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HomeMy WebLinkAbout227-12 RESOLUTIONRESOLUTION NO. 227-12 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS RAZORBACK GREENWAY OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAZORBACK GREENWAY TRAILS WITHIN FAYETTEVILLE WHEREAS, the City of Fayetteville has reviewed the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan as applicable to sections of the Greenway that extend through the City of Fayetteville's municipal jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this Operations and Management Plan is to define the maintenance, management and operation requirements associated with the Razorback Regional Greenway facilities and lands that are located within the City of Fayetteville; and WHEREAS, the Plan has been reviewed and approved by all City Departments that are responsible for maintaining, managing and operating the lands and facilities of the Greenway and other tails within Fayetteville; and WHEREAS, Article XI Operations of Vehicles and Use of City Trails of Title VII Traffic Code of the Code of Fayetteville regulating multi -use operations shall have precedence and supersede if there would be any conflict with this Plan. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby approves the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan (attached as Exhibit A) as it applies to current or future Razorback Greenway trails within the City of Fayetteville. Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby agrees that the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan shall be used as a guide for maintenance and management for current and future Razorback Greenway trails within Fayetteville. PASSED and APPROVED this 4th day of December, 2012. APPROVED: By: ATTEST: -�� By: LTU LD .lO • , Mayor •,%1111111111, ,zz..,..,,....,0..-0.‘,./. 1 -,.?,,, x%1111111111,. SONDRA E. SMITH, City Clerk oA ,iVt r' ° sf. ▪ :▪ FAYETTEVILLE :;I', p c . L: 1;37 • ••...••• fit\��.s f`I,�!I1 r,.! . ,`•• Matt Mihalevich Submitted By City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form City Council Agenda Items and Contracts, Leases or Agreements 12/4/2012 City Council Meeting Date Agenda Items Only Engineering Division Action Required: Development Services Department Approval of an Operations and Management Plan for the sections of the Razorback Regional Greenway within the City of Fayetteville. N/A Cost of this request N/A Account Number N/A Project Number Budgeted Item x N/A Category / Project Budget N/A N/A Program Category / Project Name N/A Funds Used to Date Program / Project Category Name N/A N/A Remaining Balance Fund Name Budget Adjustment Attached rc Departme nl irector Date f ! U -IS mt-- City Att°They Finance and Internal Services Director j1-1S-iL Date Date Date /4/.1— Dat Previous Ordinance or Resolution # Original Contract Date: Original Contract Number: Received in City 1 '-' A = C4 Clerk's Office 1 % Comments: Revised January 15, 2009 Wtevi1e THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENCE ARKANSAS www.accessfayetteville.org CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO To: Mayor and City Council Thru: Don Marr, Chief of Staff Jeremy Pate, Development Services Director Chris Brown, City Engineer VP) From: Matt Mihalevich, Trails Coordinator"" Date: November 14, 2012 Subject: Operations and Management Plan for the Razorback Regional Greenway RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of an Operations and Management Plan for the sections of the Razorback Regional Greenway within the City of Fayetteville. PROPOSAL: To insure proper operations and management of the new 36 -mile Razorback Regional Greenway, each of the Cities containing sections of the greenway have adopted similar versions of an Operations and Management Plan. Since Fayetteville already operates and maintains over 20 miles of trails, the Fayetteville version of the Operations and Management Plan has been modified to model the existing operation and maintenance procedures. The Police, Parks & Recreation and Transportation departments have reviewed and approved the attached Operations and Management Plan. BUDGET IMPACT: This Operations and Management plan formalizes the existing operation and maintenance procedures of the trail system for the Police, Parks & Recreation and Transportation departments without requesting additional funding. Current budgets within these departments will cover the responsibilities outlined within this document. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS RAZORBACK GREENWAY OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RAZORBACK GREENWAY TRAILS WITHIN FAYETTEVILLE WHEREAS, the City of Fayetteville has reviewed the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan as applicable to sections of the Greenway that extend through the City of Fayetteville's municipal jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this Operations and Management Plan is to define the maintenance, management and operation requirements associated with the Razorback Regional Greenway facilities and lands that are located within the City of Fayetteville; and WHEREAS, the Plan has been reviewed and approved by all City Departments that are responsible for maintaining, managing and operating the lands and facilities of the Greenway and other tails within Fayetteville; and WHEREAS, Article XI Operations of Vehicles and Use of City Trails of Title VII Traffic Code of the Code of Fayetteville regulating multi -use operations shall have precedence and supersede if there would be any conflict with this Plan. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby approves the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan (attached as Exhibit A) as it applies to current or future Greenway trails within the City of Fayetteville. Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby agrees that the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan shall be used as a guide for maintenance and management for current and future Razorback Greenway trails within Fayetteville. PASSED and APPROVED this 4th day of December, 2012. APPROVED: ATTEST: By: By: LIONELD JORDAN, Mayor SONDRA E. SMITH, City Clerk/Treasurer Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway eST 44,,r ci-itIC-rit It, 0 —:i......,,,„- '. Z#iii, UP 73 ti. , i S. 13;& 44- AN ill Ci .1 Operations and Management Plan City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Prepared November 2012 Adopted by the City of Fayetteville , 2012 City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Operations and Management Plan 1. Overview 1.1 Project Description and Objectives The mission of this Operations and Maintenance Plan is to promote a well-maintained, well-groomed, safe, secure and pleasant -to -use Razorback Greenway shared -use public trail. The Greenway corridor must be an asset to the City of Fayetteville and a good neighbor to surrounding public and private properties, businesses and landscapes. The standard of care and quality will be consistent across the multiple jurisdictional boundaries of Northwest Arkansas. Fayetteville agrees to maintain the Razorback Greenway to the regional standards defined herein. The term operations and maintenance refers to specific day-to-day tasks as well as the longer term remedial functions and programs performed to assure resources and facilities of the Greenway are kept in good usable condition. This begins with sound design, durable components, and a comprehensive management plan. In addition, community groups, residents, business owners, developers and other stakeholders will continue to be engaged in the long-term stewardship of the resources preserved and enhanced by the Razorback Greenway as it extends through the City of Fayetteville. The Razorback Greenway plan envisions a continuous multi -use, non -gas motorized corridor accommodating bikes, pedestrians, roller -skaters, wheelchairs and other human - propelled uses. The Greenway extends approximately 9 miles through Fayetteville, from Lake Fayetteville Trail to Clear Creek Trail to Scull Creek Trail to Frisco Trail. to Walker Park Trail. The Greenway corridor may include and incorporate: parks, feature areas, plazas, open spaces, streams and wetlands, as well as cultural and interpretive elements. 1.2 The Jurisdictions and Partners The Razorback Greenway will traverse six jurisdictions including: Bentonville; Rogers; Lowell; Springdale; Johnson; and Fayetteville. In addition, portions of the trail will run within, or proximate to, State of Arkansas and the United States Department of Transportation rights-of-way. Most of the trail corridor will be off-street, though some portions will be on -street, accommodating bicycles on the roadway and pedestrians on sidewalks. Because the trail and the greenway corridor includes streets, streams, parks and other spaces, multiple departments and agencies within the jurisdictions must also be engaged; including Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Planning, Engineering, Police and Fire/rescue agencies. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 3 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Razorback Regional Greenway Fayetteville, Arkansas 9.4 Miles within the City of Fayetteville _ _1 City of Johnson 1 4.0 • a r. To Springdale 1 s. 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 4 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan While each major jurisdiction has its own operations and maintenance departments, a key to a sustainable quality greenway over the length of the corridor will be a consistency of standards, cooperation and coordination amongst the communities and building enduring partnerships engaging both public and private sector leadership. While some of the jurisdictions already have a history of existing trails and greenway management, for others the Razorback Greenway will represent the first major trail/greenway maintenance obligation and there will be a need for capacity building and diversification of skills and resources to meet this challenge in those communities. This report provides guidelines and strategies to help address this need of both coordination and capacity. 1.3 Guiding Principles of Quality/Cost-Effective Trail Management The trail and greenway system should be viewed and maintained as a world-class public resource. Indeed it will become infrastructure similar to the street system, park system or utility networks serving the communities for generations to come. The following guiding principals will help assure the preservation of a first class system: 1. Good maintenance begins with sound planning and design. 2. Foremost protect life, property and the environment. 3. Promote and maintain a quality outdoors recreation and transportation experience. 4. Maintain quality control and standards. 5. Develop a management plan that is reviewed and updated annually with tasks, operational policies, standards, and routine and remedial maintenance goals. 6. Conduct regular inspections and keep complete records. 7. Maintain an effective, responsive public feedback system and promote public participation. 8. Be a good neighbor to adjacent properties. 9. Operate a cost effective program with sustainable funding sources. 10. The City agrees to maintain membership on a regional committee of respective agencies and jurisdictions that are situated along the length of the Razorback Greenway to establish, adopt, and implement a uniform program of trail management. The Razorback Greenway traverses three different types of environments: parkland owned by local government, urban land that is either within public ownership or will be acquired as public access and use easements, and private land where multi -use trail easements have been acquired by the City for the purpose of public access. This management and operations plan addresses lands associated with the Razorback Greenway. The operations and management plan for the Razorback Greenway provides baseline information for tasks that need to be undertaken by the City of Fayetteville and its project partners. This plan recommends a series of work items and tasks that need to be Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 5 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan completed in order to maintain the Razorback Greenway Trail system as an attractive, safe, and enjoyable amenity. The following defines key aspects of the Razorback Greenway management, beginning with operational policies, followed by facility management, land management, safety, security, emergency response and risk management. 2. Operations and Maintenance Functions 2.1 Overview of Functional Areas The functional landscapes that are part of the Razorback Greenway, located within the City of Fayetteville, are: 1) Fayetteville Trail Head 2) Lake Fayetteville Trail 3) Clear Creek Trail 4) Scull Creek Trail 5) Frisco Trail 6) Walker Park 2.2 Maintenance—Routine, Remedial and Seasonal Defined Routine Maintenance refers to the daily/weekly/monthly regime of trail sweeping, trash and debris removal, sign replacement, weed control, tree and shrub trimming, and other regularly scheduled activities. Routine maintenance also includes minor repairs and replacement such as fixing cracks and potholes or repairing a broken hand railing. Remedial Maintenance refers to correcting significant defects as well as repairing, replacing or restoring major components that have been destroyed, damaged, or significantly deteriorated during the life of the project. Some items ("minor repairs") may occur on a five to ten year cycle such as repainting, seal coating asphalt pavement or replacing signage. Major reconstruction items will occur over a longer period or after an event such as a flood. Examples of major reconstruction remedial maintenance include stabilization of a severely eroded hillside, repaving a significant stretch of the trail surface, repaving a street used for biking or replacing a footbridge. Remedial maintenance should be part of a long-term capital improvement plan. Longevity of Greenway Asphalt Facilities 10 to 20 years Concrete 20 years + Boardwalk 15 to 20 years Bridge/Underpass/Tunnel 50 years + Seasonal Maintenance—In addition to the routine and remedial categories, there are seasonal tasks that should be performed as needed. Designated maintenance crews should remove leaf debris, gravel and mud, etc. from all network facilities as soon as possible. