One of the potential hurdles to extending the Missouri Pacific Trail through east Iola has been cleared, even before the project has entered the city’s radar. Iola City Council members approved the purchase of a parcel of land at 308 N. First St. for $1,500. The land held a recently demolished house that had been condemned by the city because of its unsafe condition. It also happens to be the only portion of the old Missouri Pacific Rail Line that Iola did not have sufficient easements necessary to extend the walking and biking trail from downtown Iola to the new Iola Elementary School site. Rather than be fitted with the entire $3,275 demolition bill, the property owners have agreed to deed the property to the city for the trail project, whenever it begins.
Source: The Iola Register
