ No
If yes, explain The Iowa 32 Bike /Hike Trail is a 10 -foot paved off-road, physically separated trail along the highway from
the intersection of Iowa 32 with U.S. 52 west to Payton Drive (about 4 miles). The Heritage Trail Bridge across U.S. 52
opened in 2013. Bike lanes are in place along Radford Rd. and portions of Hales Mill Rd. in the City of Asbury.
Do you intend to charge a fee to trail users? ❑ Yes ® No
If yes, how much? $
What will it be used for?
Exhibit A -2
Required Documentation and Narrative Information
The following documents and narratives must be attached to this application. In the upper right -hand corner of each
document or narrative write the corresponding letter shown below.
® A. A NARRATIVE assessing existing conditions, outlining the concept of the proposed project, and providing
adequate project justification. The narrative must show that the concept is reasonable from a transportation
engineering and /or recreational standpoint and is part of an area -wide, local, regional, or statewide plan.
® B. A MAP identifying the location of the project — An optional mapping application tool is available for your use
at the following website address: www.sysplan. dot. state .ia.us /fedstate_rectrails.htm
® C. A CROSS - SECTION of the proposed trail project.
® D. A SKETCH -PLAN of the trail project.
® E. An ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of the total project costs.
® F. A TIME SCHEDULE for the total project development.
® G. An OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT of the trail proposal from the authority to be responsible for the
maintenance and operation. The authority must provide written assurance that it will adequately maintain
the trail for its intended use and maintain the total trail used to justify the project in public use for a minimum
of 20 years following project completion.
® H. A NARRATIVE discussing the extent to which adjacent property owners have been informed of the
proposed project and an assessment of their acceptance.
I. Completed Minority Impact Statement attached to application
The award of State Recreational Trails funds; any subsequent funding or letting of contracts for design, construction,
reconstruction, improvement, or maintenance; and the furnishing of materials for this project shall not involve direct or
indirect interest of any state, county, or city official, elective or appointive. All of the above are prohibited by Iowa
Code Sections 314.2, 362.5, or 331.342. Any award of funding or any letting of a contract in violation of the foregoing
provisions shall invalidate the award of State Recreational Trails funding and authorize a complete recovery of any
funds previously disbursed.
Certification
To the best of my knowledge and belief, all information included in this application is true and accurate, including the
commitment of all physical and financial resources. This application has been duly authorized by the participating
local authority. I understand the attached OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT(S) binds the participating local governments to
assume responsibility for adequate maintenance of any new or improved trails.
I understand that, although this information is sufficient to secure a commitment of funds, an executed contract
between the applicant and the Department is required prior to the authorization of funds.
Representing the City of Dubuque, Iowa
Signature
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Typed Name and Title
July 1, 2013
Date
July 1, 2013
Date
Exhibit A -3
PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA POINT SYSTEM
IOWA STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
A. NARRATIVE:
Add sheets as needed.
This is a grant application for State Recreational Trail funds for a side trip off the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) on the
proposed"Hales Mill Loorr..
City of Dubuque staff, in conjunction with project partners from Dubuque County, the City of Asbury, Dubuque County
Conservation, ECIA / DMATS and the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, developed the concept of the Hales Mill
Loop as an MRT side trip.
The MRT is a 2,000 -mile bike trail system in the 10 states along the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of
Mexico. Portions of the Dubuque County 1- Ieritage Trail and the Citjs Heritage Trail Riverfront System are part of lowas
designated MRT route.
The Hales Mill Loop will connect Asbury and the west side of Dubuque to the Heritage Trail. It will create a new loop
along the MRT and the scenic Great River Road with construction of Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail and paved shoulders
along Hales Mill Rd.
The Hales Mill Loop begins and ends at the Heritage Pond trailhead off U.S. 52. This site is on the Iowa Scenic Byway
portion of the Great River Road as well as the MRT.
The multi - jurisdictional Loop includes two existing off -road segments: the Heritage Trail and the Iowa 32 Trail. The Loop
also creates signed on- street routes in the County, Asbury, and Dubuque on Hales Mill Road, Radford Road, and
Pennsylvania Avenue.
