Kane County Economic Development Board approves $30,000 for trail erosion repairs

The Kane County Economic Development Board voted to provide $30,000 in county grant funding to a volunteer-led project aimed at repairing erosion and stabilizing trail systems, the board said at its meeting.

The project presenter said the request will accompany $35,000 from the county’s rec and finance department and two smaller $5,000 grants, calling the $30,000 “seed money” to pay for structural engineering and make the trail safer. “So today we're requesting a grant for $30,000,” the presenter said. “This is seed money that's going to help us with, updating some structural engineering … to make this project long lasting and make sure that we're abiding by all of the state policies and the county policies.”

Board members pressed briefly on matching funds and other sources; the chair confirmed the grant will be leveraged with in-kind donations and volunteer labor. A committee member moved to approve the $30,000 allocation, saying, “I would motion that we give 30,000 to this project.” Karen seconded the motion. When the chair called the vote, members responded “Aye,” and the chair said the motion passed and “will be forwarded on to the commission for further action at the county commission meeting,” which was on the commission’s agenda the following day.

The presenter told the board volunteers and local businesses have offered labor and equipment and that the test area already has generated positive community feedback. The presenter said the grant will help finish the pilot work and allow the approach to be rolled out across the trail system.

Next steps: the board will send its approved allocation to the county commission for final approval at the commission meeting scheduled for the next day.