West Lincoln Street reconstruction moving forward

A contract with TK Concrete was approved for the street improvements project on West Lincoln Street by the Monroe City Council Monday. At an extended price of $290,273, the work includes reconstruction of the existing hot mix-asphalt (HMA) roadways with a new 20 foot HMA roadway.

“They would like to start possibly the second weekend in September,” city clerk Kim Thomas said. “Estimations are it will take about four weeks and the property owners will be notified before we start the project by letter.”

The reconstruction includes excavation and grading, preparation of an eight inch sub grade, placement of a six inch sub base and placement of a six inch HMA roadway. Driveway and sidewalk areas affected will be removed and replaced with new six inch sidewalks and driveways. Manhole adjustments and any site restoration will be completed with the project.

Work on the project must be substantially completed on or before Oct. 31. Should the project not be completed within the allotted time, the contract states the contractor will pay the city $500 per day until work is substantially completed.

The council also approved a resolution endorsing a Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant application. The grant would be used to obtain additional funding for the Red Rock Prairie Trail Project.

The project includes an 8.3-mile route connecting Monroe and Prairie City, along the former railway. Also a part of the project are trail heads in both communities.

To complete the project, Thomas said they are applying for a total grant of $2.1 million with a majority of the dollars coming through federal funding. The REAP grant application will be set at $75,000.

Provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, REAP grants are distributed to communities to enhance and protect the state’s natural and cultural resources. Available for parkland expansion and multi-purpose recreation developments, the city’s trail project falls within the guidelines set out for the grants.

The grant is 100 percent funded by the DNR with no local matching funds required. While they are very competitive, they cannot be used for projects including multipurpose athletic fields, baseball or softball diamonds, tennis courts, golf courses or other organized sport facilities. Swimming pools and playground equipment are also not eligible for grant funding.

Should the project be awarded the grant, it must be completed within two years time. Of the funds awarded, 90 percent can be requested at the time of the grant agreement being signed with the remaining 10 percent released upon the successful completion of the project.

According to Jasper County Hometown Price Community Coach Jeff Davidson, construction and paving of the trail is set to begin later this year. Through ongoing efforts, the trail has already received $1.2 million in funding through federal, state and local contributions.

The project has been in development since 2014, when Jasper County Conservation and local leaders enlisted the help of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to acquire an 11-mile abandoned rail bed running from Monroe to Highway F62 West, southeast of Prairie City to Highway S27 near Mitchellville. Future expansions including building portions leading Lake Red Rock to the southeast and Mitcheville, Altoona and the Gay Lea Wilson Trail in Altoona to the west.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com