These off -road trails and on- street routes are High Priorities in the Tri -State Trail Plan. This type of collaborative project
was one of the goals of the Dubuque County Regional Smart Plan. It also was one of the recommendations from the
Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) Heritage Trail final report.
Dubuque County, along with the Cities of Asbury and Dubuque, will be working on other projects along this route to
provide matching funds and will be seeking other sources of funding for this MRT side trip.
The proposal will fund construction of Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 (Northwest Arterial) Bike /FIike Trail from Payton Drive to
Pennsylvania Avenue in the City of Dubuque. Phase 4 of the Iowa 32 Trail is a critical part of this MRT side trip. Without
it, the Hales Mill Loop is incomplete.
llowa Department of Transportation
'e Form 105101 (03 -09)
MINORITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2393, Iowa Code Section 8.11, all grant applications submitted to the
state of Iowa that are due beginning January 1, 2009 shall include a Minority Impact Statement. This is
the state's mechanism for requiring grant applicants to consider the potential impact of the grant project's
proposed programs or policies on minority groups.
Please choose the statement(s) that pertains to this grant application. Complete all the
information requested for the chosen statement(s). Submit additional pages as necessary.
❑ The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique positive
impact on minority persons.
Describe the positive impact expected from this project.
Indicate which group is impacted:
❑ Women ❑ Persons with a disability ❑ Blacks ❑ Latinos ❑ Asians
❑ Pacific Islanders ❑ American Indians ❑ Alaskan Native Americans ❑ Other
❑ The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique negative
impact on minority persons.
Describe the negative impact expected from this project.
Present the rationale for the existence of the proposed program or policy.
Provide evidence of consultation with representatives of the minority groups impacted.
Indicate which group is impacted:
❑ Women ❑ Persons with a disability ❑ Blacks ❑ Latinos ❑ Asians
❑ Pacific Islanders ❑ American Indians ❑ Alaskan Native Americans ❑ Other
® The proposed grant project programs or policies are not expected to have a disproportionate or
unique impact on minority persons.
Present the rationale for determining no impact. The City of Dubuque gives full consideration to
minorities, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in all its bike /hike trail projects. The City has a long-
standing commitment to a citywide bike /hike network that is accessible to all segments of the general
population, including minorities, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The Hales Mill Loop project
will provide access to the significant population of low to moderate income, racially and ethnically
diverse, and older households that reside in the north end of Dubuque.
I hereby certify that the information on this form is complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge:
Name: Laura Carstens
Title: Planning Services Manager
Definitions
"Minority Persons," as defined in Iowa Code Section 8.11, means individuals who are women, persons
with a disability, Blacks, Latinos, Asians or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Native
Americans.
"Disability," as defined in Iowa Code Section 15.102, subsection 7, paragraph "b," subparagraph (1):
b. As used in this subsection:
(1) 'Disability" means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, a record of physical
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the
individual, or being regarded as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual.
"Disability" does not include any of the following:
(a) Homosexuality or bisexuality.
(b) Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders
not resulting from physical impairments or other sexual behavior disorders.
(c) Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania.
(d) Psychoactive substance abuse disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs.
"State Agency," as defined in Iowa Code Section 8.11, means a department, board, bureau, commission,
or other agency or authority of the state of Iowa.
Sue Stim
Allamakee County
M.J. Smith
Clayton County
John Goodman
Dubuque County
Marian Meyer
Jackson County
Art 011ie
Clinton County
Patsy L. Ramacitti
Scott County
John Oberhaus
Muscatine County
Jay Schweitzer
Louisa County
Elaine Baxter
Des Moines County
Gene Enke
Lee County
Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission
Explore Iowa's Great River Road
June 20, 2013
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50010
Re: Hales Mill Loop Alternative Transportation Grant Application
Dear Commissioners —
The Iowa MRPC stands in strong support of the Hales Mill Loop grant
application.
This loop will link the Iowa Great River Road Scenic Byway and the
Mississippi River Trail to a wonderful bike trail loop through scenic areas
of Dubuque County and to the existing trail on the west end of the City of
Dubuque. The entrance to this loop will be at the intersection of the new
bike bridge over U S Highway 52, a project that was just completed and
was funded largely by a DOT Scenic Byway grant which was matched by
Dubuque County.
