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Sometime this spring, Elmer City residents, along with town visitors, can take a hike from their doorsteps along a new interior trail system that leads to the Downriver Trail along the Columbia River.

The bid that will allow this to happen was awarded last Thursday night by the Elmer City Council.

Council members awarded a $159,726 contract to DW Excavating, Inc., of Davenport, Washington, for a 2,300-foot trail that borders the Lower River Road. Two crosswalks and signage are included in the Transportation Improvement Board grant. It’s all part of a “Complete Streets” program, promoted by the State Department of Transportation.

The program allows for foot and bicycle traffic to be included in street projects.

Promoted locally as a way for residents to develop healthy walking routes within the town, the new pathway could be completed before summer.

Public Works Director “Jimmer” Tillman said that when the current project is completed, the town plans to apply for another Complete Streets grant to complete the overall trail system in the town.

The current project is the third that Elmer City has landed from the TIB.

The DW Excavating, Inc., bid was the lowest received among six submitted, town officials stated.

The $250,000 TIB grant will cover both engineering costs and construction of the trail that will go along the Lower River Road from the end of Third Street to Williams Street. Crosswalks will connect the new trail to the Downriver Trail in two locations, making it easier for people to plan their respective “healthy” activities.