Next stretch of county trail ready for bids

Bill Grimes
Effingham Daily News

A group trying to develop a trail system in Effingham County has embarked on the next step of its quest.

The Trail Recreation Effingham County (TREC) board unanimously agreed Thursday to let bids for Phase 1B of the system, a 3,280-foot stretch from the Little Wabash River west to Nazarene Church Road. Board President Frank Brummer said it is possible construction on the segment will begin this summer.

TREC has the money to pay for the estimated $270,000 cost of Phase 1B, according to financial records released Thursday. Treasurer Ken Vogt said the organization has $362,106.14. Most of that money — $307,391.94 — is in a savings account at Crossroads Bank. Another $34,861.96 is in a checking account at the same bank, while the other $19,851.24 is in a stock account managed by Raymond James.

Moreover, the organization is still waiting for more than $940,000 in pledges from a total pledged amount of more than $1.36 million. More than $417,000 in pledges from individuals and organizations has been collected.

But TREC isn’t just relying on donations, Brummer said, adding he would like to have an application for a bike path grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources completed by March 1.

Brummer said TREC board members also have been in contact with the Lumpkin Foundation for additional funding.

Brummer outlined his hopes for TREC in his annual “State of the Trail” presentation Thursday. Additional goals for 2010 include:

• Supporting the city of Effingham’s pending bicycle/pedestrian comprehensive plan.

• Finish construction on Phase 1A of the trail that stretches from Calico Road to the river.

• Continue the engineering and bid process for a bridge and elevated walkway over the river to link phases 1A and 1B.

TREC has evolved since its 2004 founding into an organization that has progressed far beyond the process of trail development, Brummer said.

“TREC is about promoting active lifestyles,” he said. “It’s more than building trails.”

Also Thursday, the board unanimously agreed to retain Brummer as president for another year. Other officers elected Monday were Frank Kabbes, vice president; Dan Woods, secretary; and Ken Vogt, treasurer.

Kabbes, who has been heavily involved in the fund-raising process, had earlier been elected as a new board member.

Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 132 or bill.grimes@effinghamdailynews.com.

Advertisement