@pam_eggemeier

STERLING The Sterling Park District again has been forced to change its plans for a grant-funded schools trail project.

The park district was awarded two federal grants through the Safe Routes to School program the first in 2009, and the second in 2012 totaling nearly $500,000. Instead of going all the way to Franklin, the first phase would have stopped at Thomas Park, giving the park district time to apply for an additional grant.

That was before the latest delay.

The park district, after securing easement agreements with the city and Abiding Word Church earlier this month, now has learned that splitting up the work could jeopardize funding.

“The Safe Routes to School people say they can’t give grants for work that doesn’t go to a school, so now we’re back to doing the whole thing,” Parks Director Larry Schuldt said.

That means the park district must get an easement for the school district property before the project can get on IDOT’s June bidding list.