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Bi-Lingual Trails Signage ApplicationTHE CITY OF DUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi MEMORANDUM September 10, 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: IDOT Federal Recreational Trails Grant Application for Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending submission of an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for a Federal Recreational Trails grant for the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. C% ~~ Mich el C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager THE CITY OF DUB E MEMORANDUM Masterpiece on the Mississippi September 5, 2007 TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager i/~°~ FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager C~~l~" SUBJECT: IDOT Federal Recreational Trails Grant Application for Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project Introduction This memorandum presents for City Council review and approval, an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a Federal Recreational Trails grant for the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project. Background This project is a component of the Iowa Great Places grant application. The project addresses two of the Envision 2010 "Ten Big Ideas": Bilingual Education Curriculum and Integrated Walking/Biking/Hiking Trail System. An IDOT State Recreational Trails grant application was submitted for this project in June, 2007. Since we will not learn whether we are successful in receiving that grant until after the October 1, 2007 deadline for IDOT Federal Recreational Trails grant applications, we have prepared the enclosed application for this alternate funding. This project also is being considered for an earmark of federal trail funds submitted by Congressman Bruce Braley. IDOT officials recommended that the City also submit a grant application for state trails funds, in case the federal earmark is not approved. Discussion The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Signage Trail project will create an integrated bike/hike trail system throughout Dubuque to encourage recreation and wellness. On-street routes will be marked with trailblazer signs in English and Spanish as well as striped bike lanes where appropriate to provide safe and ready access from neighborhoods to off-road trails, transit stops, schools, and parks where restrooms, benches and bike racks will be available. The project will include kiosk-style system maps at trailheads and interpretive signs at points of interest. Grant Application for Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project Page 2 The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will connect all of the trail systems to the Mississippi Riverwalk at the Port of Dubuque, the Dubuque County Heritage Trail, the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension, and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will allow bicyclists and pedestrians opportunities to safely access a variety of recreational uses, including hiking, biking, jogging, picnicking, fishing, and other recreational facilities at City and County parks and recreational facilities. The project is an example of multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque area. The project creates a network for hiking and biking trails for recreational purposes and as alternative modes of transportation that will help reduce pollution and highway congestion. This project is part of a phased extension of the Dubuque Heritage Trail to the west side of Dubuque. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension are accessible to the rural areas north of Dubuque, to Dubuque's north end neighborhood and central business district, and to the south end of town. The existing County/City Heritage Trail network, however, does not connect with Dubuque's growing west and south sides or with the City of Asbury. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project provides an important link for bicyclists and pedestrians to access passive and active recreational facilities at the City's parks and public and parochial schools throughout the Dubuque community. The grant application includes a partnership with Tri-State Trail Vision. Tri-State Trail Vision is anon-profit group that is working to develop an Integrated Walking/ Biking/ Hiking Trail System for the Dubuque metro area. A letter of support has been requested. Budget Impact The City budgeted $34,000 in the General Fund for the local match as part of the Iowa Great Places grant application. The Federal Recreational Trails requires at least a 20% local match. The estimated project cost of $125,000 puts the local match at 27%. Recommendation I recommend that the City Council approve submittal of the IDOT Federal Recreational Trails grant application for the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project. Enclosures cc Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Jenny Larson, Budget Director Prepared by: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210 Return to: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210 RESOLUTION NO. 467-07 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM FUNDING TO THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE BI-LINGUAL BIKE/HIKE TRAIL SIGNAGE PROJECT. Whereas, the Iowa Department of Transportation has announced the availability of Federal Recreational Trails Program Funding; and Whereas, design, engineering and construction costs for pedestrian and bicycle facilities are eligible activities for this funding; and Whereas, the City has adopted a Comprehensive Plan that identifies acommunity-wide bike/pedestrian network. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The Mayor is authorized to sign and submit this grant application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for Federal Recreational Trails Program Funding for the Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project. 