We appreciate your consideration of this application which is a
cooperative effort of the City and County of Dubuque, Iowa.
Sincerely._
00
an, Iowa MRPC
June 21, 2013
DUBUQUE COUNTY ZONING
13047 CITY VIEW DRIVE, DUBUQUE, IOWA52002 -9660
(563)589 -7827
FAX: (563) 589 -7868
E -MAIL: zoningadmin @dbeco.org
Yvonne Diller
Program Manager for Federal and State Recreational Trails
State Recreational Trails Program
Office of Systems Planning
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
RE: State Recreational Trail Grant for Hales Mill Loop
Dear Ms. Diller,
ANNA M. O'SHEA
Administrator
Dubuque County has been working with the cities of Asbury, Cascade, Dubuque, Dyersville, Epworth,
Farley and Peosta through the Smart Planning Consortium to develop a Regional Smart Plan for the
county and its largest cities. One of the goals of the regional plan Is to make Heritage Trail more
accessible, user friendly and sustainable and to expand the recreational and economic development
opportunities of the Trail on a regional scale. The Smart Plan has been completed and adopted and we
are now beginning to work on the Implementation Chapter of the Plan.
To assist with implementation of the Smart Plan, the Consortium requested assistance from the
American Planning Association (APA) and their Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) program to
develop recommendations to improve and market Heritage Trail. Heritage Trail Is a 26 mile multi -use
recreational trail comprised of compacted crushed limestone that follows an abandoned railroad right -
of -way connecting the City of Dubuque on the eastern edge of the county to the City of Dyersville on the
western edge of the county. This seemed like a great opportunity to work together on a regional project
and use It as a template for future collaborative efforts. Dubuque County and the Smart Planning
Consortium were awarded the assistance from CPAT.
The CPAT final report was recently finished and It recommended that "each community along the trail
can examine ways it can better connect to the Heritage Trail from a physical connection by considering
Infrastructure Improvements such as bike lanes, side paths or sidewalks that can complete safe
connections from the local communities to key trailhead locations along the entire length of the
Heritage Trail. By working together, the local communities can also reinforce the Heritage Trail as an
Important Zink to a shared and prosperous future."
The Hales Mill Loop is the first step In connecting the city of Asbury, Dubuque County's second largest
city, to Heritage Trail and to the Mississippi River Trail and the Great River Road. The new connection
will offer trail users access to parking, restrooms, additional recreational opportunities such as fishing
and boating, and opportunities to visit downtown commercial areas as well as other parts of our
community.
The State Recreational Trail Grant will assist the city of Dubuque, Asbury, Dubuque County and the
Smart Planning Consortium to begin to reach our goal of connecting communities along Heritage Trail to
the trail and provide economic development and recreational opportunities to the Dubuque County
communities. The Dubuque County Smart Planning Consortium fully supports the grant request to build
the Hales Mill Loop and connect Asbury to the Heritage Trail. We look forward to working together with
our partners to build a safer, connected and more sustainable trail and region.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Anna M. O'Shea
Chairperson, Dubuque County Smart Planning Consortium
Dubuque County Zoning Administrator
TRl STATE
a4ti >utsi°t
June 21, 2013
Yvonne Diller
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Des Moines IA 50010
Dear Yvonne,
Please accept this letter of support from Tri-State Trail Vision for the joint State Recreational
Trail Fund grant application for the Hales Mill Loop as a side trip of the Mississippi River Trail
(MRT) through Dubuque County and the cities of Asbury and Dubuque.
Tri-State Trail Vision (TSTV) was formed in 2005 from the Envision 2010 community visioning
effort. Our mission is to develop an integrated trail system to enhance the life of the residents in
the Tri-State region. As a non - profit, TSTV has been actively involved in the creation and
implementation of the 2008 Tri -State Area Integrated Walking, Biking, Hiking Network Plan.
