the rapid and continual expansion of multi-use trails across the united states has opened a new world of recreation and exercise options. along with the trails, pedestrian bridges have experienced a comparable increase in the construction of unique, iconic, and picturesque structures to complete trail connections. spanning rivers, lakes, roadways, and valleys, these bridges are no longer simply utilitarian pieces of infrastructure that connect point a to point b. instead, the bridge often becomes its own destination.

many of these bridges have been designed by engineers to be both functional and visually appealing, with features such as arches, curves, and different colors and textures. some bridges are also built with artistic elements such as sculptures, ornaments, and lighting, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. the trestle-to-trestle bridge in johnston, iowa is a prime example. this bridge has quickly become a major draw, not only for nearby residents in search of recreational opportunities but also for tourists who are drawn to the intricate light displays that illuminate the structure at night.

railroad bridges along abandoned stretches of track have also become incredibly popular as the rail-trail concept has taken off. giving these structures a second life as a trail bridge can greatly reduce expenses for the owner community when compared to building a new structure. the high trestle trail bridge between woodward and madrid, iowa highlights the impact of reusing a railroad bridge on a massive scale. this 2,530-foot-long, 130-foot-tall bridge over the des moines river was constructed on nearly two dozen existing concrete piers from a former railroad bridge. this structure not only draws recreational trail users but also has become a magnet for railroad and train buffs who enjoy viewing the repurposed structure.

some trail bridges draw visitors because they’re visually attractive, and they provide access to equally stunning scenery. the mark c. ackelson trail bridge in easter lake park checks both of those boxes. it seemed unlikely at first, but this pedestrian bridge has become a tourist attraction in its own right. people visiting the park make it a point to stroll across the bridge and catch the one-of-a-kind views over the restored wetlands. the entire span is well-lit and features several viewing outcrops along the way for people who need to rest periodically on the journey, take in the breathtaking landscape, or simply want to sit and watch other pedestrians go by.

improved access, economic boost & increased recreation

in providing connections across once-impassable spaces, bridges and trestles can address environmental and equitable access concerns in areas where people otherwise would need motorized transportation. at the same time, they can be critical in linking together larger networks of trails, which serve as major tourism draws and economic engines.

the construction of trail bridges creates jobs for the local community and increases economic activity by boosting local businesses. and as part of hiking and biking trails, they can provide access to parks, nature preserves, and other recreational areas. when strategically positioned, they’re often used as backdrops or gathering places for community events and festivals, providing a unique and memorable experience for participants.

snyder & associates trail bridge project sampling

trestle-to-trestle bridge
in the spring of 2019, the trestle-to-trestle trail bridge over beaver creek was severely damaged by an ice dam and collapsed.

trestle-to-trestle trail bridge over beaver creek, johnston, iowa.

the former trail bridge was originally a 316’-long timber and steel railroad bridge that had been repurposed for trail use. when the ice dam caused its collapse, designers knew they needed to create a replacement that could withstand greater threats from flooding and debris. the snyder & associates team along with our structural subsidiary, 2022足球世界杯小组赛赛程 , were able to create a replacement bridge that far surpassed the structural stability of its damaged predecessor.

the final design for the new bridge is a much more solid structure that incorporates modern aesthetics with practical design applications. a customized led lighting system is incorporated into the design and is unique to a structure of this type. it not only illuminates the bridge deck and approaching trail path but also the underside of the bridge. the lighting system can be programmed to change colors in a near-unlimited pattern, sequence, or timeframe, creating a one-of-kind visual attraction for trail users and vehicle traffic on nearby interstate 80.

high trestle trail bridge
the focal point of the high trestle trail is the impressively long bridge over the des moines river valley between madrid and woodward.

high trestle trail bridge over the des moines river, madrid, iowa.

constructed on existing concrete piers from a former railroad bridge, the snyder & associates team coordinated with 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 artist david dahlquist on the design of the bridge.

while the original steel girder railroad bridge was built at the location in 1913, it was replaced by the u.s. army corps of engineers in 1973 with a new 2,526-foot-long span to accommodate the increased hydraulic pressures created by the saylorville dam and reservoir project just 15 miles downstream. when the railroad went bankrupt a few short years later, the bridge sat largely unused for several decades. when the idea for the trail bridge was introduced, the massive concrete bridge piers had barely been “broken in” and could easily provide the solid footing needed for the trail bridge. the resulting structure is a major draw for not only recreational trail users but also railroad tourists who travel to the site to experience this grand reuse of a rail structure.

