Several years ago, TRAILS INC was created to shepherd the development and funding of a recently acquired 34+ mile of railroad right away from Marshalltown to Eldora. TRAILS INC’s function in Marshall County dovetails with a like organization in Hardin County. Hardin County’s trail development has been more fruitful than Marshall County’s; however, Marshall County has developed the trail in Marshall County on the right of way to the Radio Tower Road.

Trail funding then stalled. However, a huge funding opportunity has very recently been presented. That funding opportunity has been well-presented on the front page of the May 14, 2024 Times-Republican. You really need to read it to understand what this letter is about.

For our community to raise $2.7 million in less than a month is like climbing Mt. Everest, but it is done by taking one step at a time, sometimes with a large step and other times with a small step. Raising $2.7 million is possible.

I have lived in Marshalltown since 1958 and have seen many changes occur, but in my memory there has never been such a huge opportunity presented such as this that will benefit every Marshalltonian. We struggle for ways to make Marshalltown grow and prosper, and this opportunity is a real tool that will help us with that struggle. The economic benefits of having the trail completed as segment or the transcontinental Discover America Trail cannot be overlooked. Trails bring people and businesses created by trails.

I am a cyclist, and from that standpoint, I am excited about the trail but I am elated that Marshalltown now has this opportunity and an economic tool made available for our community’s prosperity. Everyone in Marshalltown has a stake in this. Remember that any step you take, large or small, will get you to the summit and that “there is no free lunch.”

Contact information is Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 505 5th Ave. Ste 444, Des Moines, IA 50309; Hade Terpstra, aterpstra@inhf.org, 515-288-1846 ext. 15.