The local 2011 MRT and MRT/ADT riverfront trail extensions and engineering studies will collectively make this the Year of the Iowa MRT!!! These trail extensions will:

• unite river communities!
• provide valuable additional immediate and future opportunities for local recreation!
• be integral to the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) that will extend from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico!

This project that will extend the Riverfront Trail from the Isle of Capri, upriver to Riverdale, and connect to the Duck Creek Trail is scheduled to go out for bid in Mid-Feb. Steve Grimes, Parks Director, hopes the city will award the contract and start construction late March/April and complete the project by the end of summer. Bettendorf also received a National Scenic Byways Grant to construct an overlook and that will go out to bid in April. The overlook will include signage, viewing binoculars, interpretive signage, parking, and a restroom near Riverstone at Elm Street. Over two million grant dollars have been received for these projects.

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