Several people shared their questions, opinions and concerns with the Dallas County Conservation Board at the first of two public meetings Monday in regards to the Raccoon River Valley Trail to High Trestle Trail connector project.
Among them was Dan Spellman, who presented the Board with a position statement on behalf of Perry Industries and Perry Economic Development.
The letter stated that both groups have been and are strong supporters of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and current High Trestle Connector Trail Project.
“Connecting these two major trails would create a unique, multi-use trail system which would be a huge benefit to the State of Iowa, to Central Iowa, to the many communities and businesses on such Trails and to the counties in which such trails are located.”
The letter, signed by Perry Economic Development President Richard Jones and Perry Industries President Chad Hoffbeck, goes on to say “we believe these counties at least include Dallas, Greene, Guthrie, and Polk. Connecting these two major Trails would also create one of the top tourist attractions in Iowa; and one of the most compete and modern trail systems in America.”
The two groups stated that they strongly support the “railroad right-of-way route” or “Alignment A”. They feel the preferred route, which would enter eastern Perry on 130th Street or Park Avenue and connect through town to the Raccoon River Valley Trail at the downtown trailhead is a logical and safe connecting point.
Spellman said both groups are willing to work with the Conservation Board to contact land owners and help try to acquire land if they feel it would help. They also plan to be in attendance at the next public meeting on the 28th in Waukee.