St. Croix County is set to enhance its biking infrastructure after the Community Development Committee unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for Phase 4 of the Highway 35 off-road bike trail. This decision, made during the committee meeting on September 18, 2025, aims to secure funding for the final leg of a project that will connect North Hudson to Holton, completing a vital link in the county's biking network.

The TAP grant, which covers 80% of project costs, is crucial for the estimated $1.7 million Phase 4 project. The county's required 20% match will amount to approximately $343,500. The application deadline is set for October 31, 2025, giving the county a little over a month to finalize the submission. The proposed trail will be entirely off-road, addressing safety concerns due to the high-speed traffic on Highway 35.

This bike trail is part of a broader initiative to promote multimodal transportation options in the area, connecting residents to parks, schools, and other community services. The completed phases of the project already include a one-mile stretch from North Hudson to Eckert Bluff and a section funded by a carbon reduction grant, which is currently in the design phase.

In addition to the bike trail discussion, the committee also provided an update on the county's outdoor recreation plan, which is essential for securing Department of Natural Resources grants for park improvements. The plan, which is updated every five years, includes a capital improvement plan for all county parks and has involved extensive public outreach, including surveys and an open house that attracted 162 participants.

The timeline for the outdoor recreation plan includes a public hearing scheduled for November 20, 2025, with the goal of aligning the updated plan with upcoming grant opportunities in early 2026. This proactive approach underscores the county's commitment to enhancing recreational facilities and promoting outdoor activities for its residents.