Tim Scott, who has worked on the Duck River Dam for several years, recently found out the Cullman Utilities Board has opted to name the walking trails at the dam in his honor

The new hiking trail that will eventually surround the Duck River reservoir is getting bigger.

The City of Cullman, along with the Cullman County Commission and Cullman utilities board, have received a total of $300,000 in grants to fund an additional 8.5 miles of natural-surface trails for walking and biking. The plan also calls for two pedestrian bridges, including an 85-foot bridge south of the reservoir’s proposed dam and a 100-foot bridge at the north end of the reservoir.

Approximately 3.5 miles are already open, and the city is currently working on the remainder of the trail. Once complete, the entire trail should measure a full 21 miles around a large portion of the reservoir.

“Providing easier access to outdoor recreation areas should encourage more Alabamians to take advantage of these resources,” Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said in a statement. “The bridges and trails around Duck River Reservoir will open up new recreation opportunities for residents and attract additional visitors to the region.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. Per the required matching program, the City of Cullman is contributing $123,000 to the project, Cullman County is contributing $41,482 and the utilities board is providing $85,000.

Along with the expansion, the utilities board has also officially named the walking trails. Once complete, the route will be dubbed the Tim Scott Trail for hiking and cycling.

In making the announcement, utilities board member Johnny Cook noted Scott — who has worked for the Cullman County Soil and Water Conservation as well as the city utility board — has worked on the Duck River project for several years during its long gestation and has helped generate strong relationships with the landowners in the area.

“It means a lot,” Scott said, after being presented with the trail’s official sign in a surprise unveiling.

Though a portion of the trail is already open, officials wanted to caution anyone who uses the trail while construction on the dam is ongoing to stay within the designated area and not deviate onto other property. Officials also want to remind hikers that ATVs and four-wheelers are prohibited on the trail.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.