The Core Team for the High Cliff Connection project linking the Fox Cities with the state park is committed to being open and transparent in its work and so it offers these updates:
On Oct. 28, 2022, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission approved the High Cliff Master Plan. Implementation will largely be the responsibility of the municipalities.
In December 2022, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region hired Lynda Fink and her new consulting firm Trail Strategies, LLC, to guide our communities through the application process for federal and state grants.
With Lynda’s guidance, we learned the best fit for our project among available grant programs was the Wisconsin DOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants.
In late March, we submitted applications for two TAP grants, both for more detailed feasibility studies of potential trail segments identified in the Master Plan. One was for Highway 114 and the other for Manitowoc Road, Old Highway Road and Pigeon Road. The federal grant pays 80% of the project cost. The Community Foundation has agreed to pay the 20% local share from $2 million it allocated over five years starting in 2022 through its Nelson Family Fund for the Trail to High Cliff State Park to support municipalities pursuing the High Cliff project.
The project received letters or resolutions of support from Menasha, Harrison, Calumet County, the Community Foundation, the Fox Convention and Visitors Bureau, Friends of High Cliff State Park and Fox Cities Greenways for those applications.
A task force is evaluating engineering firms that could do the feasibility studies if the grants are awarded. The Task Force will draft a request for proposals.
We presented the project at a meeting of the new, nonpartisan Legislative Trails Caucus on March 2 in Madison at the invitation of Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton. Republicans Rep. Ron Tusler and Sen. Andre Jaque also were in attendance.
Trail coordinator Lynda Fink is working with Menasha for a 2023 Department of Natural Resources grant to help with the trail realignment as part of renovations at Jefferson Park and the Village of Sherwood to secure a DNR grant in 2024 to renovate the Pigeon Road trail.
On May 1, 2023, we submitted a grant application in collaboration with the City of Menasha for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship Program and Recreational Trail Program grants to help with trail rehabilitation and realignment as part of the renovations at Jefferson Park in 2024.
In May, we launched a project website at HighCliffConnection.org.
On May 10, we were informed that both TAP requests were recommended for 80% funding by the TAP Selection Committee and sent them on to the East Central Technical Advisory Committee and the Executive Committee, both of which approved the requests. Final review and approval must still come from the WIsconsin Department of Transportation. The Community Foundation has agreed to pay the 20% ($28,400) local match.
Another TAP grant cycle is expected the summer of 2023. There is potential that we apply for a design & construction grant of one of the feasibility study segments with that cycle. If awarded, the design and construction cycle with federal grants typically takes two to three years after official award.
We expect a decision on the Wisconsin DNR Stewardship grant in early fall. If awarded, then the full mainline Jefferson Park trail rehabilitation and realignment is planned to be constructed in 2024 by the City of Menasha. The Jefferson Park trail is an integral part of the High Cliff Connection.
In the meantime, we also plan to:
- Continue to explore and apply for additional funding.
- Develop project materials to raise awareness.
- Provide regular updates on this website on project progress.
The corridor development is a collaborative effort and will be phased in as local municipal support, funding and the public design and construction process allows. We are excited to continue moving forward and appreciate your support!
If you have questions or comments concerning the High Cliff Connection, please send them to:
We will continue to build support, seek other funders and spread our story. If you have questions or comments concerning the High Cliff Connection, send them to: [email protected].