mark c. ackelson trail bridge
as part of the easter lake restoration project, a separate but coordinated component of the plan was the creation of a trail project to encompass the lake and connect with other area attractions. named in honor of the former iowa natural heritage foundation (inhf) president mark c. ackelson, the trail project was designed by the snyder & associates team and included a signature trail bridge.

mark c. ackelson trail bridge over easter lake, des moines, iowa.

the stunning ackelson trail bridge is located at the west end of the trail and serves as an impressive focal point with overlooks at each pier. the tranquil environment and magnificent views draw nearby residents, as well as regional visitors to experience this one-of-a-kind trail bridge and surrounding park.

around the world, bridges have long served as the hallmarks, gateways, and centerpieces of communities, providing connectivity that has a major impact on active transportation, tourism, and economic development. they can be an important part of community development and can even help to revitalize local economies. above all, pedestrian trail bridges can be more than just functional structures, they can be destination locations that attract tourists, create jobs, and provide recreational opportunities.

contact our team today to find out how we can create a one-of-a-kind structure that’ll improve your trail network and increase trail bridge tourism.

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harnessing the power of the people for effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement

although the phrase “information superhighway” was coined nearly three decades ago, this vast network of unending data streams has only increased in the intervening years — with no signs of slowing down. without a doubt, this daily bombardment of constant information has made it increasingly difficult to get the attention of others. everyone is busy. people manage work, family, school, and a myriad number of other responsibilities.

how can we possibly take the time to volunteer for a focus group on a matter that greatly concerns us? where do we find time to attend a 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 meeting on a school night? how do we decide what to pay attention to?

active and effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement leads to real-world thoughts and opinions from residents.

in the community 2022世界杯32强预选赛 world, these questions have made an effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement plan a considerable challenge. time and attention are limited resources, but at the same time, the need for quality 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 input has grown to become a key component of many civic 2022世界杯32强预选赛 efforts. from comprehensive plans and urban revitalization endeavors to infrastructure design and construction projects, active 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement plays a critical role in successful 2022世界杯32强预选赛 work.

the team of 2022世界杯32强预选赛 and design professionals at snyder & associates understands this crucial dynamic all too well. working at the forefront of 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 projects for several decades, we’ve fully embraced this shift for more active and inclusive 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 participation and have developed the tools necessary to reach the people in the most effective manner possible. whether you need smart content created to help market a project or a knowledgeable and polished team to present at 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 meetings, we’re able to help you fashion the best approach for reaching your goals.

our core strength, perhaps, lies in our commitment to our partnership with our clients. as true stewards of the community, our clients know their constituencies best. they know who the movers and shakers are, and they know which populations are underserved. as consultants, we possess the fundamental resources that allow us to act as a seamless extension of our client’s staff. our goal is to help them leverage our knowledge of 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement best practices and combine it with their knowledge of their communities. this strategy effectively fills in the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement gaps, so together we can perform the most appropriate 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement process for the project at hand and achieve the best result for the community at large.

unquestionably, our motives are personal. with twelve office locations in five states, the communities our team members serve are the same places we proudly call home. as a result, we’re able to better understand and address the challenges our clients face. for us, it’s about building long-term relationships with the people who place so much trust in us — knowing that we’ll not only do our best to address their needs but also the needs of all community stakeholders.

critical role of an active 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement process

an effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement strategy helps in the 2022世界杯32强预选赛 process in several ways — by increasing accountability and transparency, as well as acting as a vehicle to build trust and a mutual understanding. when determining the process for 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement for any project, it’s important to understand the challenges you may face, the people you may encounter, and how much engagement is too much.

many community leaders are often left asking themselves, “what is the appropriate approach to educate residents on the crucial elements of a project so they can provide constructive feedback that helps our decision-making process?” or, “how can i reach our entire community when it seems like everyone is too busy to assist with our 2022世界杯32强预选赛 efforts?”

the elevate indianola campaign relied heavily on community input to guide the final report.

