The Sioux River Red Rock Trail fund was recently awarded a grant from the Recreational Trails Program.  South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard made the announcement on Wednesday, July 11th.  The program, which is run through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, awarded over $1.1 million to several cities, trail groups, and state parks for 2019.

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail was awarded $100,000 for expansion to the dam site.  Plans for this grant will to connect to the trail at the intersection of 1st Ave and Hwy 115 then head west to where the bridge will cross Rocky Run just behind the lift station and run through the prairie grasses until it reaches Mill Ave.  With the grant announcement, the engineering and design process will hopefully start soon with the expectation of construction bidding happening next year.

The other applicants that were awarded grants for trail construction and upgrades were Aberdeen (Moccasin Creek Recreational Trail, $95,800), Deadwood (Whitewood Creek Trail & Boardwalk Rehabilitation, $60,000), and Elk Point (Recreational Trail, $24,903).

“The sponsors of these projects have thoroughly demonstrated their commitment to improving our communities, parks and recreation areas.  These funds will aid them in their efforts to benefit South Dakotans and future generations,” said Gov. Daugaard in the press release.

There are also two other Sioux River Red Rock Trail projects that are scheduled to be completed before the end of 2018.  With the help of another South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Recreational Trails Program grant, the trail at the corner of Hwy 115 and Centennial Pl will be extended south to the picnic shelter and scenic overlook above the Dells.  Also in conjunction with the Hwy 115 reconstruction project, a trail will be added across the new bridge will continue north to the four-way stop, then turn west past Veteran’s Park all the way to Golf View Dr.

Donations to the Sioux River Red Rock Trail are always welcome.  Donations can be sent to:
Dell Rapids Trailway Fund
Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation
200 N. Cherapa Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Funds are managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.