Consultants present regional trail master plan linking Mora to Hinkley; cost estimates top $7 million to $12 million by route

Consultants with SEH Engineering presented a draft regional trail master plan that models several alignments to connect Mora and Pine County communities to Hinkley and the Munger Trail, and provided preliminary cost estimates and maintenance considerations. Greg Anderson of SEH told the board the study revisited a 2014 plan and examined three main routes: (A) paved shoulder upgrades on county roads, (B) a trail following an abandoned rail corridor through Brook Park and into Hinkley, and (C) a route following the Highway 23 ditch to County Road 61 and then into Hinkley. Anderson said route B (rail corridor) is about 12 miles and had a draft construction estimate around $12 million and that B would likely require a fence along railroad property; he said the railroad had expressed low enthusiasm for a trail on its right‑of‑way. Route C (yellow route following the 23 ditch to 61) is roughly 13 miles with an estimated cost just over $7 million. Design and maintenance considerations Anderson said typical design standards for the county’s shared‑use trails call for a 10‑foot paved trail with a 2‑foot clear recovery zone per side and referenced MnDOT trail design guidance for grades and curvature. Maintenance is an ongoing cost — occasional surface treatments, patching and crack sealing — and public information/wayfinding are important to achieving use. Funding and regional coordination The consultant listed likely funding sources including state DNR Legacy grants, federal non‑motorized transportation grants, regional DNR programs and bonding. Board members and Anderson encouraged regional cooperation with neighboring Kanabec County and local cities to improve grant competitiveness. Public comment and concerns A public commenter during the meeting expressed concern about long‑term maintenance funding and the tendency for local taxpayers to shoulder the cost. Anderson said the plan’s purpose is to provide a tool and cost estimates to pursue outside funding for final design and construction; he noted that Kanabec County’s prior route choices narrowed some options and that the rail route may be difficult because the railroad could decline access. Ending: The board received the draft plan and took public comment; staff said draft public‑input results will be incorporated into a final plan used to pursue grant funding for design and construction.