THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2008

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Federal Grant Helps Pave Way To Improved Trails

By TROY BRUZEWSKI

Journal Reporter

Improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail between Golf Road and Touhy Avenue could be completed by the end of 2009.

Des Plaines received a federal Congestion Mitigation for Air Quality grant in the amount of $1,048,000 for the improvements, which are components of the Des Plaines Riverwalk project. The money will be used for amenities like signs, lighting and clearing brush and trees. City Engineer Tim Oakley said the grant program is an effort to try and lower emissions from vehicles.

"It focuses on alternative modes for transportation," Oakley said. "Trying to get people out of their cars and using other forms of transportation like walking or riding a bike." Des Plaines will pay $209,600 in matching funds.

The trail segments lie within the jurisdiction of the Forest Preserve Dist. of Cook County (FPDCC), which recently approved an intergovernmental agreement with Des Plaines for the project.

"We looked at what it would take to improve the trail systems throughout Des Plaines," Oakley said. "We are going to improve the trail, so it can be multi-purpose. Right now it's dirt and mud with a few trees that fell down and are blocking the path."

Other improvements include a crushed limestone surface suitable for running or bicycling, and the possibility of having a horseback-riding path along side.

After receiving permission from the FPDCC earlier this month, the city's next step is accepting bids for consultative services on design and civil engineering.

Oakley said his office currently is reviewing submitted bids and should be making a recommendation to City Council in April.

The project could be completed by the end of 2009. Oakley said.

"Because these are federal funds, there are a lot of requirements for the grant, which is administered by IDOT (Illinois Dept. of Transportation," Oakley said. "It's usually a 12-month process, but after that we get a bidder awarded and it will be about a year to complete. A full construction year in 2009 will get it done."

After completion, the trail will be maintained by the forest preserve district.