The Trail Plan identifies needs and recommends projects to improve conditions for bicyclists and
pedestrians in the tri -state area. Projects in this Plan were prioritized to provide a network that
makes connections to neighborhoods, schools, recreational areas, and commercial areas. The
Hales Mill Loop will connect Asbury and the west side of Dubuque to the Heritage Trail. It will
create a new loop along the MRT and the scenic Great River Road with construction of Phase 4
of the Iowa 32 Trail and paved shoulders along Hales Mill Rd.
The multi - jurisdictional Loop includes two existing off -road segments: the Heritage Trail and the
Iowa 32 Trail. The Loop also creates signed on -street routes in the County, Asbury, and
Dubuque on Hales Mill Road, Radford Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
These off -road trails and on -street routes are High Priorities in the Tri-State Trail Plan. Phase 4
of the Iowa 32 Trail is a critical off-road portion of the loop, which will continue a popular west
side trail, accessible to a wide range of users, from children through adults, year- round. We urge
your support of this application.
Sincerely,
Tony Zelinskas, President
Tri-State Trail Vision
CITY OF ASBZIRY
5080 Asbury Road
Asbury, IA 52002 -2522
June 25, 2013
Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa Recreational Trails Grant
To whom it may concern:
City Hall 563/556 -7106
Public Works 563/556 -6410
Fax 563/556 -2001
The City of Asbury supports the City of Dubuque's application for State Recreational
Trail Funds for the construction of the Hales Mill Loop.
The proposed bicycle loop will be a collaboration with the City of Asbury, City of
Dubuque and Dubuque County. The route provides connection to the Heritage Trail
and Mississippi River Trail.
The City of Asbury has the Hales Mill Road Improvement Project identified in the City's
Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2015 and has $350,000 allocated to this project. The
planned project improvements include curb and gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes.
The City's Comprehensive Plan identifies a goal for the City to enhance recreation
opportunities through development of trails within the City and connectivity to the
Heritage Trail.
James Adams, Mayor
DUBUQUE COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD Brian Preston, Dir.
13606 Swiss Valley Rd. Board Members:
Peosta, IA 52068 Pat Rea
Jeff Cue
563 -556 -6745 Roger La Barge
563- 589 -7885 fax Bev Wagner
www.dubuquecounty.org Cindy Gotto
An Equal Opportunity Employer
June 24th, 2013
Yvonne Diller
Program Manager for Federal and State Recreational Trails
State Recreational Trails Program
Office of Systems Planning
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
RE: State Recreational Trails Grant for the Hales Mill Loop
Dear Ms. Diller,
Please accept this letter as the Dubuque County Conservation Boards support of the State
Recreational Trail Grant Application for the Hales Mill Loop Trail Project.
The Dubuque County Conservation Board has the responsibility "... to acquire, develop,
maintain, and make available to the inhabitants of the county (and its' visitors) public parks,
preserves, parkways, playgrounds, recreation centers, county forests, wildlife and other
conservation areas, and to promote and preserve the health and welfare of the people, to
encourage the orderly development and conservation of natural resources, and to cultivate good
citizenship by providing adequate programs of public recreation."
The Hales Mill Loop project will be the first step in connecting existing trails with the cities of
Dubuque and Asbury to Heritage Trail and to the Mississippi River Trail as well as the Great
River Road. This project is a cooperative effort from multiple agencies, including the cities of
Asbury, Dubuque, Dubuque County Highway Department, and the Dubuque County
Conservation Board. The project will provide trail users access to many trail amenities like
trailheads, free parking, restrooms, and scenic and historic vistas. Trail users will also have the
opportunity to visit businesses and attractions in the communities of Dubuque and Asbury.
The increasing leisure -time available to all segments of our society has resulted in a demand for
access to public outdoor recreation facilities. The Conservation Board program seeks to insure
that in the future all Dubuque County residents and visitors may have ample opportunity to enjoy
the picturesque beauty and recreational promise of the area. The Hales Mill Loop project will
provide these opportunities. Growing health concerns and lack of children utilizing our outdoor
resources is an ongoing concern for our Board and we look for solutions like the Hales Mill
Loop to provide positive answers to these issues.
