A statewide non-profit organization is conducting a survey in hopes of getting additional funding to apply to a needed section of the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) in Greene and Guthrie Counties.

Iowa Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Luke Hoffman is asking for people to complete a less than two minute survey that is part of an economic impact study of cycling and trails. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio, their organization did a similar study in 2012 where the top line figure was $364 million, which today would be around $500 million. Hoffman says following the recent completion of the connector between the High Trestle Trail and RRVT, making it the longest paved loop in the country of 122 miles, the city of Jefferson asked if the study could be re-launched. 

Hoffman notes that the study will give an overall baseline money figure, but that they can break it down to what Greene County and the city of Jefferson would see as far as an economic impact, both direct with the construction of the portion of the trail that needs fixed, and indirect impact.

“What does that mean in terms of more people using the trail after that maintenance has been completed? And then finally, what you might call the induced impacts. So the impact on the rest of the community as a result of those people using the trail (such as) spending money at restaurants in Jefferson.”  

Hoffman points out that there are about 14 miles between Greene and Guthrie Counties that would need to be repaved, with an estimate of $5.5 million. He says this study could help get one of the primary funding sources with tax increment financing (TIF) funds. 

“And boy, oh boy does that part of the Raccoon River Valley Trail need it. You know, that part of the trail is in desperate need of trail maintenance. This study is going to help them secure those funds to make that happen, so that that trail can just be in the best condition.” 

Hoffman adds that the survey is still ongoing and encourages everyone who has not taken it, to do so and then they can have that data to enable them to do their job which is to advocate for more funding to replace areas of bike trails that are in need. Click here to take the survey. Listen to today’s Jefferson A & W Family Restaurant Let’s Talk Greene County program to hear more from Hoffman about the survey and study.