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$200,000 RTP grant anchored as phase‑1 funding for Cottonwood Eastland trail; DOT driveway permit still pending
Summary
Board members reported the Cottonwood Eastland Multi‑Use Trail is a roughly $1 million, three‑phase project with a $200,000 Recreational Trails Program grant for phase 1; Northern Region has submitted a DOT driveway permit but expects a two‑to‑three month approval window.
Camille, a committee member, told the Kachemak‑area parks board that the Cottonwood Eastland Multi‑Use Trail project is planned as a three‑phase, roughly $1 million effort and that the board has secured a $200,000 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant toward phase 1.
"We have a $200,000 RTP grant for part of the project," Camille said, adding the Friends group and other organizers have raised about $370,000 and are pursuing additional grants and private donors. She said phase 1 includes trail construction and a parking area and that the board has already solicited contractor quotes.
The board discussed the state permitting sequence. Camille said the project's ILMA application is completed and, once signed, will enter a 21‑day appeal period before it is final. "Once they're both agree, it will be sought," she said; "once it's signed, it goes to a 21‑day appeal period," noting the appeal window is administrative, not a public vote.
Board members also discussed access and parking design. A member asked whether the driveway is intended primarily to access the parking lot; another said the original design requires a larger right‑of‑way and that the parking layout would not accommodate trailers for horse transport. Camille summarized the schedule and funding gaps: "Phase 1 is gonna cost $350,000," she said, and the board expects to combine RTP funds with other grants and donations.
Camille said Northern Region submitted the DOT driveway permit but is awaiting confirmation from DOT; she estimated DOT approval could take two to three months even with expedited review. "Even with DOT expediting this permit, it will take two to three months for approval," she said.
Why it matters: The phase‑1 parking and access design determines how the park will handle visitor volumes and which user groups—day visitors, kayak users or equestrian users—can be served. Board members emphasized that cost adjustments and parking design affect whether the site can accommodate trailers and larger vehicles.
What’s next: Board members plan to continue fundraising, pursue additional grants (including a $250,000 request to one foundation), and await DOT confirmation and the end of the ILMA appeal period before advertising construction timelines. The trails committee also plans outreach to recruit volunteers to help with construction day work and maintenance.
