Closing the gap in funding for the gap in trail

The Feather River Recreation and Park District is financially another step closer to beginning a project that will connect the Brad Freeman Memorial Trail from the Butte County Veteran’s Memorial to the Feather River Nature Center.

“The extension of the trail is located under the Table Mountain Bridge and is considered the ‘missing link’ in the 41-mile trail that offers a variety of scenic vistas and day trip activities,” said Victoria Teague, FRRPD interim general manager. “It’s a great project for the community.”

The project was partially funded in 2019 with a grant of $260,000 from the Supplemental Benefits Fund, a recreational projects fund established by the Department of Water Resources and State Water Contractors for the city. A second SBF grant of $150,000 was awarded in January.

The nearly half-mile section of the trail slated for improvement is currently “dirt and loose cobble stone,” said Teague. The scope of the improvement project includes building a 6-foot wide asphalt path with 12-inch shoulders; interpretive signs about the wildlife and vegetation; an overlook area with benches; and ADA parking at the nature center.

While the project has been “in discussion” since 2005, said Teague, it didn’t get moving until 2019 when the first grant was awarded. The initial phase of the project included the engineering work, construction cost estimates, filing easement agreements and getting environmental permits. About $25,000 of the original grant was spent on these requirements.

“The administrative costs are closed out. Now we’re just looking at what it will take to implement the project,” said Teague.

While the second grant brings the “shovel ready” project closer to fruition, another $212,000 is needed to break ground.

“Due to the impact of COVID interruptions and shut downs, the cost of materials has significantly increased since 2019 when project was originally put into motion,” said Teague. “We are actively seeking partnerships and grants to secure the last round of funding.”

Teague said FRRPD is meeting with other agencies and local civic groups to present the project for funding support. She is also looking for additional grant opportunities to obtain the remaining needed funds. Teague recently met with representatives from Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s office to present the project.

Teague admits that $212,000 is a lot of money but believes it is “definitely attainable.”

“The support from groups, individuals and other agencies is overwhelming,” said Teague. “Everyone is coming together to make this happen. I’m confident we’re going to get this thing done.”

While she doesn’t want to make any promises, Teague said she hopes to get the construction started this spring or summer, weather and funding permitting.