After investigation, so-called 'Trail to Nowhere' in JOCO will be smoothed out with federal cash

MISSION, Kan. - The seven-figure trail at the center of an NBC Action News investigation will be getting a face lift.

Earlier this month, NBC Action News reported on a stretch of Rock Creek Trail, a $1 million path running from Lamar to Roeland in Mission, Kan. A gravel-covered section running along Johnson Drive has not been a source of civic pride due to its price tag and uninviting appearance.

But city officials now confirm the trail will be paved next year. City Administrator Mike Scanlon said the $52,000 cost to pave the trail will be included with some nearby bus transit projects planned for the area. The funding comes in the form of federal tax dollars through Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) .

Scanlon said the paving will likely occur sometime next spring when the transit projects begin.

Rock Creek Trail comes to an end at the site of the Gateway Project, a stalled development has become a large, embarrassing eyesore for Mission residents. Some taxpayers sarcastically refer to the path as the “trail to nowhere.”

Last week, the Gateway developer announced he was bringing a Wal-mart to the site , along with other promised apartments, retail, office space, movie theater and aquarium.

Ryan Kath can be reached by email at kath@nbcactionnews.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @ryankath or connect with him on Facebook.