(Council Bluffs) Residents of Pottawattamie County are moving closer to a long-term vision aimed at enhancing quality of life, attracting new families, and boosting local economies through expanded recreational infrastructure. Central to that vision is the development of a county-wide trail system, highlighted by progress on the Railroad Highway Trail.
Momentum for the project—designed to eventually connect Council Bluffs to Neola—has grown significantly in recent months following three major funding awards. The initiative secured $500,000 from the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) in March, $1.9 million through the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in January, and an additional $500,000 from the State Recreational Trails Program in November.
These funds will support the paving of a 4.2-mile segment between Weston and Underwood. Engineering for this portion began last month, with construction potentially starting as early as 2027 if the remaining $2 million in needed funding is obtained.
Meanwhile, construction is already underway on a 1.7-mile segment stretching from Highway 6 in Council Bluffs to the Smith Wildlife Area. That section is expected to be completed this summer and will create a continuous connection between Council Bluffs and Weston.
Project leaders emphasize the broader impact of the trail system. According to Pottawattamie Conservation Executive Director Jeff Franco, the effort reflects strong collaboration among partners who recognize the value trails bring to both urban and rural communities. He noted that the project will provide opportunities to enhance residents’ quality of life while highlighting the county’s natural landscapes.
The Railroad Highway Trail is also part of the larger Great American Rail Trail, an ambitious cross-country route that will span more than 3,700 miles from Washington, D.C., to Washington State when complete.
A wide range of partners are involved in the project, including local municipalities, regional organizations, state agencies, nonprofit groups, and private landowners. Among them are the City of Council Bluffs, City of Underwood, Golden Hills RC&D, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa West Foundation, the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, Pottawattamie Conservation, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Looking ahead, project partners are actively fundraising to complete a 5-mile stretch from Underwood to Neola. Plans are also underway for a feasibility study to explore potential routes extending from Neola to the eastern edge of Pottawattamie County, continuing the effort to build a comprehensive trail network across the region.
