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Rep. Greenieke seeks state share for Ellendale walking trail engineering
Summary
Representative Mike Greenieke asked the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee to consider a one‑third state contribution toward engineering and design for a proposed walking trail in Ellendale, citing new industrial growth, community safety concerns and local fundraising already under way.
Representative Mike Greenieke, sponsor of House Bill 1256, asked the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee on the bill’s hearing day to consider a one‑third state contribution to engineering and design for a proposed walking trail in the city of Ellendale.
Greenieke told the committee the request is driven by recent industrial growth in the area, including a large new employer, and by safety concerns for pedestrians in a town with limited sidewalks. “This vision started nearly 20 years ago,” Greenieke said, adding that the project was renewed after an Ellendale resident was struck by a grain truck while walking along the road. He said the community is already fundraising to cover part of the cost.
The bill requests $75,000 to help fund professional design and engineering services, according to Greenieke; he pointed lawmakers to a posted Interstate Engineering estimate and supporting testimony in the bill packet. Committee members asked about a line in the engineering estimate that lists a much larger total cost: Representative Greenieke acknowledged the estimate includes a wide range (characterized in the record as a preliminary, “wish‑list” style estimate) that will be refined once a contracted engineer provides plans and specifications.
Greenieke told the committee state participation is limited to engineering and design costs rather than construction because many trail grant programs do not cover architecture and engineering. He recommended a due‑pass recommendation if the committee wished to advance the bill and said he would stand for questions. No witnesses spoke in opposition, and the committee closed the hearing on House Bill 1256.
The hearing record includes uploaded drawings of the proposed trail, letters of community support and an engineering cost estimate; the transcript does not record a formal vote on the measure at this hearing.
Looking ahead, any appropriation for construction would require subsequent budgeting or grant awards; Greenieke and testimony focused on getting design work started so the project can move to bidding and construction planning.
