Council approves intergovernmental agreement for McKinley Road multi-use trail

The Eau Claire City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an intergovernmental cooperative agreement between the City of Eau Claire, Town of Seymour and Eau Claire County to advance construction of a multi-use trail along McKinley Road.

Director Ness said the project was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant administered by Eau Claire County and that the county will be the lead agency for design and construction administration. The trail will link the existing trail network along Galloway Street and River Prairie Drive to the North Crossing (State Highway 312). Ness said the design under consideration would leave the rural character of McKinley Road intact, with no road reconstruction planned; the concept includes a roughly 5-foot boulevard and an 8-to-10-foot shared-use path adjacent to the roadway and right-of-way impacts in some segments.

Ness said outreach already included a public meeting with the Town of Seymour and property owners along the corridor. Councilmembers asked about the permanence of the grant and whether funding might evaporate; Ness said the award is in place and staff believe the funds are designated. Councilmember Schoen and others expressed support, noting the trail would fill a longstanding connectivity gap and improve safety for cyclists and schoolchildren who travel the corridor.

The council approved the intergovernmental agreement by roll call; the vote was unanimous.

Votes at a glance: Intergovernmental cooperative agreement for McKinley Road multi-use trail approved unanimously.