Board approves $30,000 seed grant for Duck Creek trail erosion repairs

The Kane County Economic Development Board voted to provide $30,000 in seed funding for repairs to an eroding trail system near Duck Creek, a board member said. The grant is intended to pay for structural engineering and durable repairs to keep the trail safe for visitors.

Karen, who presented the request, said the project has attracted “lots and lots of support” from local businesses, outdoor clubs and volunteers and that in-kind labor and donated heavy equipment will stretch the county funding. “So today we're requesting a grant for $30,000 that's going to accompany the $35,000 from the rec and finance department,” Karen said.

Board members confirmed the award is intended to be leveraged with smaller grants and donations: the presenter said the project is also seeking $5,000 from an outdoor recreation initiative and $5,000 from an OHV grant, plus in-kind contributions. The chair also noted the county’s rec and transportation funds are part of the financing mix.

Committee member S3 moved to approve the $30,000 grant; Karen seconded. The chair called the voice vote and announced, “Motion passes and will be forwarded on to the commission for further action at the county commission meeting, which it's on the agenda for tomorrow.” The chair directed staff to forward the paperwork to the county commission.

Board members and the presenter discussed next steps for implementation, including volunteer coordination, temporary pause of heavy equipment while engineering specifications are finalized, and community fundraising questions. Several attendees offered to provide tools, equipment or labor to help complete the work.

The board’s approval is a board-level funding recommendation; the county commission will consider the request at its next meeting.