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 6 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 2.3 Components That Are Maintained Following are the key components of the Razorback Greenway System: • Off -Street Shared -Use Trails ■ Off -Street Side Trails • Trail -Related Corridors (such as landscaping, vegetation and viewsheds adjacent to the trail.) • On -Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities (such as bike lanes, cycle tracks and bike routes) • Associated Natural Resource Areas (such as streams,woodlands,wetlands and other natural and cultural resources proximate and associated with the trail) • Trailheads and Access Points • Trail -Related Park and Feature Areas (integral to the trail system) • Associated Sidewalks (interconnecting with or adjacent to trails and on -street routes.) • Associated Streetscapes 2.4 Typical operations and maintenance tasks include: In General • User Courtesy and Regulatory Framework/Hours of Operation ■ Conflict Reduction and Resolution • User Safety and Risk Management • Prompt graffiti and vandalism repair • Herbicide Management ■ Programming and Events ■ Stewardship and Enhancement ■ Coordinate volunteer and adopt-a-trail/street activities • Oversight and Coordination • User/Neighboring Property Feedback and Response Off -Street Shared -Use Trails • Inspection • Trail Surface Maintenance • Sweeping • Vegetation Management including tree and branch trimming and fallen tree removal • Erosion Control • Litter and Trash Removal • Repair Trail Structures • Fixture and Furnishings Maintenance • Signage and Displays, Public Art ■ Lighting and signal maintenance • Toilet Facility Service • Remedy "Social Trails" (such as shortcuts) ■ Address Detours/Disruptions (Promptly) • Patrol and Security Services • Accident and Incident Data Tracking ■ User Feedback and Follow-up Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 7 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Trail -Related Corridors and Associated Resource Conservation Areas* • Inspection • Vegetation Management • Stream Channel/Riverbank Maintenance • Litter and Trash Removal • Pest Management • Vegetation Management including Weeds and Invasive Plants • Waterfowl and Hunting Regulation • Monitor Dumping and Filling • Fire Prevention • Patrol and Security Services • User Feedback and Follow-up * The Razorback Greenway Trail corridor includes open land immediately next to, or integral with, the trail corridor. For planning purposes this is considered to be a swath up to 30' -wide. This open space may include stream corridors or other open landscapes. Resource conservation areas include wetlands, riparian areas, woodlots and other open spaces that have been set aside along the trail system. Trail Related Park and Feature Areas • Inspection ■ Mowing/Vegetation Management • Fixture and Furnishings Maintenance ■ User Feedback and Follow-up Other Management Functions • Programming and Events • Oversight and Coordination Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 8 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Operations and Maintenance Tasks Parks Transportation Volunteers Mowing X Trail Lighting X Sweeping X Tunnel / Underpass Cleaning X Pest & Herbicide Management X Storm Debris Removal X Snow Removal X Pavement Rehabilitation X Center Line and Bollard Striping X Trail Crossing Signal Lights X Tree & Shrub Trimming X Graffiti Removal X Trash Pickup X X Sign Maintenance X Trail Head Maintenance X • Public Art • Bollards • Benches • Trash Cans • Way Side Maps • Water Fountains • Dogi Pots X Railroad Underpass Covered Walkway Painting X Fence Repair/Replacement X Trail Programs/Promotion X X Adjacent Stream Bank Restoration X X Adopt -a -trail - Trail trekkers X X Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 9 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 3. Razorback Greenway Access and Use 3.1 Public Access and Use Residents and visitors shall have access to and use of the Razorback Greenway during normal hours of operation as defined herein. All access and use is governed by City of Fayetteville Ordinance. The use of the trail system is limited to non - gas motorized users, including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, running, jogging, and wheelchair use. No horses are allowed on the Razorback Regional Greenway. The City of Fayetteville authorized motorized vehicles used for maintenance, safety and emergency purposes are permitted to use the pathway. The City of Fayetteville's Ordinance, Article XI, chapter 71 "Operation of Vehicles and Use of City Trails" defines the restrictions and regulations of the Fayetteville Trail system. 3.2 Hours of Operation The Razorback Greenway will be operated as a non -lighted (except where the City has installed and maintains trail lighting) linear park and recreation facility, and shall be open for public use at all times, 365 days a year, except as specifically designated by the City of Fayetteville. 3.3 Care and Management of the Trails The City of Fayetteville shall be responsible for the care and upkeep of the trails and all lands, drainage features, signage, fences, bridges, trail heads, landscape plantings and trail amenities. This manual will govern management and operation roles and responsibilities. It is recommended for this Manual to be periodically reviewed and updated by all parties. 3.4 Fencing and Vegetative Screening Policy The City of Fayetteville will work with adjacent landowners on an individual basis to determine fencing and vegetative screening requirements of the Razorback Greenway. The care of fences and screening outside of the trail right-of-way or not on publicly owned lands is the responsibility of the adjacent landowner. 3.5 Drainage Management Policy The City of Fayetteville shall, within its rights-of-way and easement corridors, maintain all drainage channels, ditches and streams that bisect or intersect with the Razorback Greenway and shall ensure that all of these drainages are free flowing and unimpeded. Management of drainage channels and structures shall include the removal of vegetation, trash and debris that would serve to block the flow of surface waters. 4. Trail Lands and Facility Management Policy The Razorback Greenway should be classified under this agreement as a multi -use trail and will be maintained in a manner that is consistent with best maintenance practices of all trails within the City of Fayetteville. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 10 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Greenway maintenance shall include the removal of all debris, trash, litter, obnoxious and unsafe human -made structures, vegetation and other foreign matter. Trail heads, points of public access, rest areas, and other activity areas shall be maintained in a clean and usable condition. The primary concern for trail maintenance shall always be public safety. All trail facilities shall be maintained in a safe and usable manner during hours of operation. Rough edges, severe bumps or depressions, cracked or uneven pavement, gullies, rills and washed out tread surface shall be repaired as soon as possible. Volunteer vegetation occurring in the trail tread should be removed in such a manner so that the trail surface is maintained as a continuous, even and clean surface. 5. Land Management Parkland that is owned by the City of Fayetteville and used for Razorback Greenway, shall be governed by park and recreation management and operations policies, procedures and programs. Other public rights-of-way and private property that is accessed and used for the Greenway as part of a greenway easement shall be maintained in a condition that promotes safety and security for users and adjacent property owners. Vegetation within the trail corridor should be managed to promote safety, serve as habitat for wildlife, buffer public use from private property, enhance water quality and preserve the unique aesthetic values of the natural landscape. Removal of native vegetation should be done with clear purpose and discretion. The objective in controlling growth of vegetation shall be to maintain clear and open lines of sight along the trail at all times, at intersections with roadways and driveways, and along roadways. Vegetation removal within the trail development zone should be accomplished to eliminate potential hazards that could occur from natural growth. To promote safe use of the trail, all vegetation should be clear-cut to a minimum distance of 3 feet from the edge of the trail tread. Selective clearing of vegetation should be conducted, in cooperation with appropriate management agents, within a zone that is defined as being between three to ten feet from the edge of the pathway. At any point along the trail, a user should have an unobstructed view, along the centerline of the pathway, 250 feet ahead and behind his/her position, except where the terrain, existing structures, large trees or trail curvature is a limiting factor. Removal or installation of vegetation within the trail right-of-way by an individual or agency other than the City of Fayetteville or its designee, is deemed unlawful and subject to fines and/or prosecution. 5.1 Accurate and Organized Record Keeping Good record-keeping techniques are essential to a comprehensive operations and maintenance program, particularly when multiple jurisdictions are involved. This information can be used to eliminate overlap or gaps in maintenance services provided, identify levels of use, and prioritize management needs. Handheld digital devices and Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 11 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan applications with GPS capability carried by field inspectors and maintenance personal may help expedite and facilitate a more effective record keeping system where data is fed into a central source—accessible on the Web not only locally but by the other jurisdictions along the entire length of the Razorback Greenway. The record keeping template could include: o Schedule of routine (and remedial) maintenance tasks o Inspection reports o List of daily activities o Observed routine and remedial maintenance items and issues o Hazards, incidents, safety issues observed and action taken o Prioritization of remedial maintenance projects o User and adjacent properties input (complaints, comments, suggestions, etc.) and follow- up o Annual maintenance budgets and costs o Projected costs for subsequent years (short term, medium term, and long-term) o Internal working database for existing, planned, or proposed projects for each system— greenway, off-street, on -street, bicycle, and pedestrian 6. Safety and Security 6.1 Security and Public Safety, Risk Management and Liability Considerations Promoting safety and security of trail users and the security of adjacent properties should be the foremost objective of this operations and management plan. The City of Fayetteville should work in cooperation with other local government agencies to develop and implement a safety and security program for the Razorback Greenway. This program should consist of well-defined safety and security policies; the identification of trail management, law enforcement, emergency and fire protection policies; and a system that offers timely response to the residents and visitors for issues or problems related to safety and security. Important components of the safety and security program may include: 1) Establishment of a safety committee and/or coordinator, 2) Preparation of a pathway safety manual, 3) Establishment of user rules and regulations, 4) Development of trail emergency procedures, 5) Preparation of a safety checklist for the pathway, 6) Preparation of a pathway -user response form, Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 12 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 7) A system for trail related incident reporting and analysis, 8) Regular maintenance and inspection programs, 9) Site and facility development and review, 10) Public information programs, 11) Employee training programs for safety and emergency response, and 12) Ongoing research and evaluation of program objectives. Key considerations in promoting public safety and security may include: • Have good, current, data—Implement a data base management system, a crime tracking system, with police for tracking the specific locations and circumstances of all incidents, such as accidents, crime and vandalism, and create a follow-up plan to address any major, re -occurring problems that develop. • Monitor the condition of facilities—Schedule and document frequent inspections to determine the amount of use, location, age, type of construction, and condition of railings, bridges, trail surfaces, signage, etc. Evaluate and remove all obstacles or objects that could impede facility usage such as debris, rumble strips, etc. and provide solutions such as alternative routing, removal of obstacle, etc. Follow-up with the appropriate corrective measures in a timely manner. • Preventative maintenance—Identify potential safety problems such as a missing curve or stop sign, a damaged trail surface, a missing railing, leaf litter, snow and ice build-ups (especially hidden ice and snow), flash flood issue, storm water drainage and/or erosion issues. Important to check for these after events like storms or construction along the trail corridor. • Safety and security features though planning and design—This includes adhering to state -of -the -standards such as the ASSHTO Guide to the Development of Bicycle Facilities, The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devises, ADA, OSHA, etc. It also includes incorporating good lines of sight, trimming vegetation and other measures to avoid hiding places and other defense -through -design techniques to help reduce crime and accidents. • Multi -disciplinary plan review—All proposed plans and construction drawings should be circulated amongst the various engaged departments and staff including engineering, transportation, parks and recreation, and police and fire/rescue, including key field staff. • User courtesy and conflict reduction—Posting signs, equipping patrol persons, using brochures and Website to educated public on trail etiquette including bicycle yield, equestrian courtesies, dog on leash and safe practices (See "conflict reduction" below). • Wayfinding and location identification—This should include, street signs at cross streets readily visible from the trail and "mile markers" located at least every 1/4 mile giving the location based on a north to south or west to east numbering staring at a single "point zero" such as a major cross street and running the entire length of the trail across jurisdictional line. • Patrol and enforcement—This might be a multi -jurisdictional patrol with wireless communication capability and first aid training. • Protecting adjacent properties Working with adjacent land owners, tenants, and businesses to assure the trail is a good neighbor. This may include (where appropriate), security barriers, do not trespass signage, and communication with impacted neighbors. