Shoal Creek Conservancy, a local nonprofit, released a draft June 29 of a four-phase, $66-million action plan detailing major improvements to the existing 3.9-mile Shoal Creek Trail, which include extending the trail by nearly 9 miles. The Austin Public Works Department has partnered with Shoal Creek Conservancy and adopted its plan to guide future development. When complete, the extended trail will form part of a 30-mile continuous loop of connected urban trails between Lady Bird Lake to Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park and will serve as both a pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare. "As our city continues to grow, Austinites increasingly want practical alternative transportation options and green places of respite," Shoal Creek Conservancy's Executive Director Joanna Wolaver said in a news release. The plan was drafted following a yearlong public input process that included three workshops and participation from more than 230 Austin residents and more than 70 stakeholders. In the coming months, Shoal Creek Conservancy and the public works department will give information and presentations on the plan to Austin City Council and other city boards and commissions. The public works department will also work to incorporate the action plan into the city's existing Urban Trails Plan. Austin residents can provide feedback on the draft until July 31.