Upper Iowa University students take advantage of the scenic Volga River Multiuse Trail. A 2 ½ mile expansion of the trail will be partly funded by a $50,000 TAP grant made possible by the Iowa DNR.
FAYETTE, Iowa (May 23, 2013) – In a joint effort with the City of Fayette and the Volga River State Recreation Area, Upper Iowa University was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation's Regional Transportation Alternative Program (TAP). This grant will help fund a 2 ½ mile expansion and bridge construction to connect Fayette's 2.8-mile trail system from the Fayette Sports Complex with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Volga River State Recreation Area.
"We are pleased that the Volga River trail project was selected as a recipient of the TAP grant," said Dr. William R. Duffy, President. "Completion of this project will go a long way in supporting economic development as we work to make Fayette a destination community. Linking our community with the Volga River State Recreation Area will provide a safe and scenic byway for our residents and students, as well as attract visitors from the Recreation Area to our community. It's a win-win for our University, Fayette and the area."
The City of Fayette currently offers 2.8 miles of recreational trails that survey the unique landscapes of northeast Iowa, including bluffs that rise above the Volga River and wooded areas which provide numerous scenic attractions such as its diverse plant and wildlife. With the expansion, the trail's scenic attractions will make available to the public views of over 150 acres of restored native prairie, a native prairie remnant called Sedge Meadow and acres of hardwood forest with deer, birds and other native wildlife.
"We are really excited about this project," said Christie Dennis, Fayette city administrator. "We are very appreciative of the property owners that see the value in the construction and expansion of the Fayette multiuse trail. They have been very generous in granting easements and right-of-ways for the project."
Dennis added that future visions for the trail include adding a lookout feature to the highest point of the trail, which provides a beautiful panoramic view of the county, as well as a possible connection to neighboring West Union.
In all, six projects competed for this year's TAP funding. Just three received funding, including the Fayette-Volga River Multiuse Trail. Projects also receiving grants were the Upper Explorerland RPC to support the Safe Routes to School liaison position and Winneshiek County to complete the fourth phase of the Dry Run Trail project.
About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