through our extensive experience, we’ve found a large percentage of residents in most communities do want to know what’s going on and, more importantly, would like to be part of the decision-making process. many simply don’t know how they can participate. oftentimes, certain factors play into people’s ability to attend typical 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 meetings or focus groups. these circumstances can encompass lack of childcare or transportation to the meeting location, communication barriers, or their work schedule conflicts with the meeting time. and some people are simply intimidated by a civic building setting or have a fear of speaking out in a 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 setting. our job as planners and designers is to recognize the roadblocks that keep these citizens home and work to mitigate them.

some groups may be harder to reach but they’re equally important in the decision-making process when decisions directly impact them. additionally, these groups may have different perceptions of the community’s strengths and weaknesses and different priorities for improvement. having a full understanding of the demographic helps to ensure you’re reaching everyone in the community in an equitable manner.

certain 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement efforts involve a steering or advisory committee to make decisions for the plan. a goal to consider when assembling this committee is to always attempt to reflect the unique demographics of your community. since steering and advisory committees are typically fewer than 20 people, creating additional ad-hoc subcommittees that report to the primary committee is one way to ensure more demographics have adequate representation. snyder & associates has the tools to help assist in designing an appropriately sized 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement process that has the capability of reaching audiences of varying sizes, up to and including your entire community.

improvements in consultative engagement approach & technology lead to better results

government employees know all too well that 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 participation is a requirement for most projects in their communities. in years past, a widely adopted 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 involvement process looked something like this:

• a 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 information meeting is held where a government representative presents the project.
• citizens in attendance ask questions and the representative answers those questions, and then the project moved forward.

in some instances, these informational meetings led to slight tweaks in the project to better meet the needs of those members of the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 that attended the meeting — and were willing to speak up.

in recent years, however, communities are adopting (and expecting) a more robust process specifically tailored to each project. technology has expanded exponentially, thus allowing communities to reach broader audiences and to gain additional feedback as they move through the development phases of their projects. our team of planners has embraced these new tools that bring residents into the fold earlier in the project development process  and involve:

• marketing campaigns
• consultative approach
• involvement and collaboration efforts

snyder & associates prides itself on being on the cutting edge of new ideas and technology that have a positive impact on our work and our client communities. in our world, effective 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement should always be tailored to your specific project and the demographic you’re trying to reach. and while no two 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement campaigns will look the same, they should utilize established guidelines that promote the right approach for your project. contact our 2022世界杯32强预选赛 and design professionals today. let us help you explore how we can craft your next 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement campaign.

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two recently enacted pieces of federal legislation have opened the door for communities across the country to reap millions of dollars in federal funding to support infrastructure upgrades and improvements in their jurisdictions. the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds (slfrf), a part of the american rescue plan (arp), went into effect in may of 2021 to help governments meet their immediate pandemic response needs. recent changes to arp have opened the door to more infrastructure-focused spending, including roadway construction and maintenance, water and sewer system investments, and stormwater management projects.

the more recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure law has earmarked over $1.2 trillion over five years for more widespread infrastructure improvements. this massive program will focus on improving the safety of our transportation system through repairing and rebuilding roads and bridges, creating healthy and sustainable 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 transportation options, modernizing and expanding passenger and freight rail efficiency and safety, and upgrading our nation’s airports, just to name a few. the professionals with snyder & associates are uniquely positioned to help your community get its share of these funds for critical infrastructure projects. since 1977, our team has been building trusted relationships with key community leaders and decision-makers at all levels of government across the midwest. we can assist your organization in laying the groundwork to secure the full benefits your community is entitled to.

american rescue plan (arp) funds expanded by slfrf

for most jurisdictions, slfrf funds can be used to replace lost 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 sector revenue due to the pandemic. recipients may opt for a standard allowance of up to $10 million or calculate their specific revenue loss using a formula provided by the treasury department. in addition to the previously mentioned roadway construction and maintenance project allowances, slfrf funds can be used to invest in water and sewer infrastructure, improve access to clean drinking water, and support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. eligible water and sewer projects include those allowed under the epa’s clean water state revolving fund (cwsrf), epa’s drinking water state revolving fund (dwsrf), and certain lead remediation projects, as well as aid for private wells and septic units.

