Hoping that the proposed trail project along Aberdeen Avenue (County Road 61) would receive money from the federal economic stimulus package, the city of Jordan held off on doing the work.

Recent changes to the state’s application requirements have geared the funds for larger cities than Jordan that “provide access to transit facilities,” City Engineer Carol Caron said, according to city council minutes. “Therefore, the city’s chance of receiving stimulus funds is very slim.”

The city is waiting for approval from the Safe Routes to School program and a permit from Scott County, but the city engineer asked for the council to approve the plans and specifications for the 2009 trail improvements without seeing them.

Mayor Pete Ewals asked why the park board has not seen the plans, and some of the councilmembers said they hadn’t seen them. “It was stated that some time ago the park board reviewed and recommended the trail plans,” the minutes said.

The council moved to delay its approval until May 4, when the city engineer could recap to the council the trail locations. On May 4, the council unanimously approved the plans.

There are trees near the proposed path.

“Just so you make that abundantly clear: We’re not putting asphalt 2 feet from a 15-year-old tree,” Councilmember David E. Hanson told Caron.