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. Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of September, 2007. Roy D. Buol, Mayor Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk BI-LINGUAL BIKE/HIKE TRAIL SIGNAGE PROJECT E. E. ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN Bi-Lingual Trailblazer Signs Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost Sign fabrication $80.00 each 450 $36,000 Posts $15.00 each 400 $6,000 Labor to install $80.00 3 signs/hour 150 $12,000 Subtotal $54,000 Bi-Lingual Trail System Map Kiosks Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost Sign fabrication $2,450.00 each 10 $24,500 Labor to install $100.00 1 sign/hour 10 $1,000 Subtotal $25,500 Bike Lanes Item Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost Pavement Markings -Text/Symbols $100 each 24 $2,400 Pavement Markings -Linear $0.30 linear feet 8,600 $2,580 Safety/Traffic Control $5,000 lump sum 1 $5,000 Subtotal $9,980 Construction Estimate $89,480 Consultant Services Type of Consultant Basis for Fees Percent Total Cost Engineering Construction Estimate 12% $10,738 Graphic Design Construction Estimate 10% $8,948 Bilingual Translation Construction Estimate 5% $4,474 Subtotal $24,160 Estimated Project Total $113,640 Contingency - 10% $11,364 GRAND TOTAL $125,004 Form 240006wd 01-06 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR IOWA FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM FUNDING This application form shall be used to submit an Iowa Federal Recreational Trails Program project proposal. 1. Ten copies, one of which is reproducible by non-color copier, must be submitted, by the stated deadline, either by mail. or Email. Information must be clear, concise, and accurate. Photocopies of this form may be used. Additional pages may be attached if the space provided is inadequate. 2. All information submitted as part of this application, as well as any additional information requested by the Department, will be used to evaluate the application. 3. Submit the completed application and all attachments by October 1 to: Federal Recreational Trail Funding Program Office of Systems Planning Iowa Department of Transportation 800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 If there are questions, contact: Steven Bowman at 515-239-1337, Steven.BowmanCa~dot.iowa.gov Form 240006wd 01-06 General Information PROJECT APPLICATION IOWA FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM Applicant Agency: City of Dubuque a-Mail: Icarsten(a,cityofdubuque.org Contact Person (Name & Title): Laura Carstens Planning Services Manager Cmm~latP Mailing Address: 50 W. 13th Street Street Address and/or Box No. City IA State 52001 Zip 563-589-4210 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: Tri-State Trail Vision e-Mail: nturpinnaecia.org Contact Person (Name & Title): Nicole Turpin Planner Complete Mailing Address: 3999 Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 200 Street Address and/or Box No. Dubuque IA 52001 City State ZiP Proiect Information 563-556-4166 ext. 256 Daytime Phone Project Title: Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project Project Description (including length): The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will create an integrated bike/hike trail system throughout Dubuque to encourage recreation and wellness. On-street routes will be marked with trailblazer signs in English and Spanish as well as striped bike lanes where appropriate to provide safe and ready access from neighborhoods to off- road trails transit stops schools and parks where restrooms benches and bike racks will be available. The project will include kiosk-style system maps at trailheads and interpretive signs at points of interest. The on- street trail system will be 55 miles. Economic Impact Information Type of Project: (Check the Predominant User Group) ^ Acquisition - Number of Acres ^ Motorized ® Development ^Non-Motorized ^ Combination -Number of Acres ®Diversified (list) On-street trail system Exhibit A-1 Project Costs (An itemized breakdown must be included on an attached sheet): Total Cost $ 125,000 Trails Fund Request $ 91,000 Applicant Match (20% Minimum) $ 34,000 1. 2. 3. Match Source Amount Assured or Anticipated Date Antici ated Ci of Dubu ue General Fund $34,000.00 Assured Are any state funds involved in this project? ^ Yes ®No If yes, please explain the source and conditions Are any other federal funds involved in this project? If yes, please explain the source and conditions _ Estimated Project Development Schedule: Design Start Date March 1, 2008 Completion Date September 1, 2008 Land Acquisition Start Date Completion Date Construction Start Date December 1, 2008 Completion Date June 1, 2009 Has any part of this trail project been started? ^ Yes ®No If yes, explain Do you intend to charge a fee to trail users? If yes, how much? $ What will it be used for? ^ Yes ® No ^ Yes ®No 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.uslfedstate_rectrails.htm ® C. ACROSS-SECTION of the proposed trail project (if appropriate). ® 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. The award of Federal 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 Federal Recreational Trails funding or any letting of a contract in violation of the foregoing provisions shall invalidate the award of Federal Recreational Trails funding and authorize a complete recovery of any funds previously disbursed. RTP COMPLIANCE The applicant must sign below to indicate that the project is in compliance with Section 23, USC 206 or the Recreational Trail Program that prohibits the use of grant funds to accommodate motorized use on trails that have been predominantly used by non-motorized trail