nationwide allocation from bipartisan infrastructure law

at over $1.2 trillion over five years, the bipartisan infrastructure law is perhaps the largest commitment of federal funds for infrastructure spending in a generation. every state is slated to receive an allotment of these funds for roadway and bridge construction and repair and numerous other transportation-related projects, as previously mentioned. here are more detailed explanations of the funding share for iowa, wisconsin, nebraska, missouri, and south dakota.

in addition to the state-specific funds, state and local governments will be able to compete for these new & expanded competitive grant programs anticipated to launch over the next year:

• safe streets for all ($6b, new)
• rebuilding american infrastructure with sustainability and equity (raise) grants ($15b, expanded)
• infrastructure for rebuilding america (infra) grants ($14b, expanded)
• federal transit administration (fta) low and no emission bus programs ($5.6b, expanded)
• fta buses + bus facilities competitive program ($2.0b, expanded)
• capital investment grants (cig) program ($23b, expanded)
• federal aviation administration (faa) terminal program ($5b, new)
• mega projects ($15b, new)
• promoting resilient operations for transformative, efficient, and cost-saving transportation (protect) program ($8.7b, new)
• port infrastructure development program ($2.25b, expanded)
• federal highway administration (fhwa) competitive grants for nationally significant bridges and other bridges ($12.5b, new)
• fta all station accessibility program ($1.75b, new)
• charging and fueling infrastructure discretionary grants (up to $2.5b, new)
• reconnecting communities pilot program ($1b, new)
• strengthening mobility and revolutionizing transportation (smart) grant program ($1b, new)

with such vast funding opportunities available, now is the time to prioritize your “wish list” of infrastructure projects and position your community to receive and allocate its share. turn to the trusted professionals at snyder & associates to help guide your decision-making process and maximize the funding avenues for your most critical projects.

if you’re interested in discussing steps to better position your community for obtaining funding for infrastructure projects, please contact the snyder & associates office near you.

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as we face growing concerns over the environment and climate change, protecting the world around us is more important than ever before. for over 40 years, section 404 of the clean water act has aimed to regulate the discharge of pollutants into rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands, which are a vital source of drinking water and an integral component of the environment. “section 404 aims to minimize impacts to waters of the u.s,” shares nichoel church, pws, environmental scientist for snyder & associates.

the u.s. army corps of engineers (usace) is responsible for enforcing section 404 of the clean water act, which requires a permit for any project that discharges fill or dredges material into the waters of the united states (wotus). generally speaking, church says permit applicants must demonstrate that discharge won’t significantly degrade the water it’s discharged into and review alternative options. if impacts are imminent and expected to exceed permit thresholds, compensatory mitigation is required. through mitigation, the applicant offsets the environmental impact by purchasing mitigation bank credit, in-lieu fee credit, or replacing what was lost through permittee-responsible mitigation.

pabst wetland & stream mitigation bank during construction.

mitigation might sound intimidating for landowners, developers, municipalities, and others, but it doesn’t have to be. as church points out, there’s a permitting process in place, and mitigation bank credits are available in many states to streamline mitigation requirements. “for example, in iowa, mitigation banks are designed specifically for the purpose of offsetting unavoidable impacts to emergent wetlands, forested wetlands, and streams,” she explains. “they provide the opportunity to quickly and efficiently mitigate permitted impacts and comply with the clean water act, so there’s no net loss to the environment.”

understanding basics of mitigation banking

a mitigation bank uses a credit and debit system to offset impacts to wotus in a specific service area. credits are improvements that are available for purchase. debits result from permitted impacts to wotus. mitigation banks are found in two forms or a combination of both:

• wetland mitigation bank — a property containing at least 25 acres of improved or created wetland. improvements include enhancing vegetation and restoring hydrology.
• stream mitigation bank — a segment of a stream that’s been improved to benefit the watershed. improvements include reshaping slopes for stabilization, adding in-stream structures such as bendway weirs, or removing dams and other obstructions.

the amount of credit available for purchase is determined by the level of functional lift an improvement will provide. the method used to determine credits varies by state. in iowa, the iowa mitigation banking guidance and iowa stream mitigation method (ismm) determine credits. in terms of size, the general rule of thumb is to use 25 acres or more for a wetland mitigation bank and 2,500 linear feet of stream for a stream mitigation bank.

the development of a mitigation bank

the individual or entity who owns the mitigation bank is known as the sponsor. the sponsor goes through an approval process with an interagency review team (irt) that includes the u.s. army corps of engineers (usace), u.s. environmental protection agency (epa), department of natural resources (dnr), u.s. fish and wildlife service, and other agencies to provide mitigation credits for purchase.

