The formal acceptance of a $125,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for improvements to Cardinal Pond is on the agenda for tonight’s Newton City Council meeting. The fish-stocked pond is located in the new Arbor Estates subdivision in northeast Newton. 

Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers the grant money will be used to add an ADA accessible fishing pier to the pond, and begin the creation of walking trails around it. 

“For a community of Newton’s size the maximum grant is $125,000. So we were thrilled to be able to max that out.”

The city is not required to provide any matching funds to get the grant, but there must be a sign at the pond recognizing the financial contribution from the Resource Enhancement and Protection program. The grant also requires the city to complete the project in two years.

A resolution rejecting all bids for the 1st Ave E (Hwy 6) Traffic signal upgrade project is also on tonight’s Newton City Council agenda. The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at Newton City Hall.