Background
The Wisconsin River Trail is a project that will create a 20+ mile, non-motorized hiking/biking trail through the Driftless areas of rural, quaint Boscobel, Woodman, and Wauzeka, following both sides of the Wisconsin River. When finished, this trail will cross the Wisconsin River from Woodman to Wauzeka with an ADA-accessible pedestrian/ATV/UTV/ snowmobile bridge.
Having received Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for the trail, the project now has been stalled due to a couple of issues. First, the local situation with the railroads has changed, resulting in changes to the design and engineering of the trail. And second, because the project was awarded a higher amount of TAP than it applied for (money that the project does need), they are now needing to come up with additional dollars to provide the “match” needed for TAP dollars.
Progress
Like many projects on our Priority Projects list, the Wisconsin River Trail is making progress because of the dedication of local stakeholders who won’t take “no” for an answer. Bike Fed has been serving as a resource to these stakeholders, and in particular, making them aware of new deadlines and funding opportunities to help them reach their funding goals for the project.
Get Involved
Funding availability is of utmost importance to get this trail the maintenance it needs. Bike Fed has been advocating for waiving the match for TAP dollars for rural communities like Boscobel, Woodman, and Wauzeka. Reach out to your legislators to let them know you support increased TAP funding, and you also want to see legislation waiving the match for small communities. To find your state legislators, click here.
Partners
Wisconsin River Trail Organization