through the irt approval process, proposed improvements for a mitigation bank are extensively reviewed, and credit amounts are determined according to the level of anticipated environmental lift. once the approval process is complete, initial credits are released and available for purchase. after construction is finished, more credits are released according to a credit release schedule. any remaining credits are released after each successful year of monitoring and the irt’s review of the monitoring report.

bunker stream mitigation bank during the final walk-through with the contractor.

mitigation bank success is rewarded with credit releases. failures result in adaptive management, withheld credits, and the irt could ultimately terminate the mitigation bank. the approval and monitoring process requires 2022世界杯32强预选赛 , documentation, and foresight, so professional guidance is often helpful.

“we can help a sponsor navigate the approval process with the review team to keep things moving forward,” says church. “through our work with six successful mitigation banks along with numerous others currently pending in iowa and nebraska, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the mitigation bank process, standards, and requirements.”

the cost of a mitigation bank

wetland mitigation bank credits are generally sold on a per-acre basis. in iowa, an emergent wetland credit can range from $35,000- $75,000, while a forested wetland credit may cost between $45,000- $105,000. currently, stream mitigation credits sell for $35- $114 per credit in iowa. however, credit cost varies by state, impact activity, wetland function, and credit type. in addition, different states use different methods of determining the level of mitigation required for environmental loss. for example, in iowa, stream credits are determined using the iowa stream mitigation method calculator. missouri and several other states have their own method of determining mitigation for stream loss. minnesota and oregon utilize wetland function and value assessments, which can require additional mitigation.

steps towards purchasing credits

snyder & associates experts conducting a site walk at niebuhr stream mitigation bank.

if a jurisdictional stream or wetland will be permanently filled or altered, a section 404 permit is required under the clean water act. snyder & associates is often the authorized agent, which allows us to obtain section 404 permits on behalf of our clients. our client is called the permittee. the permittee is ultimately responsible for ensuring permit compliance. sponsor contact information and credit availability are located on a website called ribits, which stands for the regulatory in-lieu fee and banking tracking system. this website is owned and managed by the usace.

the permittee or authorized agent discusses mitigation requirements with the usace during the permitting process. the permittee is responsible for completing mitigation. if the purchase of mitigation bank credits is required, a mitigation bank application is filled out and payment is sent with the application. the mitigation bank sponsor receives the application, processes payment, debits the credits from their ledger, and sends the permittee a proof of purchase. the permittee forwards the proof of purchase to the usace, and the usace deducts the purchased credits in ribits to complete mitigation.

permittee-responsible mitigation

permittee-responsible mitigation allows a project owner to construct or enhance a wetland or improve a stream and monitor its success. this option is only available for projects that are outside of a mitigation bank service area. it requires applicants to submit a mitigation plan. then, permitting agencies and the applicant(s) come to an agreement on the location, construction requirements, and monitoring. monitoring may be required for up to 10 years. annual reports are submitted to the permitting agencies to prove the success of the mitigation site. if a mitigation site fails or is unsuccessful, it must be replaced or mitigated by purchasing bank credits.

benefits mitigation banking

• environmental stewardship — agency approval and ongoing monitoring ensure mitigation bank success of improvements and environmental lift techniques.
• mitigation efficiency —  purchasing mitigation bank credits is a fast, effective way to meet 404 permitting requirements while avoiding the need for costly maintenance and monitoring of permittee-responsible mitigation.
• maximize land use — permittee-responsible mitigation can slow development and change intended plans for land use. mitigation banks provide an opportunity to maximize land use while offsetting the impact in a nearby location.

navigating the path to mitigation banking success

there’s no way to be sure what mitigation needs your project may require without thorough review and analysis as well as early coordination with permitting agencies. whether you’re looking to realign a straightened stream or develop a piece of property near a wetland, professional expertise will help sort out the details. an onsite review such as a wetland delineation or stream assessment will identify the presence of u.s. waters in your project area. using the information that results, you can prepare and plan for mitigation to keep your project moving forward and within budget. “every project is different, and mitigation requirements vary by state,” says church. “we can help you gain an understanding of the level of mitigation your project will need and explore the credit opportunities available to you.”

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