Preliminary plans for easy entryway project
Preliminary plans for easy entryway project

The City of Jefferson recently received a grant to kick-start its funding for a project to improve one of its entrances into town.

City Administrator Mike Palmer says they received $10,000 for improvements through a community grant from the Union Pacific Railroad. Palmer notes that the funds will be used toward the East Entryway project on Lincoln Way. He says the Jefferson Community Betterment Foundation applied for the grant, while the City has also applied for two other grants, Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant and another through Region XII Council of Governments. Palmer explains what specifically the funds are being targeted for.

“If we can collect the money it is to actually get the bike or walkway out to the cemetery. It would be connected to the (Raccoon River Valley) trailhead and would head out to the cemetery. That was step one.”

Palmer points out the walking/bike path alone costs about $150,000. Other plans include beautification items like trees, shrubs, and improved lighting from Cedar Street to the City Cemetery. Palmer estimated the total cost of the project is $600,000. He adds that the East Entryway project is a priority of the City Council, however they want to fund it completely with grants and donations and not use any taxpayer money.