From the Sioux City Journal:
Construction of the 16-mile trail connecting Sioux City to Le Mars has begun.
Organizers formally broke ground Tuesday on the PlyWood Trail. Ryan Meyer, chair of the PlyWood Trail Foundation said the ceremony marked the culmination of work and collaboration on the part of many different individuals.
“Quality of life amenities are so important in attracting workforce and young families to the area,” Meyer said.
The first portion of this previously estimated $18 million project includes constructing the trailhead in Merrill, building a bridge over the west fork of the Floyd River and paving a 1/4 mile trail.
This portion is estimated to be complete in late spring or early summer, and Meyer said they are hopeful to connect Merrill to Le Mars in 2023.
Le Mars-based Wells Enterprises President Mike Wells has been a supporter of the trail since the beginning of the committee. He said Sioux City is the largest city in the state of Iowa without a trail.
“This trail, along with the mountain bike trail at Cone Park will create a “bicycle destination in Northwest Iowa,” Wells said.
The foundation had raised more than $4 million to construct the trail from both public and private sources, with a large portion from Wells Enterprises.
