Town of Cloverland Awarded Nearly $1.3 Million WisDOT Grant for River Trail Phase 1

Federal Transportation Alternatives Program funding will support new multi-use trail and connection to existing St. Germain trails

CLOVERLAND, Wis. — The Town of Cloverland has been awarded nearly $1.3 million in federal funding through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to support Phase 1 of the River Trail project.

The award was announced by Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as part of more than $32 million in federal funding being awarded to 49 bicycle and pedestrian facilities, trail projects, and Safe Routes to School initiatives throughout Wisconsin.

River Trail Phase 1 includes two key elements. The project will construct approximately 1.9 miles of multi-use, off-road paved trail from Old Highway 70 Road to Wilderness Trail. It will also include bike route and wayfinding signage along the 1.7 miles of Old Highway 70 Road, providing a more immediate connection between the new River Trail segment, the existing St. Germain Trail and Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System.

“This is an exciting milestone for the River Trail project and for our entire region,” said Steve Favorite, Cloverland Town Chairman. “Receiving this grant allows us to take an important first step toward making the River Trail a reality. We are grateful for the strong partnerships and community support that helped make this opportunity possible, and we look forward to creating a safer and more connected route for bicyclists and pedestrians while building on the extensive trail system that already serves residents and visitors throughout Vilas County.”

The River Trail is a proposed 10-mile biking and walking connection between Eagle River and St. Germain. Once completed, it is envisioned to connect Eagle River and the Three Eagle Trail with the nationally recognized 55-mile Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System, creating additional opportunities for safe recreation and transportation throughout the region.

The River Trail Commission, which includes representatives from the City of Eagle River, the Towns of Cloverland and St. Germain, has been working collaboratively with the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation to advance the project.

The Town of Cloverland served as the local sponsor for the TAP application. The federal grant funding will provide significant support for construction of Phase 1, with local matching funds required as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program.

“The River Trail Commission has been working for years to turn the vision of connecting Eagle River and St. Germain into reality,” said Jim Swenson, Chairman with the River Trail Commission. “This funding allows us to take a significant first step forward while laying the groundwork for future phases of the River Trail and a stronger regional trail network.”

Great Headwaters Trails Foundation has committed nearly $500,000 toward River Trail Phase 1, including the local match required under the grant as well as funding the engineering design work and administrative oversight costs of the project.

“This grant award is an important investment in the future of our trail system,” said Laura Van Valkenberg, President of Great Headwaters Trails Foundation. “The River Trail has long been envisioned as a connection that will bring communities together and expand safe opportunities for people to walk and bike. We are grateful to the Town of Cloverland for its leadership and to everyone who has helped move this project forward.”

Planning and development of the River Trail has involved years of collaboration among local governments, community organizations, volunteers, and supporters. The TAP grant award provides the funding needed to move Phase 1 toward construction while establishing an important foundation for future phases of the River Trail.