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