The Iowa City City Council on Tuesday authorized the city staff to apply for funding assistance for the development of the Iowa River Trail along the Iowa River.

The resolution, which passed 7-0, will enable city staff to apply for grants from the Iowa Department of Transportation, using the State Recreation Trails Program, Federal Recreation Trails Program, and the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program.

Once funds are awarded, they will be used to develop a 10-foot wide trail along the west bank of the Iowa River from Benton Street to Strugis Ferry Park.

The total estimated project cost is roughly $2 million. Each grant requires a local match between 20 to 30 percent, which would be reduced if awarded numerous grants.