(Council Bluffs) Residents of Pottawattamie County are moving closer to a long-term vision aimed at enhancing quality of life, attracting new families, and boosting local economies through expanded recreational infrastructure. Central to that vision is the development of a county-wide trail system, highlighted by progress on the Railroad Highway Trail.
Momentum for the project—designed to eventually connect Council Bluffs to Neola—has grown significantly in recent months following three major funding awards. The initiative secured $500,000 from the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) in March, $1.9 million through the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in January, and an additional $500,000 from the State Recreational Trails Program in November.
These funds will support the paving of a 4.2-mile segment between Weston and Underwood. Engineering for this portion began last month, with construction potentially starting as early as 2027 if the remaining $2 million in needed funding is obtained…