June 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter

Fire-Damaged Lighted Bridge in Adel Faces Long Road to Reopening

The beloved Lighted Bridge in Adel, a key feature of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and a popular community landmark, was severely damaged by fire last month. The blaze destroyed lighting systems and caused structural damage that has closed the bridge indefinitely. The estimated cost to repair and reopen the bridge stands at approximately $896,000, and while design work is underway, securing funding remains a significant hurdle.

An investigation by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office has determined that the fire affecting the lighted Raccoon River Valley Trail bridge in Adel on May 12, 2025, was intentionally set.

Detectives allege three 19-year-olds bypassed a locked fence, constructed an uncontained fire pit beneath the bridge using sticks and branches, and ignited it with cotton balls and a lighter.  The flames eventually reached the structure above. Though the suspects later attempted to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher, they did not call emergency services, fearing arrest. The central suspect faces charges of second-degree arson, while all three are charged with criminal mischief and trespassing

Dallas County Conservation has contracted with Snyder & Associates to lead the design phase, which includes topographic surveys and a geotechnical report—critical steps in applying for a required floodplain permit. If funding is secured by late summer or early fall of this year, the earliest the bridge could reopen would be May 2026. In the meantime, conversations about a potential fundraiser have begun, but no specific campaign has been launched. Insurance coverage for the damage also remains uncertain, as claims adjustors continue to evaluate the situation.

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Trail Funding in Iowa

Funding for trail improvements is especially critical right now on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, as the popular 89-mile loop faces two major infrastructure challenges. One is the repair of the Lighted Bridge in Adel, as mentioned in the previous article. Further northwest, the stretch of trail between Jefferson and Yale is in urgent need of resurfacing. Cracks, ruts, and erosion have made the trail less safe and less enjoyable for users. So far, Greene and Guthrie counties have secured about half of the needed funding, but nearly $2.5 million is still required to complete the project. With these needs in mind, we thought this would be a good time to take a closer look at how trails in Iowa are funded—not only for their development and expansion, but also for ongoing maintenance.

The State of Iowa funds bicycle trail maintenance and expansion through a blend of federal grants, state programs, local partnerships, and dedicated conservation funding sources:

1. Federal Grants

• Recreational Trails Program (RTP): A federal program managed by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), providing funds from a portion of motor-fuel excise taxes. Iowa uses RTP grants for trail maintenance, construction, equipment, signage, easements, and educational programs

• Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP): Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this program (formerly Transportation Alternatives) allocates both statewide and regional funding for bike/ped facilities, recreational trails, Safe Routes to School, scenic byways, and more. It typically covers up to 80% of project costs.

2. State-Level Programs

• State Recreational Trails Program (SRT): Administered by Iowa DOT, SRT is funded from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (infrastructure-backed gaming receipts) and awards annual competitive grants. Funding has varied over the years—from an average of $2 million to peaks of $6 million—though unmet demand remains high.

• Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP): Funded through the Environment First Fund (revenue from gaming) and license-plate sales, REAP provides approximately $12 million/year for conservation and recreation, including trails

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): A federal/state joint reimbursement grant program that requires a 50% local match for acquiring or developing public recreation lands—including trails.

• Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP): A nationally competitive grant (via LWCF) aimed at building or renovating public recreation in underserved, economically disadvantaged urban U.S. communities

3. Local and Partner Contributions

• Local Governments & MPOs/RPAs: Projects often require 20% local cash or in-kind match. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Planning Affiliations (RPAs) also receive and distribute TAP and other federal funds regionally

• County Bonds & Local Fees: Some counties (e.g., Johnson County) issue local bonds for conservation and trails.

Iowa’s bicycle trails rely on a mosaic of financial support—from federal programs like RTP and TAP, state initiatives like SRT, REAP, and LWCF, to local matching funds and partnerships. However, persistent funding gaps mean expansion and maintenance still often fall short of public need.

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Exploring Other Means to Increase Funding for Trails

Here are two funding ideas that would require legislative approval and engage trail users in supporting Iowa’s trail system:

• Create a “Trail Support Fund” via tax checkoff

  Modeled after Iowa’s voluntary Wildlife Habitat checkoff (the “Chickadee Checkoff”), this program would let taxpayers opt to donate to trail development and maintenance when filing their state income taxes. A checkbox on the tax form would direct contributions to a dedicated fund for trail repair, expansion, or use as a local grant match. While the Wildlife Habitat checkoff peaked at $238,477 in 1982 and now brings in around $130,000–$140,000 annually, a well-promoted trail checkoff could exceed $200,000 in yearly contributions.

• Implement a small bicycle-related excise tax

  A modest surcharge on bicycle purchases, parts, or accessories could directly fund trail improvements. For example, Oregon’s $15 tax on new adult bikes (over $200) generates about $1 million annually. A similar Iowa initiative could exempt children’s bikes and low-cost models to avoid burdening casual or budget-conscious riders, while still creating a meaningful revenue stream for trail resurfacing or construction.

To maintain its reputation as a top biking destination, Iowa must increase its investment in trails. The state’s extensive trail network has become a major draw for cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists alike. Cycling and trail activities contribute around $1.4 billion to Iowa's economy each year. This includes spending on tourism, trail maintenance, and the operations of over 80 bike shops across the state.

However, aging infrastructure, growing usage, and limited funding threaten the long-term quality and appeal of these assets. By expanding funding for trail maintenance, improvements, and new development, Iowa can continue to attract visitors, support local economies, and promote healthy, active lifestyles across its communities.

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Welcome, Jim Thiesen, New Board Member!

The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is excited to welcome Jim Theisen to our board. Jim, a resident of Panora, has been an avid trail user since retiring from Union Pacific, where he held several legal positions specializing in corporate and financial matters. Beyond his passion for the trail, Jim actively volunteers with his church, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and other local charities. We’re thrilled to have his experience and commitment supporting our mission!

We are still looking for two more board members and especially seeking board members from Dallas Center, Jefferson, and Perry—key communities along the trail—who can bring their unique local knowledge, energy, and ideas to our work. To learn more or express your interest in joining the RRVTA Board of Directors, please contact Pat Steele, Racoon River Valley Trail Association Chair at RRVTAchair@gmail.com

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Trail Closure Details:

• Affected Section: Three miles from Ortonville to Adel, near the Dallas Center exit off Highway 6.

• Timeline: Work is ongoing throughout the summer, with tentative completion originally planned for late August or early September. However, due to the fire on the Lighted Bridge in Adel, this section will remain closed until at least May 2026.

• Closure: The trail is closed at both ends of the affected section.

• Detour: No official detour is currently available.

• Access to Adel from Redfield remains open.