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 13 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan • Medical emergencies and rescue, response and access—Working with police and fire/rescue for optimal emergency response including design for rescue and vehicle (to accommodate up to 6.5 tons) access, incident reporting by location, and location identification. • Address system—Have in place and "address system" such as mile markers to identify locations for all off-road greenway facilities. On -road facilities should make use of the existing street names and adjacent property addresses. Each local emergency response office/unit should have an up-to-date map of all City greenway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. • Surveillance Technologies—Webcams and similar video technology may be advantageous to position solar powered wireless "webcams" that transmit visual images of the trail to a publicly accessible Website increasing the number of "eyes" on the trail. The City of Fayetteville will work towards the implementation of these goals and guidelines as future budget opportunities become available. 6.2 Conflict Reduction User conflicts are bound to occur along the trail especially as the trail system becomes increasingly popular and more crowded. Planning, designing and managing ahead of the curve can help reduce conflicts and promote a safer, more enjoyable trail experience. Steps to promote conflict reduction include: • Anticipate issues—Including reckless and unsafe behavior; incompatible uses; trespassing; disturbances and adverse environmental impacts. Respond to illegal or disturbing activity quickly. • Consider diverse user goals—Recognize the different goals of different users, such as walkers and bicyclists, and separate where feasible. • Educate—Provide user education through signage, patrol, volunteers, brochures, and media. Promote trail etiquette and techniques such as educating bicyclists and hikers. • Enforce—Post user courtesy signs and speed limits for bicyclists. Cite (where allowed by law) and if necessary ticket reckless behavior including excessive bicycle speeds, dogs on leash, etc. • Anticipate the need for adequate capacity—Provide adequate trail mileage and bicycle, pedestrian, and greenway acreage to accommodate user populations. • Solicit input from user groups—Provide contact information to report problems and respond promptly and effectively to complaints, concerns, or suggestions. • Monitor problems—Track, document, and log problem areas and address problems through design and management. 6.3 Shared -Use Trail User Rules and Regulations (Trail Ordinance) The City of Fayetteville's Ordinance, Article XI, chapter 71 "Operation of Vehicles and Use of City Trails" defines the restrictions and regulations of the Fayetteville Trail system. The following rules and regulations further define the use on the Razorback Regional Greenway. These following rules should be displayed in brochures and on information signs throughout the pathway. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 14 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 1) Be Courteous: All trail users, including bicyclists, joggers, and walkers should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode of travel, speed or level of skill. Respect the privacy of adjacent landowners. 2) Keep Right: Always stay to the right as you use the path. The exception to this rule occurs when you need to pass another user and should occur only when the centerline is dashed. 3) Pass on the Left: Pass others going in your direction on their left and give an audible warning. Look ahead and behind to make sure that your lane is clear before you pull out and around the other user. Pass with ample separation. Do not move back to the right until you have safely gained distance and speed on the other user. 4) Give Audible Signal When Passing: All users should give a clear warning signal before passing. This signal may be produced by voice, bell or soft horn. Voice signals might include "Passing on the Left!" or "Cyclist on the left!" Always be courteous when providing the audible signal -- profanity is unwarranted and unappreciated. 5) Be Predictable: Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind before changing position on the trail regardless of your mode of travel. 6) Control Your Bicycle: Inattention, even for a second, can cause disaster —always stay alert! Maintain a safe and legal speed at all times. 7) Don't Block the Trail: When in a group, including your pets, use no more than half the pathway so as not to block the flow of other users. If users approach your group from both directions, form a single line or stop and move to the far right edge of the path to allow safe passage by these users. 8) Yield When Entering or Crossing Trails: When entering or crossing a path at uncontrolled intersections, yield to traffic already using the other path. 9) The Use of Lights: When using the trail during periods of low visibility each cyclist should be equipped with proper lights. Cyclists should have a white light that is visible from 500 feet to the front, and a red or amber light that is visible from 500 feet to the rear. Other path users should use white lights (bright flashlights) visible 250 feet to the front, and wear light or reflective clothing. 10) Don't Use this Path Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: It is illegal to use this path if you have consumed alcohol in excess of the statutory limits, or if you have consumed illegal drugs. Persons who use a prescribed medication should check with their doctor or pharmacist to ensure that it will not impair their ability to safely operate a bicycle. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 15 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 11) Clean Up Your Litter: Leave no Trace! Please keep this path clean and neat for other users to enjoy. Do not leave glass, paper, cans or other debris on or near the path. Please clean up after your pets. Pack out what you bring in —and remember always to recycle your trash. 12) Keep Pets on Leashes: All pets must be kept on a secure and tethered leash no longer than 3 feet in length. Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste promptly. 13) Use the Buddy System: Always use the path system with a friend! 14) Vegetation Removal: It is illegal to remove vegetation of any type, size, or species from the pathway. Please contact the City of Fayetteville should you have concerns about noxious weeds, poisonous vegetation, dying or dead vegetation or other concerns about vegetation growth in the pathway. 15) Share the Path! Always exercise due care and caution when using the pathway! 6.5 Police Patrol and Emergency Response System In order to provide effective patrol and emergency response to the needs of trail users and adjacent property owners, the Communities of Northwest Arkansas should develop a specific patrol and emergency response plan for the Razorback Greenway. This plan should define a cooperative law enforcement strategy for the trail based on the capabilities of different agencies and services typically required for the facility. The trail will go through numerous phases of development before completion. All phases should illustrate: points of access to the pathway; approved design details for making these access points safe, secure, and accessible to law enforcement officials. 6.6 Emergency Response Plan The City of Fayetteville should define an emergency response plan in conjunction with appropriate local police, fire and paramedical units in order to define which agencies should respond to 911 calls, and provides easy -to -understand routing plans and access points for emergency vehicles. Local hospitals should be notified of these routes so that they may also be familiar with the size and scope of the project. The entire pathway system should be designed and developed to support a minimum gross vehicle weight of 6 tons to allow emergency vehicle access. 7. Risk Management and Liability The design, development, management and operation of the Razorback Greenway must be carefully and accurately executed in order to provide a resource that protects the health, welfare, and safety of the public. The City of Fayetteville has adopted the Fayetteville Alternative Transportation and Trail Master Plan that includes the following: Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 16 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 1) A complete maintenance program that provides the appropriate duty or level of care to greenway users, 2) A risk management plan that appropriately covers all aspects of the trail, and 3) A comprehensive working knowledge of public use laws. Public use of the Razorback Greenway should be covered under existing City of Fayetteville policies for the use of park and public spaces. City of Fayetteville is charged with the care of the Razorback Greenway and should exercise reasonable care in the managing all Greenway facilities to reduce hazardous, public nuisance and life threatening situations. 8. Anticipated Needs Administrative Considerations and Costs 8.1 Coordinating a Level of Excellence Existing functions, capacities, trail maintenance experience and structure differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction just as priorities and emphasis on existing streets, parks and drainage maintenance departments differ. To assure the Razorback Greenway sustains a level of excellence over the long term, it is important to have an agreed-upon, effective multi -jurisdictional structure. To that end, we are assuming that, while the City of Fayetteville is directly responsible for maintaining its respective greenway segments—to overall standards—there is specific method for cooperative oversight and resource sharing that transcends jurisdictional and local agency boundaries. This could include having: o A Trail Ranger Patrol—(Trail Trekker) This consists of a bicycle -mounted volunteer that routinely rides the Razorback Greenway providing regular inspection and reporting, minor clean-up and repairs, assisting trail users directions, fixing flats, etc. and serving as ambassadors of the program. It would be ideal to select or provide rangers with first aid and CPR training. Rangers would hold no official capacity for enforcement unless also employed as local law enforcement agents. Departmental Liaisons—The City of Fayetteville will designate the Trails Coordinator to coordinate construction standards such as assuring that the Razorback Greenway is built, to the standards defined in this O&M Plan. o Shared Equipment—City of Fayetteville maintenance staff should have access to a work vehicle such as a pick-up truck to haul materials, visit work sites, etc. In certain circumstances, Trail Trekkers may also have access to wireless communication devices (i.e. handheld radios or cell phones), bicycles and bike trailers. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 17 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan 8.3 Operations and Maintenance in Each Municipality Ultimately, both routine and remedial maintenance is the responsibility of the City of Fayetteville for the segments of the Razorback Greenway located within Fayetteville. The City of Fayetteville has a Trails Coordinator who is authorized to work with the key operational staffs of the planning, transportation, parks and recreation and other departments to assure a coordinated effort and meeting standards of quality the Razorback Regional Greenway. Coordination among and commitment of departments in Fayetteville responsible for trail, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities is crucial to carry out maintenance tasks. In addition, department managers, planners, designers and engineers, police and fire/rescue and field maintenance personnel should be consulted both in the design review process and on a regular basis to assure standards continue to be met. The Fayetteville Trails Coordinator as well as the Active Transportation Advisory Committee that is appointed by the City Council may help facilitate this. 9. Labor and Equipment Needs With phased development of the Razorback Greenway, new personnel and equipment will be needed to undertake the day-to-day management of the trail. The City of Fayetteville currently has an expanding trail system that has a crew devoted through the Parks and Recreations Trails and Urban Forestery. 