Hubbard County approved a resolution to sponsor and support an application for active transportation funds that would be used on a street project in the city of Park Rapids (referred to in the meeting as the Casawone project). County staff said the work under consideration would reconstruct the street to an urban section in the city limits—adding new sidewalks with ADA-compliant alignments, curb and gutter, storm sewer, utilities and a designated bike lane similar to other downtown streets.

Staff said the county is working with Apex Engineering as the project designer and that the resolution makes the board aware the county will cover any costs beyond the grant award. The application period is active; staff said they had sent application materials to Apex and will work together on a detailed submission. The board approved the resolution by voice vote.

Commissioners discussed right-of-way width and the possibility of property acquisition, and were told designers believe the existing right-of-way likely accommodates the planned cross section. The board also said the city previously approved eliminating on-street parking on the corridor, a change staff said will help address narrow segments of the road.