Supporters of a recreational trail in Peoria and Peoria Heights along the old Kellar Branch rail line hope to eventually begin to see progress.

A new group selected by the communities is looking at how much the project could cost.

Peoria Heights Mayor Mark Allen says a recreational trail by the old Cohen's warehouse building could be a major artery for the village. He says the warehouse will be redeveloped.

"We have already been given a grant that will come if we can have the trail by 2010 to put up to 400,000 trail head right in front of the Cohen's building. They're hoping to have a senior center, a teen center. The trail could also have arteries going off to the high school , to the library, to the grade school," said Mayor Allen.

He and Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis were among several people attending a news conference at Vonachen's Old Place about the recreational trail project. It would follow the route of the old Kellar Branch rail line extending 6 miles from downtown Peoria to beyond Pioneer Parkway.

Members of a recently organized committee will begin meeting soon to try and determine if a trail can be built next to the railroad track.

State Senator Dave Koehler said, "It's not a matter of can we co-exist a rail and trail. We know we can. It's what cost. Do we spend 20 million, 50 million dollars. We need to finally put that issue to rest and to have a good objective credible study to do that."

The committee is expected to come up with recommendations for Peoria and Peoria Heights by April 1.

Pioneer Industrial Railway is one of two rail companies using the old Kellar Branch Rail line. Company President Mike Carr says the Pioneer Industrial is in favor of joint usage of a recreational trail along the railroad right of way.

He says the officials should spend resources devoted to the trail to marketing the Kellar Line for economic development.