The City of Folsom's Parks and Recreation Department has received a $228,600 grant for its trails division, bringing total bicycle trail grant funds to $3.7 million during the past five years.

   The most recent grant is from the State's Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) fund and will be used to construct a trail under crossing at Blue Ravine Road and restore an existing bridge over Humbug-Willow Creek that connects with trails on both sides.

   "This year's EEM grant program was very competitive, with only $2 million available for all of Northern California," said Parks and Recreation Director Robert Goss. "Our success is largely due to the diligent efforts of trails coordinator Jim Konopka. Jim has secured an amazing $3.7 million in state and federal grant money for the City's trail system since he began writing grants in 1999. He has a track record of completing projects on time and within budget that helps us continue to secure state and federal grants."

   The under crossing is located at Blue Ravine Road and Humbug-Willow Creek, about 300 feet west of the intersection of Blue Ravine Road and Folsom Boulevard. The bridge to be restored crosses Humbug-Willow Creek between the Harley Davidson dealership and Mel's Diner (under construction). The total project cost is estimated at $266,000, with a City match of $37,500.

   "Folsom has approximately 21 miles of bicycle trails connecting most neighborhoods to popular trails along Lake Natoma and the American River," says Konopka. "We want to promote a safe, enjoyable and efficient environment for biking for recreation as well as for transportation. Grant money helps us build bridges and pave the trails."

   Konopka points out that the City's Master Plan has a goal of 50 miles of bicycle paths within the next 5 to 10 years. One project scheduled for construction in 2005 is a bicycle and pedestrian over crossing on East Bidwell Street near Blue Ravine Road. Another major project, still in the planning stages, is the Folsom Lake Trail that will run from the Historic Truss Bridge in Old Folsom to Green Valley Road. This trail will be parallel to Natoma Street, separating near the Dam Road and following Folsom Lake to Green Valley Road. Konopka is seeking additional grant funding of $1.5 million to complete the Folsom Lake Trail within the next five years.

Holly Jolly Trolley returns

   El Dorado Transit's Holly Jolly Trolley is now in service along Main Street and Broadway in Placerville. The trolley runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23. An all-day pass costs $1, and children younger than 12 can ride for free with an adult. Regular stops are City Hall, 487 Main Street; the post office, 3045 Sacramento Street; and the Mountain Democrat, 1360 Broadway. For more information, call 530-642-5383.

Ho, Ho, Ho... It's the RT Holiday bus

   Regional Transit will once again play Santa Claus by providing free rides on its holiday bus. Each year RT employees, family members and friends paint RT's holiday bus, which displays a festive blend of candy canes, poinsettia's gingerbread cookies and gifts.

   The holiday bus will run on various routes starting Wednesday, December 1 through Sunday, January 9. Click here for the holiday bus's schedule and routes.