Community Development Updates
Rock Island Trail State Park
Developed Trailheads
Communities Under Development
Versailles
- Awarded $440,861.62 in federal grant funds.
- The city is providing $149,563.96 in local matching funds.
- Trail to be built is 2 miles within city limits, trail surface only.
Eldon
- Awarded $240,000 in federal grant funds.
- The city is providing $40,000 in local matching funds.
- The private sector of Eldon is providing $40,000 in matching funds.
- Trail to be built is 1.42 miles of trail from downtown Eldon to the west connecting residents to a park, schools and businesses; includes trail surface, a trailhead and restoration of a historic railroad shed.
Belle
- Awarded $202,000 in federal grant funds.
- The city is providing $48,000 in local matching funds.
- Trail to be built is 1.67 miles of trail within city limits, includes trail surface, a kiosk and water at the trailhead.
- A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 31, 2025.
Owensville
- Awarded $510,000 in federal grant funds.
- The city is providing $80,000 in local matching funds.
- Trail to be built is 2.5 miles of trail within city limits and connection to the school system, trail surface only.
- Engineering plans are complete.
- Notice to proceed given by MODOT.
- Contractor selected through competitive bid process.
- Pre-construction conference held Oct. 11, 2024.
- Clearing of trail began Oct. 21, 2024.
- 2.5 miles of trail construction was completed between Highway Y and Highway 19 in May 2025.
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 31, 2025.
- Trail is open to the public.
Glasconade County
- Awarded $467,972 in federal grant funds.
- The county is providing $116,993 in local matching funds.
- Trail to be built is 2.8 miles of trail connecting the portion of Rock Island Trail that the City of Owensville is constructing and heading east to the Soap Creek Bridge.
Gerald
Completed:
- Surface has been grading and debris removal.
- Culvert replacement and multiple drainage issues addressed.
- Base rock installed.
- Katy Trail blend surface materials have been installed.
- Trailhead parking and 1 mile of trail construction were completed in February 2025.
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 31, 2025.
- Trail is open to the public.