The Page County Board of Supervisors voted to act as the project sponsor and pass federal funds to Southwest Iowa Nature Trails Project (SWINT) for the Rat Park Connector Trail, allowing the nonprofit to move forward on a TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) award and an SRT grant application.

Becca Castle Laughlin, director for SWINT, told the board the project includes four components: a new trail along the south side of the East Nishnabotna River between A Avenue and the Wabash Trace, resurfacing of asphalt between the river and Sportsman's Park, a crushed‑limestone segment to Highway 59, and a city loop within Shenandoah including resurfacing in Waubonsee Park and a connection along Ferguson Road. "We would like Page County to act as the project sponsor for both the TAP grant, which we have been approved for, and the SRT grant," Castle Laughlin said, and added that SWINT will provide required matching funds and long‑term maintenance.

Castle Laughlin said the TAP award is for approximately $400,000 that would pass through Page County to the contractor and noted that local funds of $50,000 have been committed by Paige Kenny at $10,000 per year over five years. The board approved a 28E agreement (intergovernmental pass-through) and related resolutions; SWINT's board has also approved the arrangement and will provide the nonprofit's signatures.

Why it matters: The pass-through and resolutions enable a nonprofit‑led trail project to use federal funds while the county administers the grant. The DOT requires a public sponsor and a 20‑year maintenance commitment for federal trail funds; SWINT told the board it will carry the maintenance responsibility via the 28E agreement.

What comes next: County staff will execute the 28E and related resolutions and coordinate the flow of federal funds to SWINT or the contractor as the DOT and procurement rules require. The board approved the 28E agreement and accompanying resolutions by voice vote.

No contingency to the vote was recorded beyond the county's role as project sponsor and SWINT's commitments to match and maintain the trail for the DOT-required period.