Verona City Council approves funding for Military Ridge Trail upgrades and bridge replacements

The Common Council of Verona convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a significant project involving the Military Ridge State Trail and the associated land use agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The meeting began with a discussion on a proposed project that aims to pave a two-mile segment of the Military Ridge State Trail and replace three bridges along the route. Council members expressed general support for the project, emphasizing its necessity for the community. Alder Oliver Weiss highlighted the project's potential to leverage funding from other investors and the county, noting that the financial terms appeared reasonable compared to similar projects in other communities.

Concerns were raised regarding the project's dependency on a grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), with some council members questioning the plan's viability if the grant was not awarded. The consensus was that without the grant, the project would face significant challenges, potentially becoming a "deal breaker."

The council then shifted focus to the land use agreement with the DNR, which would allow the city to manage the trail's paving and bridge replacement. Assistant City Administrator Anne Bridal and Construction Engineer Joe Jersa provided insights into the agreement, clarifying that the city would be responsible for maintaining the trail for 13 years, with an option for a two-year extension. The DNR would handle vegetation management along the trail.

Questions arose regarding the financial implications of the bridge replacements, with preliminary estimates suggesting a total cost of around $1 million for the three bridges. Council members debated the necessity of replacing the bridges before paving the trail, as the current structures could not support the weight of maintenance vehicles. Concerns were also voiced about the DNR's timeline for bridge replacements, which could extend to 2029, potentially delaying the project further.

Despite the financial concerns, many council members expressed a strong desire to move forward with the paving project, citing the trail's current poor condition and the community's need for safe transportation routes. The discussion highlighted the urgency of the project, with several members advocating for immediate action to capitalize on the current political support for the initiative.

In conclusion, the council's discussions underscored a collective commitment to enhancing the Military Ridge State Trail, balancing financial considerations with the pressing need for infrastructure improvements. The next steps will involve awaiting the grant decision and finalizing the land use agreement with the DNR, as the council aims to secure the necessary funding and approvals to proceed with the project.