Iowa DOT continues traveling workshops to discuss development of the Lewis and Clark Multiuse Trail
AMES, Iowa – Sept. 8, 2009 – As the plan for the Lewis and Clark Multiuse Trail begins its refinement, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and its consulting partner, RDG Planning and Design, invite the public to attend community workshops to assist in determining the trail’s course. These drop-in workshops, being held in five communities the week of Sept. 21, will feature maps highlighting areas where a blended network of trails could connect roads, waterways, parks, greenways, towns, businesses, and attractions.
“These workshops will provide people with the chance to work with us on designing the trail system. The meetings provide a place to exchange ideas and work together to create a system that is both economically feasible and meets the needs of the many groups with an interest in the project,“ said project manager Dolores Silkworth of RDG Planning and Design. “The sessions will be very informal and collaborative, a chance to discuss ideas and work together with resource materials,” she continued.
In July, more than 100 community members participated in 14 individual sessions discussing the Lewis and Clark Trail Study. Topics of conversation were as diverse as the attendees, and included such subjects as route ideas, possibilities for economic and tourism development safety, trail design, protection of property rights, trail themes, and attractions and resources. “The information and insights that we received from our summer workshops are opening up new ideas and helping us look at the trail’s potential in new and exciting ways. A particularly important direction involves capitalizing on the different types of experiences and environments that the study area provides,” said Silkworth.
The Lewis and Clark Multiuse Trail is identified by the Iowa DOT as one of five trails of statewide significance. It will eventually traverse Iowa, extending from the Missouri border to the South Dakota border at Sioux City. This trail will weave together roads, waterways, parks, greenways, towns, businesses, and attractions into a network that travelers can use to discover the beauty and history of western Iowa. The goals of establishing this network are to strengthen the economies of the communities involved, provide enjoyable personal and family experiences, improve health and wellness of individuals, and build a greater understanding of the region and its assets.
Planning workshops for the Lewis and Clark Multiuse Trail will be held as follows:
· Monday, September 21, Hamburg Fire Station – 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
· Tuesday, September 22, Glenwood Public Library Annex - Drop-in workshop from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
· Wednesday, September 23, Missouri Valley, Iowa Rand Senior Center - Drop-in workshop from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
· Thursday, September 24, Onawa Community and Recreation Center - Drop-in workshop from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
· Friday, September 25, Sioux City, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center - Drop-in workshop from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For more information, contact one of the individuals listed below.
· Marty Shukert, RDG Planning & Design, mshukert@rdgusa.com or 402-392-0133
· Dolores Silkworth, RDG Planning & Design, DSilkworth@rdgusa.com or 402-392-0133
· Milly Ortiz, Iowa DOT’s Office of Systems Planning, milly.ortiz@dot.iowa.gov or 515-233-7733
