10/20/2008
ERIN MATHEWS
A seven-mile hike/bike trail that follows the Smoky Hill River channel through Salina could cost as little as $4 million or as much as $7.9 million, depending on what type of surfaces were used.
It’s likely, though, that different surfaces would be used on different segments of the trail, making the cost somewhere between the high and low figures, said Steve Snyder, director of Salina Parks and Recreation.
The idea, being called the Smoky Hill River Trail, was discussed Monday afternoon during a study session with the Salina City Commission.
The commission earlier this year approved an agreement with the Salina engineering and architectural firm of Bucher Willis & Ratliff to put together a conceptual report for a multi-use trail through the city. It was that report that was shared with the commission.
While there is a number of potential state and federal sources for funding, much of that funding has dried up in recent years, said Gary Hardin, with the Kansas City office of Bucher Willis & Ratliff.

 Reporter April Middleton can be reached at 822-1409 or by e-mail at amiddleton@salina.com.
For more on this proposal, read reporter April Middleton's story in Tuesday's Salina Journal.