City of Longview seeks federal grant to extend trail system

Longview News-Journal
By Yoleyne Romero yromero@news-journal.com
September 22, 2023

A $1.3 million federal grant could be used to link the city of Longview's 10 miles of continuous trails beyond the Marshall Avenue trailhead. 

At Thursday's City Council meeting, members approved the city's Grant and Human Services department to apply, and if awarded, accept, the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

As part of the federal agency's Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program, grants are awarded for community-centered connection transportation projects such as "nature and recreation ... or mitigating highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access or economic development."

Laura Hill, director of Grant and Human Services, said the grant would fund extending the Paul G. Boorman trail from its trailhead on Marshall Avenue past the railroad tracks to south along the Grace Creek floodplain before ending at Komatsu Corp. at 2400 S. MacArthur St.

According to the city, the grant would help develop the best methods for crossing Marshall Avenue and the railroad tracks that create an east/west barrier. The trail system would continue through the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center and The Green underneath Texas 31 and past Stamper Park to its ultimate stop on South Loop 281.

"This grant would also allow the city to be prepared for future funding and construction opportunities," according to the city.

If awarded, the city would be responsible for an up to 20% match that would come from its fund balance. 

In other business at Thursday's meeting, membership for the city's Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee will return to two representatives per district after discussion and approval from the council.

District 4 Councilman John Nustad and District 5 Councilwoman Michelle Gamboa presented the option to other members, with Gamboa explaining the last time the committee had 12 members was in 2019.

"Although two constituents may live in the same district, they all have varying backgrounds, experiences and such and schedules, and because this is a very important (committee) that is gonna dictate our future for the next 15 to 20 years, we thought it prudent and important for there to be a second member for each district so that in the case one can't attend a meeting or something, they can work together and do what's best for Longview in that regard," Gamboa said.

Mayor Andy Mack said he believes the idea is a step forward and noted the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee originally started with two members from each district that was cut down to one per district after the Comprehensive Plan was completed. 

Further, Mack said while he doesn't appoint anyone to the committee, he wouldn't be opposed to suggesting a name or two if possible.

"I say that out of, we don't always have enough attendance to get something done, and so ... we might need to consider... an attendance requirement," he said. "If you put someone on the committee and they don't attend, then you need to replace them."

He added it is an important position and if people agree to do it, they needed to be committed and not just "say I do it in name."

District 3 Councilman Wray Wade asked if it is possible to allow for virtual attendance, and Gamboa said it has been done before and she wouldn't be opposed to it. She noted, however, that while being in attendance through a conference call is convenient, it's preferred to be at the meeting in person and only use virtual attendance in an emergency.