State officials can’t wait to get started on enhancements to the Flint Hills Nature Trail northwest of Emporia.
A lot of that has to do with the timetable. The nearly $25 million federal grant announced earlier this month by US Senator Jerry Moran has a five-year construction window, and there is a lot involved: drainage improvements, pipes, culverts, bridges, base improvements, limestone surfacing, fences, gates, safety improvements and signage. But a lot has to do with the national and international draw of the state’s trail network, according to Trail Manager Trent McCown.
Jeff Bender, Regional Supervisor for Kansas State Parks, agrees. He says the state’s broadening trail network has a lot of benefits for those using the trails, the towns along the trail and the state as a whole.
Work will be concentrated from Council Grove west to Herington, helping to open the trail for that 27-mile stretch, but it will also lead to enhancements for another 13 miles of the trail. The nearly 120-mile trail goes through Morris, Lyon and Osage counties in the KVOE listening area and goes from Osawatomie west to Herington. The grant funding will almost complete the trail. A construction timetable hasn’t been announced.
Click here for more information about the grant.
Click here for more information about the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
