SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In conjunction with its plans to build a hydroelectric facility at the Red Rock Dam in Marion County, Iowa, the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) Board of Directors approved a contract for construction of a 7,000-foot extension of the Volksweg Bike Trail near the dam.
Norris Asphalt Paving Co., of Ottumwa, Iowa, was the successful bidder for the bike trail project, which will extend from the Fifield Recreation Area to the Robert’s Creek Trailhead. Construction of the trail extension will begin soon and is projected to be completed in November.
Other features also are planned for the area, including picnic shelters, a playground, a fish-cleaning station, restroom, parking facilities, and water fountains. MRES is still developing a plan for completing those features.
MRES, an organization of 61 municipalities that own and operate electric distribution utilities, plans to begin construction of the hydroelectric power plant in early 2014. The project is slated for completion in late 2016. During construction, the project will provide 400-700 jobs and nearly $250 million of economic benefits to the four-county region.
The Red Rock Hydroelectric Project will be the second largest hydroelectric plant in Iowa and will provide enough electricity for about 18,000 homes.
(This information was provided from Missouri River Energy Services in a
recent press release.)