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Lake Elmo council backs letter of intent to apply for trail grant linking Central Greenway to Sunfish Lake Park
Summary
Council authorized staff to submit a letter of intent for a Priority 2 grant to fund a half-mile multiuse trail linking the future Central Greenway Regional Trail to Sunfish Lake Park and supported staff-led grant application preparations.
The Lake Elmo City Council voted March 18 to support staff submitting a letter of intent and to pursue 3 ms priority 2 grant funding for a proposed half-mile multiuse bituminous trail connecting the planned Central Greenway Regional Trail to Sunfish Lake Park.
Community Development staff told the council this alignment was the most immediately ready trail from the city's trail plan because other planned routes would require right-of-way acquisition. Staff estimated the project cost at about $200,000 and said the typical grant program prefers projects under $500,000. The trail would be roughly 8 feet wide and 100% grant funded if selected.
Tony Manser, a resident and volunteer involved in Sunfish Lake Park restoration, spoke to the council and urged support. Manser described ongoing restoration work funded through the Conservation Partners Legacy Program and asked the council to allow a separate application for multiyear funding to continue park restoration work; he said other matching and follow-up funding opportunities exist through state and philanthropic sources.
Councilmembers expressed general support for preparing the letter of intent because the trail would create a near-term recreational connection and link to planned athletic fields and the Greenway corridor. The council approved a motion to support submitting the letter of intent and directed staff to proceed with the application process.