users prior to May 1, 1991. In addition, 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 Signature September 17, 2007 Date Roy D. Buol Mayor, City of Dubuque September 17, 2007 Typed Name and Title Date Exhibit A-3 PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA POINT SYSTEM IOWA FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM Describe the degree to which the project provides for innovative recreational trail sharing to accommodate motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. (10 points) The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will create an integrated bike/hike trail system throughout the city of Dubuque to encourage recreation and wellness. The IDOT State Recreational Trails Grant will be used for trailblazer signs and map kiosks in both English and Spanish along the 55 miles of proposed on-street bike trails identified on the enclosed maps. It will also fund bike lanes where possible along the proposed bike/hike trails identified on the enclosed map.Funds will be spent on trailblazer signs in English and Spanish as well as bike lanes where appropriate to provide safe and ready access from neighborhoods to paved, off-road trails, transit stops, schools, and parks. The total length of this on-road system shown on the project maps is approximately 55 miles. Unique Sense of Place -Iowa is the most ecologically altered state in the United States, having lost most of its prairie and wetlands to agriculture and other uses. However, this diversity remains in Dubuque. Together, the existing trail system and the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will weave through open fields, along restored wetlands, over pre- archeological mounds, in urban corridors, through residential neighborhoods, past shopping centers, and next to the mighty Mississippi, the 3rd largest river in the world. Along the trail system, interpretive signs will provide key points of interest from information about a working harbor to the famous floods that have ravaged our city. Our trails will tell a story. 2. Describe the degree to which the project provides for the greatest number of compatible recreational purposes including, but not limited to, those used for recreational purposes such as bicycling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking/jogging/fitness/nature trail activities, horseback riding, snowmobiling, aquatic or water activities, and vehicular travel by motorcycle or all-terrain off-road vehicles. (10 points) Developing and maintaining integrated bike/hike facilities in our tri-state area depends in part on the condition of City streets to accommodate these alternative modes of transportation -- through signed on-street routes, striped bike lanes, and adjacent off-road bike/hike trails. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will help implement sustainable bicycle and pedestrian options in our community. The City of Dubuque has been designated as one of the 2007 Iowa Great Places. The City has been awarded a grant through the Iowa Great Places Program to install bi-lingual bike/hike trail signage. This Federqal Recreational Trails grant application is a separate project from the Iowa Great Places award. The Iowa Great Places grant will be used to produce duplicate trailblazer signs in Spanish along the City's existing bike/hike trail system. It also will fund the creation of duplicative interpretive signs in Spanish along the City's existing trail system. In addition, the Iowa Great Places grant will be used to create map kiosks at trailheads along the City's existing trail system. The Federal Recreational Trails grant will be used for a planned 55-mile on-street extension of the City's existing bike/hike netwrok. Exhibit B-1 3. Describe the degree to which the project facilitates the access and use of trails by older citizens, economically disadvantaged, persons with disabilities, and other special populations or groups. (10 points) The City of Dubuque is an active participant in long range planning for a comprehensive bike/hike trail system that will provide multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque metro area. The plan calls for abike/hike network to encourage recreation and wellness, provide safe routes to school, and promote alternative modes of transportation to help reduce air pollution and roadway congestion. The intent is to develop safe, paved trails, with a corresponding website and maps, plus restrooms, benches and bike racks. Completion of the bike/hike trail system will add to the region's reputation as a tourist destination for both the State of Iowa and the tri-state area. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension are accessible to the rural areas north of Dubuque, to Dubuque's north end neighborhood and central business district, and to the south end of town. The existing County/City Heritage Trail network, however, does not connect with Dubuque's growing west and south sides or with the City of Asbury. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project provides an important link for bicyclists and pedestrians to access passive and active recreational facilities at the City's parks and public and parochial schools throughout the Dubuque community. