Stories by Blake Herzog
The Town of Prescott Valley will receive $358,000 from the Arizona State Transportation Board’s five-year construction plan to develop the proposed 24-mile Lasso Loop, a trail being planned along the town limits to provide residents new recreation and transportation options.
The funding is to be used for “scoping” the project, or defining the design concept and estimating the total project cost.
It was awarded in November through the department’s Greater Arizona Transportation Alternatives program, dedicated to nonvehicular transportation improvements including bike lanes, trails and safe walking routes to schools.
Public art pieces also are planned to honor historic locations and physical landmarks along the route, which the Town says will enhance resident’s health while attracting economic growth and improving environmental practices.
Prescott Valley’s required 5.7% share of the grant amounts to $20,400 toward the total of almost $379,000.
The funding is scheduled to be used during the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Prescott Valley is planning a shared-use nonmotorized trail with a variety of surfaces, including paved segments, dirt trails, bike lanes, equestrian paths and waterway corridors (through washes).
The proposed path connects parks and other recreation areas and may include other amenities like picnic areas, horse corrals and event spaces.
Similar scoping grants were awarded at the same time to:
• The City of Prescott: $198,000 for a proposed multiuse path near AZ-89 and Deep Well Ranch Road.
• The Town of Chino Valley: $104,000 for the southern connection of its segment of the Peavine Trail to the longer one that begins in Prescott.
