Washington County Conservation is hoping they can benefit from the recent $1.9 trillion COVID-Relief stimulus bill signed by President Joe Biden Thursday.

Executive Director Zach Rozmus informed the conservation board at their meeting Thursday, Iowa could receive about $5 million for enhancing and improving trails in the state. He says he’ll explore the grant possibilities, “So there’s going to be an opportunity and I think it’s going to happen rather quickly. I think the application process is going to go live on April 1st, so that shows you how quickly it’s going to have to come together.”

Rozmus says the Shiloh Project in the Southtown Development east of Kalona might be perfect for a COVID relief grant because the program is expected to target trail projects like those Shiloh that are “shovel ready” and won’t take a year’s worth of planning and development. The Shiloh Project will work to convert 103 acres of the property into recreational areas such as a dog park, naturescape areas, a nine-hole disc golf course, and walking and biking trails. CJ Moyna and Sons is also converting 56 acres of the property into 64 residential lots.