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will form a bicycle and pedestrian network that will be used by both tourists and local residents. This 55-mile on-street system of bike trails will be an important component in the community's planning for Safe Routes to Schools. The City's initial investment in the citywide bike/hike network has created a 10.5-mile on-street Heritage Trail Riverfront System through many of the community's targeted neighborhoods and the central business district. These areas have a higher than average concentration of racial and ethnic minorities, low and moderate income households, rental units, single-parent households, and elderly persons than the city at large. With its link to the City's Heritage Trail Riverfront System, the Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage 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. The project will be open to all users without a fee, which also facilitates its use by economically disadvantaged persons. The City has along-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. All City bike/hike trail projects comply with ADA and AASHTO guidelines for recreational trail facilities. All City bike/hike trails are open to the public free of charge. 4. Describe the degree to which the project provides development of trail linkages. (10 points) The project will provide links to the existing bike/hike trails in Asbury, Dubuque, and Dubuque County. It will connect all of the trail systems to the Mississippi Riverwalk Recreational Trail at the Port of Dubuque, the Dubuque County Heritage Trail, the City of Dubuque's 18-mile Heritage Trail Extension, and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail is a 26-mile bicycling/hiking path linking the communities of Dubuque, Dyersville, Farley, Epworth, Graf, Durango and Sageville in Dubuque County. Exhibit B-2 5. Describe the degree to which the project creates opportunities for partnerships between trail users, private interests within the area, and public agencies. (Enclose letters of support as documentation.) (10 points) The City works closely with many partners including Dubuque County, Friends of the Mines of Spain, the IDNR, Dubuque County Historical Society, neighborhood associations and scouts. All who have helped design, locate and fund the growing bike/hike trail system in the greater Dubuque area. 6. Describe the degree to which the project is identified in, or furthers a specific goal of, Iowa's Recreation Plan 2000 (SCORP), the Iowa Trails Plan, or a regional/county/municipal plan. (10 points) The Dubuque County 5-Year REAP Plan states that "it is the goal of the City of Dubuque's Leisure Services Department to develop... a safe, clean, functional and attractive system of parks and recreational facilities to meet the passive and active leisure needs of all residents and visitors". The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will help to achieve these goals by providing a community bike/hike network. The Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) comments that the three most important values for quality trail experience are: health and fitness, aesthetic beauty, and natural area preservation of open space. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will provide ready opportunities for health and fitness. According to the Statewide Trails Vision, the ultimate goal is to "connect communities, parks, natural resources, shopping, employment and other amenities with a comprehensive, multi-modal, easily accessible trails system". The Bi- lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will connect with other attractions in the community as well as offer ready access to the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Riverfront System. The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan includes the comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Network as an example of multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque area. The DMATS Plan calls for hiking and biking trails for recreational purposes and as alternative modes of transportation that will help reduce pollution and highway congestion. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will help to achieve these goals. Exhibit B-3 7. Describe the degree to which the project uses the grant funds to leverage greater public or private investments (in the form of services and materials, as well as dollars.) (70 points) Bicycle and pedestrian facilities like the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project attract and revitalize businesses, create jobs, and increase public revenue. These facilites have a positive impact on nearby properties because homeowners and business people realize the value these facilities bring to their neighborhoods and the community. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities also stimulate the local economy by attracting tourists who like to bike and hike. Bicycle and pedestrian faciliteis like the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project are acost-effective use of public funds and provide additional revenue in the form of sales and property taxes. The project will allow more residents to replace automobile trips with non-motorized trips. The most common forms ofnon-motorized transportation are biking and walking, and the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage project will provide a major resource for these trips. Active transportation is travel powered by human energy, and walking and biking aze the most common means of active transportation. To encourage more walking and biking, communities must create active transportation systems-seamless networks of accessible trails, sidewalks and on-road bike facilities. At a time when 40% of trips made in America are two miles or less, and the vast majority of these short trips are taken by automobile, the practicality of making biking and walking mainstream transportation options is undeniable. Especially when connected with mass transit, a new host of mobility choices aze opened up to Americans. Increased mobility, improved public health, economic development, cleaner environment and enhanced community aze benefits of active transportation systems. (Source: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy) 8. Describe the degree of citizen involvement in proposal conception and implementation. a) Project idea originated with trail users or a community group which has