For Hub City Times

NEILLSVILLE – Economic development is one of the main goals of the Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC).  Its commitment to stimulate and strengthen the business community and tourist trade has been demonstrated in past projects, such as: Sniteman Town Square Park, the gazebo, repaving of downtown Hewett Street, vintage light posts, land donation for the Neillsville Public Library expansion, and more recently, three outdoor information kiosks.

NIC promotes the concept of working together for community advancement as it serves as a vehicle for projects that stimulate growth. With these goals in mind, NIC is currently in the planning stages to build a non-motorized recreational trail from Neillsville to Chili under the active power line corridor which was formerly a rail bed.  The majority of this corridor is owned by Xcel Energy.  The plan is to purchase this land from Xcel Energy and build a 13-mile packed gravel trail from Neillsville, through Granton, to Chili.  This trail will not only benefit local residents but also draw others to the area to take advantage of Clark County’s expanding recreational opportunities.  NIC believes this will lead to a significant, positive, and lasting impact on the local economy.

An informational presentation on the “Rails 2 Trails” project will be held April 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Clark County Courthouse Auditorium, 517 Court St., Neillsville.  Attendees should use the Sixth Street entrance.