The first phase of the proposed $4 million 15-mile hiking/biking trail between the villages of Williamsburg and Batavia is now underway.

Phase one consists of the engineering and design work for the first part of the trail that will connect Williamsburg to the East Fork State Park Campground.

According to Clermont Park District District Director Chris Clingman, partial funding for the trail has been secured through a $240,000 Federal Highway Administration Improvement grant and an additional $85,000 has been received from Ohio’s capital improvement budget.

“We are seeking additional grant funds,” he said. “But local matching funds will be needed to secure more grants.”