PLATTEVILLE — The City of Platteville approved as part of the City’s 2013 budget a matching grant of $50,000 to be awarded to the Platteville Community Arboretum for needed improvements to the Rountree Branch recreational trail and to replace the trail bridge.

The funds are coming from the city’s Parkland Development Fund, which are generated by impact fees assessed when new residential units are constructed — not from tax dollars.

These matching funds will be used for PCA’s “3 for $100K” project.  The priorities for use of the funds include replacement of the bridge nearest U.S. 151 and Valley Road, the realignment of the trail to accommodate the newly constructed trail on Valley Road, and amending the trail route to remove the set of stairs that limit accessibility to individuals with disabilities, strollers, and bikes.

“The City recognizes that the Platteville Community Arboretum has made sustainability and collaboration a core value of their organization, and given their past successes with trail improvement projects, the Nature Camp/Environmental Library, the Community Dog Park, Katie’s Garden, and other PCA projects, the PCA has the complete confidence of the City of Platteville,” said City Manager Larry Bierke. “It is because of your past successes that the City Council and I were in complete agreement that funding a matching grant to the PCA would be a complete success.”

“Encouraging collaboration and cooperation within the Platteville Community has long been a part of PCA’s mission,” said Kris Wright, past president and one of the charter PCA Board members. “Bringing together our citizens, students, the city, school district, UWP, our local businesses, and other area supporters to bring quality of life to Platteville has been one of our ongoing goals. This effort will involve and benefit the entire community.”

“The City has provided us a great opportunity here to support local recreation, environmental and conservation goals,” said PCA President Ric Genthe. “At the same time, they have certainly challenged us with the necessity of gaining the $50,000 match.”

PCA is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. To donate to this PCA “3 for $100K” project, send a check to the PCA, P.O. Box 302, Platteville, WI  53818. Online donations may be made at www.plattevillearboretum.org/Donations.html. For further information, contact Wright, 342-1689, or PCA Director Gene Weber, 778-6914.