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Commission backs MOU for Rio Grande trail grant, feasibility study for seasonal river surf feature
Summary
The commission approved a memorandum of understanding to support a joint application for a FY26 trails grant to build a riverside trail at Ralph Edwards Park and a feasibility study for a seasonal river surf wave at Rotary Park; the county's role would include promotion and technical assistance.
The commission approved a basic memorandum of understanding to strengthen a FY26 trails grant application that would fund a River/Rio Grande trail at Ralph Edwards Park and a feasibility study for a seasonal river surf wave at Rotary Park.
The presenter explained that grant reviewers favor multi-entity partnerships and that the proposed MOU would keep the city as fiscal agent while asking the county to support promotion, attend ribbon-cutting events and provide technical assistance. "We will be applying for a river rock trail that will run along the Rio Grande over at Ralph Edwards Park," the presenter said, adding that a feasibility study would look at a seasonal surf wave structure that would only be active during higher flows.
Commissioners asked about environmental and fish-movement concerns; the presenter said the feasibility work would assess impacts and that project design would aim to maintain fish passage. One commissioner suggested adding the nearby village to the partnership to strengthen the application; staff said a letter of support from a nearby entity is already included and that county commission consideration is planned.
Why this matters: The MOU increases the competitiveness of grant applications by showing local partners working together and advances recreational and economic-development goals for waterfront areas.
The commission voted to approve the MOU and to move the item forward.