9.1 Trail Manager A trail manager (currently employed by the City of Fayetteville within the parks and recreation department as a Forestry and Trails Crewleader) should oversee, coordinate and direct the day-to-day land and facility management operations associated with the Razorback Greenway in Fayetteville. A dedicated Trail Manager staff member will likely need to be included in future budges as the network of trails in Fayetteville continues to expand. The trail manager will be responsible for managing a trail crew, and ensuring that a daily work program is carried out to properly steward the Greenway, other city trails, trailheads, signage systems, facility amenities, landscape and vegetation, and other trail facilities. The trail manager is expected to assist in preparing an annual budget and to implement this budget on a monthly basis. The trail manager could be required to prepare and file an annual report that describes the activities associated with stewarding Razorback Greenway lands and facilities. Monthly progress and resource management reports may also need to be filed with the appropriate department head that contain important information about management, operations, cooperation and coordination activities. 9.2. Trail Crew Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 18 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan The City of Fayetteville may need to add additional employees to the existing trail crew. It is recommended that a three -person trail crew be employed by the City of Fayetteville to carry out daily maintenance, management and stewardship of the trail development zone, trailhead facilities, signage systems, landscape and vegetation, and other elements of the Razorback Greenway. The trail crew will report directly to the Trail Manager (or department designee), who will establish daily work schedules and priorities. Trail crew will be furnished with equipment, supplies, tools, machinery and other operations needs to carry out their responsibilities. 9.3. Trail Management Equipment The City of Fayetteville may also need to supplement its existing equipment to support the work of the trail manager and trail crew. The following is a list of recommended equipment: 1 Ford F-350 with extended crew cab for 3 -person trail crew 1 Hustler Super Z 60" with Trailer 2 Gasoline powered trimmers 2 Gasoline powered blowers 1 Debris and Leaf Vacuum Hand shovels, pick axe, rakes, pruning shears 9.4 Annual Maintenance Costs In addition to labor and equipment, an annual budget is needed for fuel, materials, repair to equipment, and other miscellaneous charges and costs for completing the maintenance and management of the trail development zone along the entire length of the Razorback Greenway corridor as well as other city trails. Currently, these funds come out of the existing Park and Recreation Department's Maintenance budget. As the overall trail system in Fayetteville expands, as well as the development of the Razorback Greenway, additional permanent funding will be required. 9.5 Use of Volunteers Trail managers often use volunteers for routine trail maintenance and special trail projects and events. The Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects the volunteer workers. This act protects volunteers of nonprofit organizations or governmental entities. The Act states that such volunteers are not liable for harm caused by their acts of commission or omission provided the acts are in good faith. 9.6 Adopt -A -Trail Program The City of Fayetteville's Adopt -A -Trail Program is an excellent way for the City to engage local citizens in the care and maintenance of the Razorback Greenway. The Adopt -a -Trail Program is operated by the City of Fayetteville Department of Parks with the goal of maintaining the environmental and aesthetic quality of the Razorback Greenway by generating a strong sense of ownership among the citizens of the City. Through the Adopt - a -Trail program residents, businesses, greenway users, and various community groups can Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 19 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan have an active role in maintaining the lands and facilities of the Razorback Greenway. Volunteers will work with Parks and Recreation Department staff to participate in various projects, which may include: o Litter Pickup o Removal of exotic invasive plants o Planting flowers o Reporting of safety hazards, illegal dumping, injured or dead animals, storm damage, and other issues Sample forms are included below. 9.7 Trail Watch Program A Trail Watch (Trail Trekker) program has been established for the Fayetteville sections of the Razorback Greenway will help to promote safety and appropriate trail use by providing information and assistance to all trail users. The Trail Trekker has a training program that is required to review the duties and to learn safety and first aid techniques. A volunteer wavier form is required if the volunteers assist with a project that requires the usage of a chainsaw or other types of equipment as deemed necessary. These forms are reviewed annually and updated on the City of Fayetteville website. Trail Trekker Volunteers and Trail -Trekkers observe and document safety issues requiring attention, serve as a positive presence on the trail and would assist the City of Fayetteville Parks and Police departments to keep the Razorback Greenway trail safe and well maintained. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 20 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Fayetteville Trail Trekkers & Adopt -A -Trail Z O H U H H Thank you for your interest in The Fayetteville Trail Trekkers Program, we hope you will enjoy being involved in our community. This Handbook provides information about Fayetteville's Trail system as well as the duties and responsibilities of volunteers in the Trail Trekkers Program. Trail Trekkers is a year-round volunteer trail safety, education and assistance program that provides services to all trail users in the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The presence of Trail Trekkers on the trails helps to promote a feeling of satisfaction and security among trail users. Trail Trekkers works with local law enforcement groups, but it is not an enforcement agency. Fayetteville Trail Trekker Goals To contribute to the public's enjoyment and safety of the Fayetteville Trail System by providing service to all trail users. Adopt -A -Trail Adopt -A -Park and Adopt -A -Trail are parts of our Volunteer Program. Program participants are required to work three times per year. The first work session must occur within six months of adopting, followed by two additional work dates before the year's end. If the adopting group or individual does not work at least once within the first six month period, Fayetteville Parks and Recreation has the option to cancel the agreement. Signage with your organization name will be installed at the park or trail you choose to adopt. The sign will be installed after requirements have been met for one full year and a commitment to continue has been made. Duties of Trail Trekker Volunteers: Supply directions, maps and information Report and/or perform light trail maintenance Assist with first aid needs Encourage compliance of trail rules and etiquette Assist with minor bicycle repair Cooperate with Fayetteville Police Department if the need arises. Trail Trekkers Volunteers will be supplied with vests for identification purposes, a small first aid kit, supplies for minor bike repairs, emergency and key contact phone numbers, and maps. It is necessary for each Trail Trekkers volunteer to carry a cell phone. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 21 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan z O rID H H Recruitment, Orientation, and Training The Trail Trekkers Training program will consist of explaining and understanding trail rules and ordinances, watching Trail and Bike Safety videos, basic first aid instruction, and conflict resolution training. Training sessions will be available on a quarterly basis or as needed. Volunteers must complete all aspects of training and meet with a Trail Trekker Coordinator before beginning as a Trail Trekker. The Trail Trekkers Coordinators The Trail Trekkers Coordinators are located in the Parks and Recreation Office: 1455 S. Happy Hollow Rd. The office hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Trail Trekkers Coordinators can discuss any questions or concerns by contacting the Parks and Recreation office at 444.3471 Procedure for Volunteering Start by filling out the enclosed application and returning it to the Parks and Recreation Office. Volunteers will be contacted with further information on training dates and opportunities. Record Keeping Immediately after a work session volunteers are required to report via email or voicemail the date and time they work, the portion of trail they worked, number of people encountered, number of people assisted, and maintenance issues needing attention. So you or your organization can receive the recognition you deserve, it is essential that Parks and Recreation maintain a record of the amount of time donated by volunteers. This information should be e -mailed, submitted online, or phoned in within 24 hours of work date. Safety and Personal Protective Equipment Trail Trekkers need to be properly dressed and equipped with the proper protective equipment while working. Orange Safety vests must be worn at all times. Volunteers must wear close toed shoes at all times. Bikers must wear a helmet. If working a night shift, a flashlight or headlight must be used on non - lit portions of trial. Trail Trekkers must carry a cell phone at all times. Who Can Volunteer: All trail users should display respect for the trails and other trail users. They are encouraged to report maintenance needs, vandalism, or safety issues to the proper authorities. Those who wish to assume the greater responsibility of a Trail Trekker will be required to complete a back ground check, complete all elements of training, and submits reports after every shift. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 22 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Policies O U H H American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Volunteers who are disabled should bring those needs to the attention of the Trail Trekkers Coordinators. Fayetteville Parks and Recreation complies with ADA guidelines and will make every effort to accommodate whenever possible. Dress Code We want you to be comfortable and wear appropriate clothing; we also ask that our volunteers project a professional image in their attire. Trail Trekkers should wear the orange Trail Trekkers vest at all times during a scheduled shift. Drug Free Workplace Fayetteville Parks and Recreation has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and efficient work environment for volunteers and employees. Use of drugs, being under the influence of alcohol, or being in an impaired condition poses safety and health risks and is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in the termination of ones status as a volunteer. Plant Collection No plants or seeds may be installed or removed from any park property unless authorized by a Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Staff Member. Sexual Harassment No volunteer should experience unwelcome sexual suggestions from any employee, volunteer, or trail user, any incidents of this nature should be reported immediately to the Trail Trekkers Coordinators or Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Director for investigation. Weather If there is inclement weather, please use caution when out on the trails. Emergency Procedures Any Trail Trekker who observes a medical or any other type of emergency should call 911 then contact a staff member. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 23 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Grievance Procedures z O H z/] H H A volunteer who has a concern about a work -related issue should discuss the issue with the Trail Trekkers Coordinators. Every attempt will be made to resolve a problem informally through the discussion process. However, if a matter remains unresolved, it will be referred to the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Director so a final resolution can be reached. Park Patron Relations As a volunteer you represent Fayetteville Parks and Recreation and have an important role to play in enhancing the visitor's perception of Fayetteville Parks. Volunteers should always be friendly and helpful. If a visitor's question cannot be answered, the visitor should be directed to an appropriate staff member for an answer. If a volunteer observes inappropriate behavior from a visitor, they should report the problem immediately to the Trail Trekkers Coordinators or the group representative. Thank you for your interest in our community. We look forward to meeting you and appreciate the generous offer of your time and skills. Mail or Deliver to: Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Trail Trekkers Program 1455 S Happy Hollow Rd Fayetteville AR 72701 Main Office: (479) 444-3471 Fax: (479) 521.7714 E-mail: aspann@ci.fayetteville.ar.us Website: www.accessfayetteville.com Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 24 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan r W H Please Print: Date: Volunteer Name Address Organization Name (if applicable) City, State, Zip Phone Number Alternate Number Occupation E -Mail Address Emergency Contact In the event of an emergency contact: Name Relationship Address Emergency Telephone Medical Do you have any medical condition we should be aware of? (i.e.: heart condition, back problems, asthma, allergies, etc.). Specify: Special Skills, Training, Hobbies & Interest List any hobbies, training or background which may be applicable: Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 25 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Availability/Schedule When are you available to volunteer? On a regular basis Occasionally Special Events Mornings Afternoons Weekends Other Preferred Day: M T W Th F S S Is there a specific trail you would like to volunteer on? O H U Briefly explain why you are interested in volunteering with Fayetteville Parks and Recreation: Do you have specific questions or comments you would like to address? I certify that the information stated on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and is made in good faith. Any false statements made by me maybe used as a rejection of this application. Signature Da Ifyou have any questions, please call 479-444-3471. Razorback Greenway: Fayetteville 26 DRAFT - Operations and Management Plan Fayetteville -Bella Vista Trail To Get $15M - Local News Story - KHBS NW Arkansas wf. In U t 1)I Page 1 of 3 Home Weather Local News As Seen On 40/29 Most Popular Forums u local National News. Sports Entertainment Project Economy Health Food Politics Community ................................