We believe the Hales Mill Loop Project will enhance the trail users experience in Dubuque
County, and we urge the State Recreational Trails Program to support this project.
Sincerely,
Brian Preston
Executive Director
June 27, 2013
DUBUQUE COUNTY
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Yvonne Diller
Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa State Recreational Trails Program
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
13047 CITY VIEW DRIVE
DUBUQUE, IOWA 52002
RE: State Recreational Trail Grant for Hales Mill Loop
Dear Ms. Diller,
PHONE:(563) 557 -7283
FAX: (563) 557 -1973
E -MAIL: engineer@dbqco.org
The Dubuque County Highway Department is proud to support the application for State
Recreational Trail grant funds for the Hales Mill Loop. The Dubuque County Highway Department is
committed to improving the safety of the traveling public in Dubuque County, whichever mode of
transportation they choose to use. There are a large number of bicycle enthusiasts in Dubuque County
that use the road system on a regular basis. The Hales Mill Loop will provide bicyclists, runners, and
walkers with an option that will have increased safety features when compared to the average road in
Dubuque County.
The Dubuque County Highway Department is planning to improve Hales Mill Road starting at the
north city limits of Asbury continuing north approximately one mile. The grading and paving of the
mainline of this mile of Hales Mill Road is estimated to cost $2,000,000. The combination of two very
steep and long hills, reduced sight distance due to horizontal curves, and three narrow and structurally
deficient bridges makes this stretch of Hales Mill Road a priority for the Highway Department. It would
be very logical to pave the shoulders at the same time as the mainline for this construction project. This
will offer a safer area of travel for bicyclists, runners, and walkers while they are moving slow climbing
vertical grades over 8 %.
The remaining length of Hales Mill Road to reach Cedar Ridge Road is in need of an overlay to
restore the driving surface. This overlay will complete the major safety improvements needed to make
the Hales Mill Road portion of the Hales Mill Loop much safer for bicyclists, runners, and walkers. The
Dubuque County Highway Department looks forward to implementing and maintaining these safety
improvements to the secondary road system in Dubuque County.
Sincerely,
Ai\QA/Mri:Agmac,
Bret R. Wilkinson, P.E.
Dubuque County Engineer
'6103I1 ti ? if `�flf 1° IPOI ��u( Ti l� JIl[°s 4c7.b
June 25, 2013
Yvonne Diller
Program Manager
Office of Systems Planning
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Ms. Diller,
I am writing to express support for a State Recreational Trails grant application from
the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County to create Hales Mill loop.
This project is a great partnership between Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (DMATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Dubuque County, the
City of Dubuque, the City of Asbury, Dubuque County Conservation and the Mississippi River
Parkway Commission.
This project will connect the City of Asbury and west side of Dubuque to the
Heritage Trail. It will create 15.3 mile new loop along the MRT and the scenic Great River Road.
The multi jurisdictional loop includes two existing off -road segments: the Heritage Trail and the
NW Arterial Trail. The Loop also creates signed on- street routes in the County, the City of Asbury
and the City of Dubuque on Hales Mill Road, Radford Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
These off road trails and on- street routes are high priority in the DMATS Trail Plan.
This project is consistent with the DMATS 2041 Long Range Transportation Plan. This project
meets the overall goal to improve quality of life within the DMATS region and maintain the existing
transportation system.
This project will help support DMATS investment of $1.84 million Surface
Transportation Program (STP) funds and $119,335 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funds
on this project.
We fully endorse this project as one of the important projects to encourage
recreation and to improve economic development in the DMATS planning area.
Sincerely,
/az--
Chandra Ravada
Director of Transportation Department
1 Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study j Eastern Iowa Development Corporation
1 Eastern lowa Regional Utility Services System ! Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority 1 ECIA Business Growth, Inc. i
1 Region 1 Employment and Training 1 ECIA Regional Planning Affiliation 1 Region 8 Regional Transit Authority
1 7600 Commerce Park, Dubuque, IA 52002 1 www.ecia.org 1 ecia @ecia.org
1 563.556.4166 1 Iowa only: 800.942.4648 j Relay Iowa 800.735.2943 1 f: 563.556.0348