Neillsville Improvement Corporation Receives Several Donations for Rails to Trails Project

Sunday, June 20th, 2021 -- 10:00 AM

The Neillsville Improvement Corporation, or NIC, is pleased to announce they have recently received several Grants and Donations for the economic development project known as Rails to Trails.

NIC is the fiscal agent for this project to build a non-motorized recreational trail on an active powerline corridor along a former railroad bed. This trail is supported by the City of Neillsville 2013-2033 Comprehensive Plan and the Clark County 2016-2021 Recreation Plan.

On April 27th, the Neillsville City Council voted unanimously to partner with Neillsville Improvement Corporation by co-signing a DNR grant application for $50,000 for the Neillsville Trailhead Complex and Recreational Trail.

The project has continued to receive outstanding community support from individuals, businesses, service organizations, and foundations. In the past few months alone, the Clark County Community Foundation awarded a $1,000 grant, the Listeman Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant, and the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. awarded $2,500 to the Rails to Trails project.

Among many recent generous donations, the Rosemary McBride Estate, Simplicity Credit Union, and the Neillsville Lions Club each donated $1,000 to this economic development project.

Funds for this project have been used to purchase six parcels of land and an engineering concept plan for the Neillsville Trailhead Complex including the Carl & Millie Opelt Playground.

Anyone with questions or concerns about this project, are encouraged to contact NIC. This project cannot take over private land, will not take active Ag land out of production, and will cause little to no impact to adjacent landowners.

Thousands of miles of trails across the state and country have shown these types of projects have very positive effects on the community with no negative effects. This is a long term project that will take years to unfold.

The Elroy-Sparta trail is 50 years old and they are continuing to expand it because of its positive effects on the area. Donations can be made to Neillsville Improvement Corporation, 508 Hewett St, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Make checks payable to Neillsville Improvement Corporation and funds will be put toward the Rails to Trails project and the Carl & Millie Opelt Playscape.

Donations can also be made through our website: [email protected] or through the donate button on our Facebook page.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.