NATCHEZ — With full funding, the Natchez Trails Project is close to becoming a reality, officials said.

Along with $200,000 raised locally and a recent donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the project has met its required $500,000 match money for the $2 million federal grant.

That means the trails commission can take the next step and commission design work, City Engineer David Gardner, who is heading up the project, said.

Blue Cross’ donation last week of $150,000 helped tremendously, Gardner said.

“They like our project,” Gardner said. “They thought there was merit of their involvement because of the health benefits. Suddenly, now the trials project is not just sidewalks for walkers and cyclists — it’s a tool for people to get healthy and subscribe to healthy lifestyles.”

The project will be made up of a series of trails through town and along and down the bluffs, which will incorporate significant historical sites.

A later, second phase will link the trails with the Natchez Trace Parkway and take in a lot of Natchez’ black history, Gardner said.

“I feel this town has got a tremendous amount of African American history that is untold,” he said.

The design work will probably take four to six months to complete, Gardner said. Residents might see construction beginning in February, he said.

“This project just seems to keep getting better and better as we go,” he said.

The board of alderman voted at Tuesday’s meeting to allow Gardner and the trails committee to begin negotiating a contract with Jackson firm Weatherford-McDade.

“The trails committee worked very diligently and raised a tremendous amount of money,” Alderman Bob Pollard said. “The trails project is on its way and we want to thank everyone who helped.”