substantial knowledge of the area and its residents; and b) the private sector (including individual citizens, community groups, or local business enterprises) has participated in development of the proposal idea and has made commitments of labor, money, or materials to support proposal implementation. (10 points) The City has received interest in and support for acommunity-wide bicycle and pedestrian network for over 15 yeazs. Initial interest began with the City's community visioning process for the tri-state area in 1990-1992. A map and written goals and objectives outlining acommunity-wide bike/hike system were adopted by the Dubuque City Council in 1995. In 1996, the City of Dubuque developed a Heritage Trail Master Plan with trail users, neighborhood associations and other interest groups. The Master Plan lays out an 18-mile extension of Heritage Trail through Dubuque, and identifies linkages to other trail segments, including the comprehensive on-street trail network that would be implemented by the Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project. This was reaffirmed during public forums and public hearings for an update of the Comprehensive Plan in 2000-2002 and again in 2006-2007. The Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project implements two of the "Ten Big Ideas" of the Envision 2010 community visioning process. Envision 2010 involved over 10,000 people from the tri-state area to identifiy 10 projects for the community to accomplish by 2010. Tri-State Trail Vision is anon-profit group that is working to develop the Envision 2010 Integrated WalkingBiking/Hiking Trail System in the Dubuque metro area. The City has included the Bi-Lingual Bike/I-Iike Trail Signage Project in its five-yeaz capital improvement program (CIP). Exhibit B-4 Describe the degree to which the project ties into other trails; greenways; scenic corridors; or natural, cultural, historical, and recreational areas. (10 points) The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will allow bicyclists and pedestrians opportunities to safely access a vaziety of recreational uses, including hiking, biking, jogging, picnicking, fishing, and other recreational facilities at City and County parks and recreational facilities. The project is an example of multi-modal transportation for the Dubuque area. The project creates a network for hiking and biking trails for recreational purposes and as alternative modes of transportation that will help reduce pollution and highway congestion. The City has leveraged nearly $2.6 million in federal and state grants to plan, design, and construct over 21 miles of on-street and off-road trails along the riverfront and through the City since 1995. These trails connect to Dubuque County's 26-mile long Heritage Trail; Bergfeld Recreation area, a park, fishing pond and trail located in Dubuque Industrial Center West; a hiking trail at Dubuque Technology Pazk and the Jaycees trail along the river at Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park. The trail network also will provide access to other recreational facilities at City parks and recreational facilities. Direct access will be provided to Marshall Pazk and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gazdens. Here trail users can enjoy play equipment, picnic areas, a band shell for outdoor concerts, rest rooms, a visitor's center, drinking fountains, benches, gazebos, and walking trails leading to water, herb, and shade gardens. Trail users also will be able to reach the Dubuque Soccer Complex, where rest rooms, drinking fountains, play equipment, concessions and, of course, soccer fields, are provided. The Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project will form a bicycle and pedestrian network that will be used by both tourists and local residents. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension aze part of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) through Iowa. This bi-lingual trail project will connect to these regional, state and national trail systems, attracting more tourists to the State of Iowa and the Dubuque community. 10. Describe the degree of commitment to continue operation and maintenance of the project after grant money is no longer available, e.g., Existing Trail Maintenance Fund, etc. (10 points) The City has included the Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project in its five-year capital improvement program (CIP). The Bi-Lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage will be maintained by the City of Dubuque. The City has an annual operating budget and afive-yeaz capital improvement budget for maintenance of the City's streets, street markings, street signs, and trails. 11. Describe the degree to which the project results in the clean-up of the area and whether the trail is designated as a National Recreational Trail. (10 points) The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension are part of the backbone system of the State Recreational Trail Plan. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail is a National Recreation Trail. Both the County and City Heritage Trail systems aze part of the designated route for the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) through Iowa. The MRT is a 2,000-mile bike trail system being developed through the river cities and river landscapes in the 10 states along the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. This project will provide connections to regional, state and national trail systems, including the MRT. Construction of the Bi-lingual Bike/Hike Trail Signage Project as a side trip off the MRT will add to Dubuque's reputation as a tourist destination for both the State of Iowa and the community. Annual use on the Dubuque County Heritage Trail exceeds 60,000 people with an estimated 30% from out-of--town. Exhibit B-5