Cyclists, runners, and walkers in Buffalo, Iowa will have a new trail to use starting this weekend. The Mississippi River Trail project is officially completed, and a ribbon cutting will be held on Saturday morning.
Denise Bulat, Executive Director of the Bi-State Regional Commission, says the project began in 2006 when it received federal money.
"It actually is on highway 22 for part of the way where it's four-lane, and it shares roadway through the city of Buffalo. And once you pass Buffalo, it goes to a separated trail on the north side of Iowa 22."
Stanley Consultants was the engineering firm for the project and planned what it would look like.
"It took quite some time to plan for the Buffalo section of the Mississippi River Trail. It was a lot of effort from various Buffalo citizens and elected officials, and also federal and state elected officials, and not-for-profits like River Action."
Valley Construction was the general contractor for the eight miles of trail. The new trail is part of the 3,000 mile Mississippi River Trail system that goes from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Of the $600,000 cost, nearly $500,000 came from the federal government, the state contributed $100,000. The City of Buffalo contributed about $12,000.