WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Officials are looking to bring down the cost of a planned, 3.2-mile non-motorized trail to connect Neenah and Menasha.
The ‘Loop the Little Lake’ project creates a path around Little Lake Butte Des Morts and also involves constructing two bridges across the Fox River to link up with existing trails.
It incoprorates the City of Neenah, City of Menasha, and Town of Menasha.
Initially expected to cost $3,200,000, bids recently came in closer to $3,900,000.
Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert says that was partially due to difficulties that come with doing construction work in water.
The $3,200,000 was collected in the form of $1,600,000 in state grants, $1,000,000 in private donations, and contributions from the municipalities.
“The City of Neenah put in $300,000, and the City of Menasha put in $300,000. We may have to put in additional dollars.”
Kaufert says project leaders also plan to seek additional funds from the state. He believes that is realistic since the effort is a ‘high priority in the state.’
Despite the possibility of more money, Kaufert says they are still going to alter the original design plans and re-bid the project.
“We’re really hoping to be centered on a number closer to the $3,700,000-$3,800,000 range.”
Kaufert is still optimistic work will get underway in 2017 and wrap up in time for the trail to open next summer.
“It’s going to give people the opportunity to get on the trail anywheres, explore the downtown areas and the park systems.”
Kaufert feels the path will provide more than just recreational benefits.
“A lot of opportunities for economic development, opportunities for our businesses to garner more customers.”
