Aug. 1, 2005 -- About $2 million was earmarked in the federal transportation for expanding the Henry Aaron State Trail just east of Story Hill, according to records from the House-Senate conference committee that hammered out a compromise spending plan.

That money should be available as the Department of Natural Resources tries to buy five miles of abandoned railroad right-of-way as trail extension.

The proposal to extend the trail was well-received at a meeting held last week by the DNR and Ald. Michael Murphy to discuss the matter.

Melissa Cook, trail manager for the Department of Natural Resources, said appraisals for the railroad are expected within a few weeks.