Orderville trail project: lost grant, reapplication planned; design, costs and easement issues discussed

Board members and project volunteers provided a status update on the town'scale trail project, explaining why a previously anticipated $200,000 grant expired and what immediate steps staff and volunteers will take.

The presenter said the original $200,000 award could not be renewed because Utah Trail Network and the implementing partner were delayed in organizing the contract. As a result, the contract expired and the funding was lost; the presenter said he had met with the grant program manager and engineers and was encouraged to reapply when applications open in January.

Project cost details discussed on the record included a single-segment asphalt estimate of about $150,000 ("just the asphalt from this corner to the cattle guard") and a preliminary total project estimate that speakers placed between about $250,000 and $320,000 as the design work revealed additional complications. The discussion repeatedly referenced a match requirement described in the meeting as a "70/30 match." Speakers said earlier planning and survey expenditures (about $50,000'$60,000) may be eligible for partial reimbursement (an estimate given in the meeting was roughly $20,000) if they meet the grant program's timing rules.

County participation was described as in'kind work (grading, materials) and possible cash to help meet the required match; presenters said they may ask the town for additional cash to satisfy the grant match once the grant cycle opens. Project staff said they expect to finalize design alignments soon and to file for reimbursement and reapplication in the coming months.

Separately, staff and engineers described a design complication near Mount Carmel Junction: a stacked wall and blind corner that cannot be retained as'built. The current proposal is to construct a soil'nail retaining wall that will extend beneath the adjacent property and thus requires an easement for subsurface elements. Staff said they will hold in'person meetings with affected property owners to explain options; if owners decline, a more intrusive post and panel wall was presented as a less desirable fallback. The contractors have offered to make decorative treatments (such as stamping) to reduce the visual impact, and staff proposed making salvaged rock available to the public rather than hauling it away.

No formal vote was taken. Staff requested continuing authorization to pursue final design, complete grant reimbursement paperwork where eligible, and pursue reapplication in the next grant cycle.