Polk County introduces yearlong bicycle and pedestrian plan funded mostly by federal grant
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Summary
County staff introduced a one-year bicycle and pedestrian planning process funded largely through a Transportation Alternatives Program grant (about 80% of the plan cost); the county’s cash share is roughly $12,000 for a plan sized at about $60,000. The plan will emphasize transportation connections and public engagement.
Polk County staff introduced a countywide bicycle and pedestrian plan that will take about a year and focus on transportation-oriented routes and connections to neighboring counties.
Tim, the county planner leading the project, said the plan is being developed with West Central Regional Planning and is roughly 80% funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program grant. "It is 80% funded through, Transportation Alternatives Program grant funds," he said, adding that the county’s portion to develop the plan is about $12,000 of an estimated $60,000 total.
The process will include an advisory committee, open houses, municipal discussions and an online survey, Tim said. The plan will analyze existing routes, designate corridors and identify gaps in the network with the aim of improving safe, functional bicycle and pedestrian travel between towns such as Dresser and Saint Croix Falls.
A draft plan will come back to the committee for recommendation to the County Board, and the Board would ultimately adopt the plan. Tim said the Department of Transportation receives the adopted plan for its records but does not have an approval role. The county plans to develop a project website with engagement dates and materials during the coming months.