_._.. _ ..._... Irresistible Arkansas CW Get Headlines Sent To Your Email Or Phone Enter E-mail SEARCH ISearc. Q. Site o web r Yellow Pages a7" Hot Topics: Commitment 2010 1 Friday Frenzy I October Mugshots Homepage > LOCAL NEWS Fayetteville -Bella Vista Trail To Get $15M POSTED: 7:33 prn CDT October 16, 2010 UPDATED: 7.51 pm CDT October 16, 2010 1722 Email t] Print Comments (6) Recommend ----; 21: C'I SHARE 5... ................................... _ ... _ ..... FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The state's two senators said $15 million in stimulus money has been allotted to a plan to build a hiking and biking trail from Fayetteville to Bella Vista in northwest Arkansas. The announcement Friday from Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor said the money for the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway Project would come from the federal Transportation Department's TIGER program --- Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery. The project calls for a 40 -mile bicycle, pedestrian and mobility corridor Advertise With Us stretching from southern Fayetteville to Lake Bella Vista. The corridor will Mobile pass through Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, Johnson and Half Off Deals TeuusMore.com Fayetteville. Going Green Recommend f� Automouve ---- 21 people recommend this. P 31Y) / f Family Dating Jobs Real Estate House And Home Travel Grow Your Business ..........................................................: Education Get Coupons no In' hour, Your Comments (6) Ire �w Log in with your u local account or join. Join I Foroot Password UsernamE, Password,= log in i{ Or log in using another provider 44 As Seen On 40/29 Shared on Facebook Login You need to be logged into Facebook to see your friendsrecommendations Bomb Scare Forces Neighborhood Evacuation 47 people shared this. Peachtree bir i#i.t i _: t, C At any ₹ime daring a life -limiting illness, itk is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's core options... I More Stories: Police Respond To Gang Fight Calls (4029TV.com) Fog Slows Traffic On I-540 (4029TV.com) Ark. Board Of Health Permanently Bans K2 Statewide (4029TV.com) Suspicious Device Discovered In Bentonville (4029TV.com) Selected for you by our sponsor: Sam's Club Accused of Dirty Gas Wars (MainStreet.com) Etiquette 101: Tipping Guide (Concierge.com) Most Read Most Watched Most Commented Rollover Accident Reported In Elkins UA Announces Camping Rules For Ole Miss Game, Snoop Dogg Concert Police Search For Armed Robbery Suspects Police Respond To Gang Fight Calls n More Most Popular Pictures In The News NFL Week 6: American Australia . Slim Margins Freed In Iran Gets Its First And Ugly Says He Is Catholic Play Innocent Saint http://www.4029tv.com/news/25416116/detail.html 10/18/2010 Planners OK Monev For Trails FAYETTEVILLE GETS $350,000; ROGERS RECEIVES $120,000 By Ron Wood RWOOD@NWAONLINECOM FAYETTEVILLE — Regional planners Wednesday approved trail projects in Fayetteville and Rogers and money for a study of the Cave Springs recharge, area. Planners approved $350,000 for Fayetteville and $120,000 for Rogers for trails. Both proj- ects are ready for construc- tion and to become part of the Northwest Arkansas Razor- back Greenway. The greenway is a 36 -mile trail system stretching from Bentonville to south Fayette- ville. The money is from the 2013 Transportation Alternatives Program. The money for 2013 had to be obligated by August to meet federal requirements. Fayetteville will build one- half mile of the Town Branch Trail from South School Avenue to Greathouse Park. It is part of a 2.8 -mile trail that connects to the Razorback Greenway. Fayetteville will pay $87,500 of the trail cost. The Rogers project will add restrooms, benches and other amenities at the Mercy Medi- cal Trailhead, off Promenade Boulevard. Rogers will pay $30,000 of the cost. Planners also said they're still looking at having all the greenway work under construction -or done by the end of the year. Three remain- ing sections are expected to go out for bids in April, including one in Springdale and one in SEE TRAILS PAGE 3A STAFF PHOTO MICHAEL WOODS :le Rock, makes his way Wednesday across a slack line set ar in front of the Arkansas Student Union in Fayetteville. The >r equipment as well as organizes a variety of outdoor activities To Wall Of Honor Annually iT FACTS TRANSPLANT the U.S. are on the waiting list for e transplant list every 12 minutes. ?ry day from the lack of available he waiting list die before they are up to eight lives through organ TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION gifts to strangers, I didn't realize the gifts I would get back," she said. Aaron Webster donated eight organs and Teena Webster has met four recipi- ents and corresponded with the other four. She said her son's heart went to a man in Texas and she was able to put her hand on the recipient's chest and feel the heart beat. "That made me smile," Robbie's liver, heart valves, small intestines and both kidneys were trans- planted. "It was a wonderful oppor- tunity for Robbie's legacy to live on," Sisemore said. Clardy's donor experience comes from the other side. The Fayetteville man under- went a heart transplant Jan. 25, 2010. He was 47. He went to the doctor in mid -2009 and learned he had congestive heart fail- ure requiring a quadruple bypass surgery. "I was not aware of it at all," he said. "I was not a smoker. Not a drinker. Not overweight. I didn't believe it." Even after surgery his heart was not pumping enough blood. Transplant was the only option, but Clardy wasn't convinced. "There were these huge things that I didn't want to deal with," he said. "Why TRAILS: Planners OK Commission To Participate In Study Of Cave Springs Area CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A Rogers. Work is under way on a section along Clear Creek in Johnson and pending is an extension of the Frisco Trail connecting Martin Luther King Boulevard and Walker Park in Fayetteville. Planners also authorized the Regional Planning Commission to participate in a study of the Cave Springs recharge area and to use federal,oney to pay for it. Plan ers previously approve# $500,000 to study the area. The Arkansas Highway and Transporta- ATAGLANCE and federal agencies are the recharge area but the expected to participate. Arkansas 264 project is SENSITIVE AREA The recharge area became partly within the area. The Cave Springs recharge area in Benton County hosts the largest known population of the rare Ozark cavefish. The federally protected cavefish only live in streams that are constantly 55 to 60 degrees and in permanent dark, underground passages. The recharge area and cavefish caused Interstate 540 to be rerouted when it was being planned and built. SouacE: STAFF REPORT tion Department has agreed to pay matching funds of at least $125,000 and more if needed to complete the study. The work program will have regional planning staff initiate and oversee the study and develop it in conjunction with the Highway Depart- ment. Federal Fish & Wild- life officials and other state an issue after federal wildlife officials became concerned about the effect a proposed access road to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and improvement to Arkan- sas 264, west of Lowell, could have on the area. The recharge area is home to the endangered Ozark cave - fish and other species that call the underground water collection area home. The route of the proposed airport access road is outside The Arkansas 264 proj- ect has been put on hold. Other projects that could. be affected by the study and resulting conclusion are improvements to the Arkan- sas 112 corridor, the U.S. 412 northern bypass around• Springdale and widening and interchange improvements to Interstate 540. The recharge area and. cavefish caused I-540 to be , rerouted when it was being:. planned and built. at 3 p.m. A Celebration of Lite will follow at Powerhouse Seafood & Grill in Fayette- ville, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter or the Seven Hills Homeless Center/DENOVO program for veterans. To sign the guest book online, please visit www. siscofuneral.com. Iva Bell Goodwin OKLAHOMA CITY - Iva Bell Goodwin of Oklahoma City, formerly of the Sunset Community, Ellen is survives cy ner son, James B. "Jim" Jefferson and wife, Deborah, of Benton- ville; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Bryan Jefferson and wife, Dawn, of Minneapolis, Minn., Stephanie "Missy" Mayhall of Bentonville, Justin Burke and wife, Amanda, of Morris, Okla., Ashley Fox and husband, Ben, of Bentonville; 11 great-grandchildren, Nicole and Lora Jefferson, Hayden Mayhall, Paige, Joseph, Jared and Jorden Burke, Landon Hufford, and Hyatt, Payne and Arisson Fox; two sisters, Helen Miller, and Beulah Brown and husband, Lynn, all of Bella Vista; two sisters-in- law, Ozell Sooter of Benton- ville, Ruth Ann Back of rea1 1d lut.ilaaulcu, �.auuu Kimbrough, Caden Kilpatrick, Cash Kilpatrick and Madelyn Kilpatrick. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at Elm Springs United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dixon Platt officiating. Burial will be in Elm Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Elm Springs United Meth- odist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 8, Elm Springs, AR 72728. To sign the guest book online, please visit www. siscofuneral.com. Fayetteville. To sign the online guest book, please visit www. nelsonberna.com. Phillip Earl Stewart FAYETTEVILLE — Phil- lip Earl Stewart, 69, of Fayetteville died Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in Fayetteville. k; He was born Oct. 1, 1943, in Fayette- ville, the son of Charles Stewart and Elizabeth Phillips Stew- art. He was Joe Fred Starr FAYETTEVILLE — Joe Fred Starr, age 79, of Fayetteville died Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Fayetteville. He was born Oct. 19,1933, in Dryden, Okla., to Fred and Florence Starr. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his infant sister, Margaret Alice. He is survived by his wife, Billie Jo Starr of Fayetteville; brother, Jon Larry Starr. of Fayetteville; four children, Joe F. Starr Jr. and w14�, Rene Starr, of Little Roc , David Starr of Cedaredg , Colo., Kent Starr and wErfe, Sara Starr, of Fayetteville, and Shannon Starr Arcana and husband, Michael Arcana, 2A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TIMES NEWS Congress May Backpedal On Razorback Greenway Funds By Peter Urban STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU WASHINGTON — House Republicans plan to vote this week to eliminate a $15 million grant North- west Arkansas secured for a .36 -mile bicycle trail. The grant, which had been pledged last year by the Department of Trans- portation, is among the $61 billion in spending cuts under debate this week in Congress. Terry Eastin, execu- tive director of the Missis- "As much as I hate to say it, there will have to be a local response. If the trail is something critical to the future of the region, Northwest Arkansas will find a way to accomplish it." „'L -/I -fr!o 11 sippi River Trail in Fayetteville, said the loss of the $15 million grant to Benton and Washington counties could also jeopardize match- ing funds pledged by the Walton family. REP. STEVE WOMACK 3rd District, R -Rogers "The loss of these funds would be an incredible hard- ship on Northwest Arkansas," Eastin said. The project would construct a paved path- way connecting Fayette- ville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville that would be used by bicyclists and pedes- trians. The total cost of the project is $40 million, she said. Advocates had hoped to see the project completed by the end of 2012. Third District Rep. Steve Womack, R -Rogers, said he is in favor of the project but would not help save the $15 million federal grant given that other worthy programs are also on the chopping block. 'As much as I hate to say it, there will have to be a local response," Womack said. "I1 the trail is something critical to the future of the region, Northwest Arkansas will find a way to accomplish it." Congress failed to approve a budget last year leaving the federal government oper- ating under a "continuing resolution" that expires on March 4. House Republicans have proposed a bill to fund the federal government through September that would cut an additional $61 billion in discretionary spending. The 2012 fiscal year begins Oct. 1. NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TODAY IN SPORTS LADY TIGERS CLAIM TOP SEED T,E PAGE 8A TUESDAY, FEB. 15, 2011. PLANNING COMMISSION Group OKs Tree Pemovcil STAFF PHOTO ANDY SHUPE Drew RudaSlll sits dressed as Waldo from "Where's Waldo?" fame Wednesday as the Fayetteville High School senior class has its group portrait made in the school's gymnasium. „�..:.:; v \tai;"v` wy ,SgeAw+s. r.e»i-A3a.” �5 s., � �'5_{�r > + 4 ?r�r_ ��a TRAIL: No Changes In Level Of Service, Officials Tell Planners CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A $7 million for public transit in Washington County. Hawkins said transit offi- cials told regional planners at a recent meeting there would be no changes in the level of service in either Benton or Washington coun- ties regardless of the fate of the proposed sales tax. "The take -away from that meeting was from this point forward a lot of these things that are being said, these assertions that are being made, I think you're going to see those go away. You're not going to hear some of the scare tactics that have been used," Hawkins said. "This is really not about losing federal money or clos- ing doors or losing routes or cutting back services. This is really about growing the system five -fold in Washing- ton County." "The take -away from that meeting was from this point forward a lot of these things that are being said, these assertions that are being made, I think you're going to see those go away. You're not going to hear some of the scare tactics that have been used. This is really not about losing federal money or closing doors or losing routes or cutting back services." JEFF HAWKINS Executive director of regional planning 4,IT AT A GLANCE TRAIL WORKSHOPS SET More information about the Razorback Regional Greenway project will be available at two drop -in, open house workshops next week. The Regional Planning Commission and consultants, Alta/ Greenways, are hosting the workshops Wednesday at the regional planning offices, 1311 Clayton St. in Springdale. The first session is from noon to 4 p.m., and the second is from 6 to 8 p.m. Staff and project consultants will introduce the scope of the project and gather public input. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, write and draw on maps and learn about future opportunities to stay involved. For more information, go to www.razorbackgreenway.com or contact Celia Scott-Silkwood,,479-751-7125. SOURCE: REGIONAL PLANNING PROSECUTOR: Chief Says Officer On Administrative Leave CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A Williams followed the vehicle until the driver lost control on Rheas Commu- nity Road, just North of Lincoln Lake, and crashed into a fence and gate. The teen ran east as Williams chased him, order- ing him several times to "get on the ground," according to Lincoln police. Williams said the boy turned and had a knife in his hand. Williams fired one shot from his handgun, striking the teen in the leg. The teen, who police have declined to name, was taken by ambulance to Washington Regional Medical Center and treated for his wound. After being treated, he was arrested in connection with felony fleeing and aggravated assault. The case is pending in juvenile court. Police Chief Russell Morphis said Wednesday that Williams remains on paid administrative leave pending the decision of pros- ecutors. Threet said special pros- ecutors are requested on a case -by -case basis, usually because attorneys have close working or social relation- ships with defendants. Most recently, his office requested a special prosecu- tor handle the case of Terry Davis, a former Fayetteville police corporal accused of threatening his ex-wife's boyfriend with a knife and gun. That case is still pend- ing. Foster is a former prosecut- ing attorney from Faulkner County who served in that position from 1986 to 200( He has been assigned th role of special prosecutor is many jurisdictions. He previously investigate a 2010 rape case in whic: three University of Arkan sas Razorback basketba] players were involved. N charges were filed in tha case, with Foster citing a lac. of evidence. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING A meeting of the City of Fayetteville Planning � Commission will held March 12, a e evl e in 2012 at 5:30 p.m., in room 219, Fayetteville Y Administration Building at 113 W. Mountain ARKANSAS Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701. A full copy of the Planning Commission agenda and all pertinent data are open and available for inspection in the office of City ol Fayetteville Planning Division at 125 W. Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas (575- 8267 or planning@ci.fayetteville.ar.us). All interested parties are invited to review the petitions. All interested parties may appear and be heard at the public hearings. Interpreters or TDD for hearing impaired are available for all public hearings; 72 how notice is required. For further information or to request an interpreter, please call 575-8330. The following items are required pursuant to the Code of Ordinances ol the City of Favetteville to be notified in the local newsoaoer and will be heard at the $15 MILLION GRANT Trail Gets Jump -Start ESTIMATED COST OF PROJECT AT $3 By Caleb Fort CF0RT@NWA0NLINE.00M Trail construction to link six Northwest Arkansas cities could begin next year, thanks to a $15 million federal grant. There are few details yet about the conditions of the grant, said John. McLarty, transportation study director for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commis- sion, the group that began the project. The end goal is to build a 36 -mile trail, dubbed the Northwest Arkansas Razor- back Regional Greenway, link- ing Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, Johnson and Fayetteville. The total estimated cost of the project is $38.5 million, McLarty said. The grant application was for about $24.8 million, accord- ing to a news release issued Monday by the commission. Mayors from the six cities, state politicians and local businesses lent support to the trail, according to the news release. McLarty said the grant, issued by the U.S. Transpor- tation Department, could generate more trails spend- ing, thanks to matching funds and the efforts of individual municipalities. The Walton Family Founda- tion will provide some match- ing funds, according to the 1.5 MILLION news release. now it sounds like it could be Foundation officials were a reality." excited and eager to learn The area already has many more details, but could not good trail segments in .place, discuss the project in more , McLarty said. depth because of the prelimi- Mihalevich said connecting nary nature of the grant those segments into a spine announcement, said Daphne will be good for tourism, Moore, a spokeswoman for commuting and recreation. the foundation. Jennifer Bonner, an engi- McLarty said officials aim neering tech for Rogers who to have the trail finished by was involved in the project, the end of 2013. put it another way. Matt. Mihalevich, trails "You cannot get in a car," coordinator for Fayette- she said. "Instead, you can ville, said he was excited to bike, roller-skate, skateboard hear that -the grant had been or walk that whole distance." awarded. The grant is part of the "It seems like there's a lot .Transportation Investment of support from citizens in Generating Economic Recov- the region," he said. 'It's been ery program, the news release a dream for a long time, but stated. Lodges i�um anniversary, auu a member of the University City Chapter #495 Order of the Eastern Star where in 1989 an 1992 he was the Worthy Master. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Mitch- ell. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Mitchell; one daughter, Linda Breedlove and husband, Bill, of Benton- ville, Ark.; two sons, David F. Mitchell and wife, Vickie, of West Fork, Ark., and John E. Mitchell and wife, Dianna, of Huntsville, Ark.; three broth- ers, Herman Eugene Mitchell Jr. of Goshen, Ark., Jimmy Mitchell and wife, Jerri, of Farmington, Ark., and Mike Mitchell and wife, Naomi, of West Fork, Ark.; one sister, Jerri Ford and husband, Buster, of Wilberton, Okla.; eight -grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. . Visitation will be held 4 until 6 p.m. today, Oct. 19, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20th, in the chapel of a member of the Travis Park United Methodist Church. In years past, she and her immediate family were active members of Woodlawn Meth- odist Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Brashears Kolb, in 1974; and by her husband, Howard Brashears, in 1978; as well as by her brothers and sisters, Edna Swift Putman, Lloyd Swift, Leslie "Sid" Swift, Jack Swift, Anna Swift, Myrle Swift Sharp, Carl Swift and Joseph Maxwell Swift. She is survived by three grandchildren and their spouses, each of whom she dearly loved, Kelly Haze Kolb and his wife, Debora, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Carl Joseph Kolb and his wife, Lynn, of San Antonio, Texas, and Jennifer Kolb of Los Ange- les, Calif. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren, Alexander Haze Kolb, Taylor Haze Kolb, Aubrey Jane Kolb, Caroline Swift Kolb, Morgan Teora Kolb, Lauren Elisabeth Kolb and Jillian Rose Kolb; and also by numerous nieces ----- She was born Nov. 13,1916, in Monett, Mo., to Thomas Lloyd and Sara Dorcas Cox Reed. Survivors include a daugh- ter, Jane Ann Boyd of Tulsa, Okla.; a sister, Grace Brown of Springdale; a brother; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lugin- buel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Reese Cemetery near Prairie Grove. Gladys Schuster . Morrison WEST FORK — Gladys Schuster Morrison, 81, of West Fork, died Oct. 15, 2010, at Circle of Life Hospice in Legacy Village. She was born Nov. 22, 1928, to Con and Edna Ingram Morrison in Alvin, Wis. She was preceded in death by her parents; and six broth- ers, Kenneth, Walter, Donald, !_on. (_l .n nnri vriwnrri_ Arkansas Wood Carvers Association and loved to fish. He was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel Hunt Soden; one son, Dennis Soden of Prairie Village, Kan.; daughter, Susan Ray and husband, William, of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Evelyn Ward of Milburn, Ark., and Sondra Jo'Harri- son of Wenatchee, Wash.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at Community of Christ Church, 2715 Old Wire Road, Fayetteville, Ark., with Pastor Jeff Nugent officiating. Memorials may be made to Seven Hills Homeless Shelter, c/o Community of Christ Church, 2715 Old Wire Road, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Online condolences may be made to www.siscofu- neral.com. — Paid Just The Facts On Trails• i-w Last week's guest commentary discussed the unimportance of trails, greenways and smart growth. The subject line was political correctness. There are two types of political discourse. One uses opinion to distort an issue, encouraging others to become angry to effect political change. The other type is an honest discussion of the facts to reach consensus about how our society should work. Opinions and facts are very different things. Opinions stir up passionate, sometimes misguided debate, but facts — well, facts are just facts. Opinion — The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) diverted funding from the planned Bella Vista Bypass to fund the newly developing 36 -mile trail system connecting Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville. Facts — Funding for the trail system was received through a federal TIGER II grant. The TIGER II grant program provided 29 percent of its funding for roads and 4 percent for alternative transportation. AHTD applied for a share of the 29 percent for the Bella Vista Bypass and was turned down. Benton and Washington counties applied for a share of the 4 percent and were approved. AHTD applied for $150 million and received $10 million for the Bella Vista Bypass from another federal grant program. AHTD has not provided one dollar for the trail system. Opinion — Trails are a new government fad, like windmills for producing power. Facts — The popularity of trails is a true American grassroots effort that began more than 30 years ago. The clamor for bicycle lanes and bike trails was a response to the growing number of serious, often fatal, bicycle -motorist accidents and the lack of places to bicycle safely. In the mid -2000s, 22 of Arkansas' premiere cardiologists COMMENTARY TERRY EASTIN teastin@tynks.com raised over $2 million from physicians, hospitals and health organizations to build a Medical Mile portion of the Arkansas River Trail. Why? Medical research told them that the only way to reduce obesity was to provide facilities that encourage people to live more active lifestyles. When was the last time your doctor told you that you needed more exercise? Arkansas' obesity rate is eighth in the nation at 30.7 percent. We have the 10th -highest rate of heart disease. Opinion — The solution to our transportation needs is to build more roads. Facts — A new four -lane Arkansas interstate costs between $8 million and $12 million per mile, not including engineering, rights of way, or utility adjustments. Trail construction costs are a small fraction by comparison. Opinion — Trails are OK. Roads are better. Facts — Driving a car is expensive. Insurance, registration, licensing, motor vehicle taxes, finance costs, fuel and oil, maintenance and tires, accidents and depreciation put the cost to the American driver at 86.3 cents a mile. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that every car on the road receives an annual $3,000 subsidy to pay for roads. Forty percent of all U.S. trips are less than two miles. America. is $13 trillion in debt — you decide. Opinion — The feds dangle dollars in front of states to tempt them to join its agenda. Every administration.does it. Facts — Since 1992, funding for the federal Recreational Trails Program has remained nearly the same annually. With our portion, AHTD funds approximately 27 percent of the total dollar grant requests made by Arkansas cities and counties. Some years, no funds or grants have been available. Between 1992 and 2007, the federal Recreational Trails Program spent $800 million funding 10;000 projects. Sounds like a lot? By comparison, $25 trillion was spent on federal highway construction. The money built 8,178,000 lane -miles of new highway. The Recreational Trails Program investment was 0.0032 percent of the Federal Highway Administration's road investment. Opinion - Mr. Walton's donation to the 36 -mile trail system is appreciated, but ... My Opinion — I think Mr. Walton and his family are among the most economically astute and sustainability-conscious people in the world. Everything they do is researched, fact -checked, verified, and then checked again, probably twice. They stay in tune with the wants and needs of our people. It's the right thing to do. When the Walton family decided to provide a generous grant for the trails system project, it was probably because they know it will be good for Northwest Arkansas' economy and the health of our people. Healthy people and a good economy mean good business. Poor health costs tons of money - enough that obesity -related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease may bankrupt the U.S. one day. I am a smart growth and trails person. I check facts often and use them regularly. I ask that our leaders provide us with facts to help us make decisions, not party rhetoric, or casual opinions written as facts. Often, I'm disappointed. As a true, flag -loving, rural -farm daughter of a Marine, an Arkansan American, I deserve the facts and so do you. TERRY EASTIN OF FAYETTEVILLE IS OWNER OF EASTIN OUTDOORS, INC. AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL, INC. SHE IS THE 2007 RECIPIENT OF THE KODAK AMERICAN GREENWAYS AWARD PRESENTED BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. eRCJicareAD VANTAGE By Mercy Health Plans PRO Plan Options Visit us online at: mercyhealthplans.com A coordinated care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract. Mercy MedicareADVANTAC A and enrolled in Part B by age or disability living in the service area. Medicare Part B prei premium if applicable. The service area for this plan includes the following Arkansas cour Pulaski, Scott, Sebastian, Washington and White. Mercy MedicareADVANTAGE plans in( AR -MA -066-1210 Jim Kinnally Associate Vice President -Investments Wells Fargo Advisors 217 E. Dickson St, Ste 101 Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-521-2200 +�r PAID ADVERTISEMEA before the age of 59 1/z. In addition, an IRA will usually provider ment choices than those in the 401(k) plan. While you are permi loans from your 401(k) plan, this is not possible in an IRA, and d the investments used to fund the IRA, charges and expenses cc or lower than those you would incur inside your 401(k) plan. Cashing Out. This option should be a last resort. If you cash time you change jobs, you'll systematically erode one of your m sources of retirement income. You will also owe income taxes c you receive, and if you're younger than 55 when you separate fr you typically will owe a 10 percent IRS penalty as well. Moving Assets Into A New Employer's Plan. Before you de option, make sure your new employer's plan permits transfers a from other types of plans before you proceed. Also, be aware t ferred balances may not carry the'same benefits provided unde employer's plan and the investment and distribution options of lrms All bi'€hdse /irks offered 401 plans in which employer's plan will apply to the amounts transferred or rolled it 'participated. / now find myself with three different If your new employer does not offer a retirement plan, consider plans still held at previous employers and would like retirement plan assets into an IRA. to consolidate them somehow. Can you offer some When it comes to multiple 401(k) plans, be sure to pick the of ideas on what my options might be ? right for you. After all your hard work, you want to be sure to.m What Do You Do With Multiple 401(k) Plans? of your invest^ So far, life has been 000d to you. The career and family are Edit 6B • MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010 EDITORIALS Are you up for a walk? Follow the Razorback trail, follow the Razorback .. . NORTHWEST Arkansas is blessed with enough trees, wa- terways and scenic appeal to make this one of America's most in- viting places. And now, a $15 -million grant, from the federal Department of Transportation will provide a huge leg up toward connecting cities and towns around here through what will become one of the nation's finest paved -trail systems. If you can't wait to see the final product, join the ever-expanding club. Officially known as Razorback Re- gional Greenway, the plan is to link communities and their existing trails systems along a 36 -mile pedestrian and bicycle trail that stretches from south- ern Fayetteville to Lake Bella Vista The project is expected to become a national model for green infrastructure, sustainable development and public - private partnerships. The 12 -foot -wide Razorback trail will pass national head- quarters, businesses, apartment com- plexes and significant attractions, along with lots of peaceful, charming forests and countryside. One study also estimates that every dollar spent on a trail system resulted in nine dollars in spending within that community. Spent on what? Well, there are bi- cycles and clothing to buy, apartments to lease along the trail, bed -and -break- fasts to visit and restaurants to fre- quent —just to name a few enterprises who could benefit. When the pathway is complete, it will add to quality of life in a place where the quality of life already should be the envy of most other states. Matt Mihalevich, who directs the trails program in Fayetteville, called the federal assistance a dream come true. He'll get little debate. around here. Of course, it's no surprise that the Walton Family Foundation has been instrumental in helping write the proposal that led to the federal award, and the foundation's own contribu- tions will help what is expected to be a $40 million effort to be completed by 2016. Those Walton folks are always in the thick of w rthwhile efforts across Northwest Arknsas, often without get- ting the credit they deserve. CTTIES siich as Fayetteville and Bentonvlle already have com- pleted iiore than 10 miles of their portions of the Razorback trail. There will be ample opportunity for citizens, privat II foundations and busi- nesses to contribute everything from benches to moiiey. And what a worth- while cause it i Look at what the trail systems have done to improv quality of life in other cities. Austin, he one down in that lower, lesser st te, Texas, is justifiably proud of its paved scenic trail and path- ways system. at city likely has the finest paved trails in the country, and they add enormously to the appeal of that university city. Fort Collins, Colorado —named one of Money magazine's best small cit- ies —has built 25 miles .of paved trails in town, while Midison, Wisconsin, has constructed 30 niles of trails that wind around two 1 es. Even little Charle- voix, Michigan, has become known for its paved trail called The Bike Path that roams pasta lake and through the woods for 26 es. The long-awited Razorback Green - way, within six years, truly will become a national model worthy of private sup- port on every A ♦' MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010 0 5B one, Dec. 6, Chapter 13. Cheryle Lynne Sullivan, 516 Green Dec. 3, Chapter 13. E. Smith, 10104 Palo Alto Oak Drive, Dec. 7, Chapter 13. William T. and Jessica E. Millsap, 415 c. v for and Chapter mothy Lee Cynthia ve,Dec 2,llCh pterr 7. Rosewood ALEM B ly3th nda Jean Garrett,ter i3. P0. Box 7412 Azalea Dnve, Dec. 2, Kimberly M. Fowler, Place, 6 Jaynelle 522, Dec. 8, Chapter 7. 7.• Dec. 3, Chapter 13. SCOTT Peggy Neal Roberts, 12621 is Beverley, 2201 Scott St., Maria C. DeSantiago, 3705 Loch Iowa Lane, Dec. 6, Chapter 7. it A., Dec. 3, Chapter 13. Lane, Dec. 7, Chapter 7. SEARCY Jason Emery and Kara Ash- eShawn Simpson, 2 O Marie D. Warren, 801 W. 45th, Dec. 8; ley Barrington, 117 Fieldcrest Drive, + Apartment 101, Dec. , Chapter 13. Shavonne A. McLendon, 4417 N. Lo- Dec. 3 Chapter 13. SHERIDAN Helen Thomason, 1117 Clark, 4023 S. Shackleford cust St., Dec. 7, Chapter 13. Grant 17, Dec. 8, Chapter 7. 8, Chapter 7. Hobbs, 13021 Lemoncrest William H. White, 7 Longview Road, Dec. 2, Chapter 13. Paul E. and Wendy K. Dorsey, 275 c. 2, Chapter 7. Zelma D. Clark, 819W. 55th St., Dec. Grant 167061, Dec. 3, Chapter 13. Geneva A. SHERRILL 6 and Sammy lackson, 4112 Gilman; Dec. ;r 13. 2, Chapter 7. OZARK Jesse Lee Lindsey, S. D. Gray, 1411 Road, Dec. 8, ` Patton Jr., P.O. Box 242665, 55632 Howard Drive, Dec. 6, Chapter 13. Chapter 7. SHERWOOD D Mayybell Smith, 14 vb h Butterfly SHER, ODD • hapter 7. 1adley, 2010 Center St., Dec. Sandra Kay Lindsey, 5632 S. Howard Drive, Dec. 6, Chapter 13. 6, Chapter SILOAM SPRINGS Billy Joe Lori rr 13. Wlodzimierz and Teresa Banaszek, and )aniel Crawford Williams, 530 236 Harmony Drive, Dec. 7, Chapter Ann Heinrichs, 2000 E. Tahlequah, � Road, Dec. 6, Chapter 7. 7. Dec. 6, Chapter 7. SPRINGDALE Floyd E. Campbell, ; ` herine Jones, 114 Browns- PARAGOULD Edward Hayse and Lesley 1299 308, Dec. 6, Chanter 7. Ellen Hutson, 367 G.R. 7615 Road, Electric Ave., Apartment A211, Dec, 8, ILE Bobby J. and Cynthia D. Dec. 7, Chapter 7. Chapter 13. Andrew Mays, 17341 12 Hobby Trail, lec. 3, Jimmy Calvin and Kimberly Ann Jason Pleasure Graves, 314 W. Unity Road, Dec. 7, Heights Road, Dec. 8, Chapter 7. and Colesia Perry, 10721 Chapter 7. Jennifer Lynn Still, 181 S. 40th, Suite Road, Dec. 6, Chapter 7. Roy Taylor and Debra Joyce Carmer 100, Dec. 3, Chapter 13. ny and Shirley Ann Nich- Jr., P.O. Box 1932, Dec. 5, Chapter 13. Justin Blaine Morphew, 2914 N. 56th Autumnwood Road, Dec. PEARCY Aimee R. Salter, 130 Ran- St., Dec. 8, Chapter 13. 13. chero Place, Dec. 8; Chapter 13. Lela Bell Burkett, 408 Charles Ave., eman Sr., 39 Pinedale Deborah Kay Horton, 719 Allison St., Dec. 8, Chapter 7. 7, Chapter 13. Dec. 8, Chapter 7. Lonnie Joe and Michelle Dianne King, Amy Yvonne Jeffery, 845 9, Dec. 2, Chapter f3. PEA RIDGE Dustin Lynn and Casey Jo McLeod, 1002 Daniel Lane, Dec. 3, 2575 Apple Glen, Dec. 8, Chapter 7. er Damoms Franks, 601 N. Chapter 7. Monica Pierce, 2580 Lakeside Ave., Dec. 8, Chapter 7. Dec. 3, Chapter 13. ite Tucker, 1031 Mullins, PIGGOTT Lisa Ann Whittley, 680W. Main, Dec. 7, Chapter 7. Murphy Dale Still, 181 S. 40th, Suite hapter 13. Mallory, 8561 Arkansas PINE BLUFF Angela Lynette Coleman, 700W. 27th, Dec. 8, Chapter 13. 100, Dec. 3, Chapter 13. Thomas Lee and Heather Rene Horn, Dnne c. 3, Chapter 13. Courtney C. Cook, 2710 S. Taft St. 6, 2204 Ina Ave., Dec. 6, Chapter 7. STAMPS Nickey G. and Brenda A. lichelle Lawson, 927 Ellen 7, Chapter 13. Dec. 2, Chapter 13. Jimmy Dale Goad, 6401 • S. Olive, Dec. Hollis, 1021 Highway St., Dec. 6, Charles William Duncan II, hur Springs Road, Apartment 8, Chapter 13. Joyce Ann Neal, 4100 Old Warren Hhapter 7. Chapte ANA Aaron W. and Holly J. 7, Cha7. Road, Apartment 35, Dec. 3, Chapter Hickey, 4745 S. Stateline Ave., Dec. 5, and Spter eDraper and Sons Inc.)n .aper 3698 222, Dec. 8, Chapter 13. 13. Kimberly Shanay Harrell, 301 W. 33rd, Apartment Dec. David Chapter W. Pilgreen, 1410 Slimer Circle, Dec. 8, Chapter 13. . II SPRING John H. and Myrna 232 H 8, Chapter 13. Lawrence Kenney IV, 1401 W. 117th, Jesse Smith, 915 E. Broad St. Apart - der, 2235 Arkansas 175, Dec. 3, Chapter 7. ment 34, Dec. 3, Chapter 13. chapter 7. Louis Tosca, 5912 Kennedy, Dec. 8, Joel Scot and Connie Sue Brooks, aenda M. Stone, 1869 N. Chapter 13. 516 Manor Way Road, Dec. 6; Chap load 103, Dec. 2, Chapter 7. Lucille Tosca, 1605 W. 26th, Dec. 8, ter 13. e Weaver, 801 Roy Lee, Dec. Chapter 13. Reginald Dale Gober, 522 S. Mosley, ,r 7. Marcie Y. Hobbs, 5718 W. Fourth, Dec. Dec. 7, Chapter 13. ID Gary D. Parish, 13316 8, Chapter 13. Stephen G. and Patsy L. McManus, I Road, Dec. 2, Chapter 7. Mari Gerone Martin, 1701 Edmar 3502 Greenwood Ave., Dec. 2, Chap- >rthur Herman and Vivian Drive, Dec. 7, Chapter 13. ter 7. )n, P.O. Box 995, Dec. 8, Marshall Williams, 1604 W. 37th Ave., TRUMANN Clifford Wesley and Glenda 7. 'renshaw, 922 Lackey Road, Dec. 7, Chapter 13. Michael Ray and Gloria June Leveritt, Gail Brown, 424 Fox Run, Dec. 7, Chanter 7. hapter 7. )enise Wiley, 411 Birdie • 10606 Glendale. Road, Dec. 2, Chap- ter 13. TYRONzA Robert L. and Elisa H. Whit- artment 1, Dec. 3, Chapter Tanula Britton, 1423 Belmoor, Dec. 3, low, P.O. Box 194, Dec. 2, Chapter 7. VAN BUREN Gene A. and Evelyn tiael and Danielle M. Yount, Chapter 13. Thomas L. Holland, 5013 Goodfaith, A. Jennen, P.O. Box 6664, Dec. 6, 7. Rive, Dec. 3, Chapter 7. S. Ward, 161 Ross, Dec. 8, Dec. 8, Chapter 13.Chapter Titfani Leshana Dennis, 4314 Garland Kevin W. and Melody R. Mackey, 5201 keyy, 13. Ave., Dec. 7, Chapter 13. Old Uniontown Road, Dec. 8, ter Chapter Ricky Allen Densmore, 854 20 Road, Dec. 7, Chapter 7. Treva Rena Adair, 3101 S. Iris, Dec. 7, Ch ter 13. 13. Ronald Richard and Katrina Shawn E Dorionne W. Cato, 400 POCAHONTAS Annette Budzban, 604 Sharbutt, 1717 Harrison, Dec. 3, rt, Apartment 32, Dec. 3, 3. Bluff Drive, Apartment B, Dec. 7, Chaappter 7. Chapter 7. Steven DeWayne Pitchford, 4 Royale Meyer, P.O. Box 13438, POTTSVRlE Jason R. Irwin, 1145 Day Circle, Dec. 2, Chapter 7. apter 13. fri Waits Jr., 101 Pine Forest Road, Dec. 7 Chapter 7. PRAIRIE GROI1E Charles F. Haynes III, WABBASEKA James S. Bogy, P.O. Box 168, Dec. 2, Chapter 7. rtment E20, Dec. 7, Chapter 608 Jenkins Road, 'Dec. 8, Chapter 7. WARD Terry E. and Susan M. Bry- Fredda Jean Ward, 13596 Hogeye ant Jr., 240 Jackson Road, Dec. 3, homas and Michell Marie 13 Canadian Court, Dec. 6, Road, Dec. 8, Chapter 7. Laurie S. Haynes, 608 Jenkins Road, Chapter 7. WARREN Charles L. Jones, 13 Bryant 13. U.Daniel Dec. 8, Chapter 7. Court., Dec. 3, Chapter 13. Skaggs, 4015 U.S. PRATTSVRIE Joel L. and Lynnette R. Jennifer Helton, 301 S. Myrtle, Dec. 3, 2, Chapter 7. Miller, 205 N. Elm St., Dec. 3, Chapter • Chapter 13. nneth W. Cummings, 111 .7. 'Judy Lynn Herring, 612 Bradley 38, )ec. 3, Chapter 7. RISON Carl N. and Jane B. Pierce, Dec. 7, Chapter 13. INE Mary E. Melton, 908 Mor- 1910 Curry Road, Dec. 3, Chapter 7. Thaelbert GeWayne White, 1110 Dec. 3, Chapter 7. ILLOTheiton Bell, 399 Old Michael Edward and. Judy Corrine Springfield, 520 Jones Lane, Dec. 3, Penister St., Dec. 2, Chapter 13. WEST MEMPHIS Bunnie Albert Dear, Dec. 6, Chapter 7. E Michael Land Jamie L. Chapter 7. ROGERS Alexandrea Nicole Franklin, 701 Johnson Drive, Dec. 3, Chapter 13 0 Ashley 190 Road, Dec. 7, 7. 2006 Commons Drive, Apartment 5, Dec. 8, Chapter 13. WHITE HALL Joyce Ann Lewis, 25 H HOME Mary L. Williams, 77 7 rh int 7. Anthony Ray Franklin, 2006 Corn- Drive, Apartment 5, Dec. 8, Woodland Drive, Dec. 6, Chapter 13. Mildred Alice Newton, 1711 N. Nor _flo.