ENID — More than 35 people attended a meeting Friday to show their support for obtaining grant funding for the new trails system in Enid.
Andrie Winters, city of Enid grants resource manager, presented those attending the hearing with concepts for two trails that could be funded through a grant from Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.
“This is a hearing about the grant application, not the design of the trail,” Winters reminded those in attendance. “At this point, it’s a just a concept.”
Enid could apply for a $266,000 grant for further construction of a half mile of walking trails. The grant would cover 80 percent of the cost of the proposed additions, with the city covering the remaining 20 percent. The grant also offers funding for a motorized trail for ATVs and other motorized vehicles. That portion of the grant would be about $430,000, to create 2.5 miles of motorized-use trail.
City Manager Eric Benson said any plans made also would have to meet any requirements of the grant.
“If we take their money, we are wedded to their plan,” he said. “To be eligible for any state grant, we have to oblige ourselves to their rules.”
The hour-long meeting was a requirement of the grant to notify residents the city of Enid was applying for public funds.
City officials have long discussed a master trail system through all parts of Enid, and have been working on the project in stages. In April 2011, Enid City Commission appropriated funds for the master trail system.
Last year work was done on phase II of the trail system, which includes 2.2 miles of trail along South Johnson and two bridges. The trail is concrete, 10 feet wide with 2-foot shoulders.
The master plan developed for the city of Enid identifies 33 corridors to develop in the next 15 years
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