MIDLAND, Texas — A recreational corridor connecting Midland and Odessa is still very much in the works.
The Wildcatters Trail project has received millions of state and federal grant funding so far. While there's still a long way to go in fully funding the project, planning and design work is underway for phase one.
“There is a lot of work ahead of us to attract the funding necessary to build out the full trail," said Midland Mayor Lori Blong.
Efforts continue for leaders from Midland, Odessa and UTPB.
“There are a lot of folks that are involved in this process, and we have to make sure that we’re communicating well, we’re collaborating together and we’re building out a project that is feasible long-term," Mayor Blong said.
Mayor Blong knows that collaboration goes a long way when it comes to money.
“It’s critical for us as we’re applying for grants to have a consistent voice in our applications to be able to say, ‘we’re working towards the same project and the same goals,’" Mayor Blong said. "So the collaboration and the planning that Dunaway and Associates has allowed us to do up to this point is really a critical component for our success in achieving these grants."
Projects like the Wildcatters Trail rank highly for West Texans.
“We’re trying to build this into neighborhoods, but we also believe that this longer hike-and-bike corridor between Midland and Odessa provides a safe solution for cyclists and runners and families to be able to get out and enjoy the good climate that we have on the days when the winds not blowing too much," Mayor Blong said. "And so, we believe this is critically important to our region and to our citizens.”
Construction would begin near the Scharbauer Sports Complex in Midland and in Odessa on UTPB’s campus.
A goal right now is to effectively use the millions already received to get it started.
“If we’re able to break ground before the end of 2024 then we would see that as a win," Mayor Blong said.