- .r mons man, Dec. 2, Chapter 7. Phillins, PO. Box 20881. Arkansas Democrat -Gazette Trail • Continued from Page 1 B kansas develop its trail net- work Various trails primarily along Interstate 540 in Ben- ton and Washington will join to one continuous net- work that is to become the Razorback Regional Green - way. The greenway was one of only two trail programs in the country funded by TIGER II stimulus money. TIGER II is the acronym for the second round of the Trans- portation Investment Generat- ing Economic Recovery grant program, which is part of the American Recovery and Rein- vestment Act of 2009. Olson said collaboration among this region's cities and support from the Ar- kansas State Highway and Transportation Department clinched the deal for the gre- enway. "Those communities did an incredible job of cooperat- ing to get the TIGER II grant," Olson said. "This is what you hope a greenway project will do — unite the commu- nity" While big pieces of the gre- enway don't exist, other parts of the trail are done or will be done in the near future. In Bentonville, all but one mile of the city's nine -mile por- tion will be finished by spring. In Fayetteville, about 2.8miles of the city's eight -mile portion remain. Work lies ahead to connect various trails in Rogers and a loop trail at Lake Springdale. Bentonville Parks and Rec- reation Manager David Wright and Fayetteville Trails Coordi- nator Matt Mihalevich both said they are ecstatic that so much cash is available for the greenway. "I did cartwheels," said Wright, referring to the news that TIGER II had been award- ed to the trail. "This is what you hope a greenway project will do — unite the community." —Jeff Olson, a partner with Alta Planning and Design "I never would have dreamed there would have been this much money," Miha- levich said. "In terms of trails, one million is considered a lot:' Questions remain as to how the federal dollars can be spent. McLarty of the regional planning commission said the money could be available for construction only, or could be available for engineering and design as well as construction. If grant funds are allowed only for construction, then TI- GER II would be spent along the entire six -city network, while Walton Foundation funds would be used for engineering and design, McLarty said. But if the government allows the money to be spent for con- struction as well as engineer- ing and design, then TIGER II would be spent building the middle of the greenway in Rog- ers, Springdale and Lowell. Under that scenario, foun- dation funds would be used for construction in Bentonville, Johnson and Fayetteville. Under federal guidelines, Fayetteville couldn't use its in-house trails department be- cause of restrictions regarding competitive bidding. But with private funds, he said, city de- partments could be used. Regardless, it appears there's enough money to build the gre- enway, and for that Mihalevich is pleased. "This is reality," he said. "This is happening." Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/BILL BOWDE Angelo Yao (left) and Joe Mandella, bicycle patrol officers wi' the Eureka Springs Police Department, serve an important publ relations role for the city. Readying for a Union charge Re -enactors portraying Confederate soldiers fire on Union trool Park. Sunday's re-enactment marked the 148th anniversary c arkansasonline.com/galleries I. n, 1*1 other sites ai originally an administration building, has changed over the years. But it continues "to serve as the historic and symbolic heart of the cam- pus," the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program said in a report accompanying the nomination. "Old Main has been a cherished landmark at UCA since 1919," UCA Presiden Allen C. Meadors said. "Beinl among the historic building! listed in the National Registei of Historic Places would bE the most appropriate desig nation." A decision on which site! will make the list is expectec in late January or early Feb ruary, said Ralph Wilcox Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/KAREN E. SEGRAVE ad superintendent with the Southern Pacific -Cotton Belt railroad, Engine 819, a 1940s era steam -powered engine that is currently Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff. [an for train restoration boy who has just unwrapped his first model train set on Christmas morning. He'll often take out a handkerchief, give the aged glass a loving polish, then reminisce about his days as a conductor along the St. Louis Southwestern's Cotton Belt Route. This 737,000 -pound, 100 - foot -long steam giant tends to have a nostalgic effect on people, McCaskill said. "It's a very special piece of equipment, a very special piece of history," he said, See TRAIN, Page 3B 4A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TIMES NEWS SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011 INTERNATIONAL DAY STAFF PHOTO DAVID FRANK DEMPSEY Pooja Agarwal, from left, gives a yoga lesson Saturday to Aurick Schmidt, 9, and Grace Posey, 9, at Bentonville Public Library. They were there for International Day, an event to allow children to learn about cultures, stories and languages from around the world. Groups Target Senators On `Swipe Fees' Vote By John Lyon ARKANSAS NEWS BUREAU LITTLE ROCK — While Sens. John Boozman, R -Ark., and Mark Pryor, D -Ark., were home from Washington last week, an ad was running on Arkansas radio stations urging them to vote against delaying a federal law limit- ing fees that banks charge to process transactions involving debit and credit cards. The ad by the National Retail Federation and the Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association concerns interchange fees, also known as swipe fees, which retailers pay to banks, for the privilege of accept- ing debit and credit cards. A new Federal Reserve rule scheduled to take effect July 21 would set a cap on the WEB WATCH `SWIPE FEES' AD http://swipefees.nrf.com/ads our money. America needs swipe fee reform now, not later." The ad is part of a six - figure ad campaign targeting senators in 12 states, a spokes- man for the National Retail Federation said. Banks now charge a percentage of each transaction with a card, typically 1 percent to 2 percent for a debit card and 2 percent to 3 percent for a credit card. Under a provi- sion of the Dodd -Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the maximum fee will be 12 cents per transaction, although In an email Friday to the Arkansas News Bureau, Pryor said he supports interchange fee reform. "However, the final regu- lation needs to strike a fair balance among banks and merchants while ensuring' consumers do not come out the losers in the process," he said. A spokeswoman for Booz- man said the senator was not available for comment and declined to discuss his posi- tion on the issue. Bills supported by the banking industry have been filed in the Senate and the House to delay the new rule. The Senate bill, by Sen. Jon Tester, D -Mont., is expected to be one of the first items taken up when Senate meet- ings resume this week. Tester's bill calls for a two - Supporters of Tester's so-called "stop and study" bill said the rule scheduled to take effect next month should be studied and revised because as written it would hurtcommunity banks. Bank- ers said the under $10 billion in assets exemption won't work. "If I'm a merchant, I'm going to go with whoever's got the lowest interchange fee, which is going to send all of the merchants to the big banks who are forced to keep it artificially set," said Charles Miller of the Arkansas Bank- ers Association. Miller said he understands Congress is trying to protect small banks with the exemp- tion, but competition with larger banks charging lower fees will end up "driving the small banks out of the busi- Rf(ORDS Arrests Bentonville ► Richard Taylor Muse, 19, of 1207 S.E. D St. was arrested Friday in connection with delivery of a controlled substance. Muse was being held Saturday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set. ► Brandon Lee Getz, 19, of 1204 S.E. E St. was arrested Friday in connection with felony delivery of a counterfeit substance and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. Getz was being held Saturday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set. Springdale ► Rudy Flores, 32, of Route 6, Box 3190 in Stilwell, Okla., was arrested Saturday in connection with felony possession of drug. paraphernalia. He was in the Washington County Detention Center without bond Saturday. ► Heath Roberts, 26, of Route 5, Box 4062 in Stilwell, Okla., was arrested Saturday in connection with criminal charges involving possession of drug paraphernalia and shoplifting. He was in the Washington County Detention Center without bond Saturday. ► Sharon Cochran, 37, of 909 S. 6th St. in Stilwell, Okla., was arrested Saturday in connection with felony possession of drug paraphernalia. She was in the Washington County Detention Center on $3,500 bond Saturday. ► Avery Flores, 29, of 1429 N. 477 Road in Tahlequah, Okla., was arrested Saturday in connection with criminal charges involving possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture and shoplifting. He was in the Washington County Detention Center on $7,500 bond Saturday. Police Bentonville ► A caller reported breaking and entering at 103 S.E. 12th St., on Saturday. ►A caller reported a theft at 1901 S.E. J St., on Friday. ►A caller reported a breaking and entering at 1400 S.E. Walton Blvd., on Friday. - STAFF REPORT LITERACY FAIR SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011 UN E U W S NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TIMES 3A Regional Trail Inches Toward Construction SPRINGDALE'S SECTION MUST FOLLOW FEDERAL GUIDELINES By Steve Caraway SCARAWAY@NWAONLINE.COM LI N E.COM SPRINGDALE — The construction of miles of a regional trail inches closer as Northwest Arkansas offi- cials learn to jump through federal hoops. The Razorback Green - way will be a 36 -mile trail stretching from Fayetteville to Lake Bella Vista. The esti- mated cost, including trail-. heads, bathrooms, and other amenities, is $38 million. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commis- sion received a $15 million Transportation Invest- ment Generating Economic Recovery grant for the project. The grant required $3.75 million in matching funds, said John McLarty, transportation planner with the commission. The Walton Family Foun- dation set aside $15 million for trails in Benton and Wash- ington counties but some of the money is committed to cities. "We hope we can find more private money to help with the cost," said Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the commission. Federal money will be used to pay for most of the cost for the middle portion of the trail, in Springdale, Lowell and Rogers, McLarty said. Private money will be used in Fayetteville and Bentonville, he said. "We are concentrating on the middle section right now," McLarty said. "The. two ends have the most miles of trail completed." The goal for the middle's 16 -mile section is to be open by Dec. 31, 2013. The middle section will have to follow federal and state guidelines during its planning and construction because the grant is federal money dispersed by the state, McLarty said. The commission, after a selec- tion process, picked Alta "Property owners have learned a trail is desirable. It has. enhanced property values. I'd like for that to happen here." DOUG SPROUSE Springdale mayor Greenways as the consult- ing company. A contract with Alta has been sent to the state for its approval, McLarty said. Springdale has one section open that will become part of Razorback Greenway. A section of the Lake Spring- dale trail, on the south side of the lake, will be used. Plans estimate about $10 million will be spent on Greenway trails in Spring- dale, said Patsy Christie, Springdale director of plan- ning. The city is using part of a $657,000 federal energy grant to pay for lights along the trail. Springdale has faced some opposition to trails during public hearings. Opponents should look at what trails have done in other cities in the area and in other states, said Mayor Doug Sprouse. "Property owners have learned a trail is desir- able," Sprouse said. "It has enhanced property values. I'd like for that to happen here." Steve Martindale, who ran for City Council, is concerned about trail safety and continuing expenses. "It's a feel -good thing now, but it's going to take an effort to police and maintain the trails," Martindale said. "That federal money is going to run out sometime." Springdale doesn't have to march in lockstep with other cities in the area, Martindale said. Cities do need to coop- erate for the benefit of all, Lowell Mayor Eldon Long said. "Working on the trail through regional planning has helped the cities in the area to get on the same page and think regionally," Long said. "The trail will improve the quality of life for every- one that takes advantage of it." Much of the route in Lowell is across rural land, Long said. "It runs across large agri- cultural plats, mainly," Long said. "That gives us -fewer landowners to deal with." An estimated $3 million to $4 million will be spent on the Greenway in Lowell, Long said. "I've been told the trail will cost $1 million per mile on average," Long said. Rogers has completed planning on two sections and are nearing shovel - ready, said Andrea Brin- ton with the Rogers Parks Department. The sections are where the Greenway crosses Interstate 540. Rogers started work on those sections before the grant money became avail- able, McLarty said. "We'll have to review the plans to make sure they meet state and federal guidelines," McLarty said. "If everything goes well, we start to let contracts on those sections by the end of the month." A Those sections could be completed by the first of next year, said Barney Hayes, Rogers Parks Depart- ment director. An estimated $7 million would go toward trails in Rogers, Hayes said. While the route has been established, the path could be moved up to 100 yards, if needed, McLarty said. The trail designers will have to work closely with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, because of planned highway construction, Long said. The trail will cross I-540 close to its planned inter- change with the U.S. 412 northern bypass. The trail will have to cross both high- ways and several ramps, Long said. "Construction on both projects may be going on.at the same time," Long said. 5 The family of Coy Dale Fitts 3 acknowledges with deep apprectativn the many kind Fitts expressions of sympathy by family and friends. P€IMCIAN v PAT'CEDURE AWARENESS