The grant allows funds for both acquisition of fee-simple parcels and for development of improvements.  ARPD felt that this unique combination of opportunities in one grant was worthy of a formal application and that although the grant will be highly competitive Statewide, it is limited to "Rural" counties, cities, and census designated places, which reduces the competition somewhat.  ARPD's application is for acquisition of approximately 12 miles of the 100-ft. wide Almanor Railroad right of way (ROW) and for improvement of about 1 1/2 miles of the ROW from south of Chester Main Street to the western end of the Chester Causeway.  Development tasks will include planning, design, and construction of 6 project elements including 1 1/2 miles of new recreational trail surfacing, converting the existing train bridge to pedestrian use, construction of a new trialhead along Richardson Way at the west trail end and expansion of the trailhead at Olsen Barn Meadow at the east trail end, installation of 2 wildlife viewing sheds, and installation of about 6 outdoor exercise stations near First Avenue. The project will include wayfinding posts, exhibit signage, and selected natural landscaping.  The development portion brings key Partnerships together from other community agencies who will take an active role in monitoring design and construction of  specific features including Seneca Healthcare District for the exercise stations, Plumas Audubon Society for wildlife viewing stations and Feather River Land Trust, which will allow expansion of their Olsen Barn MeadowTrailhead to access both the Meadow property and the Almanor Rail Greenway.