County backs multiple road‑and‑trail grant applications and accepts parks/trails funding for Soo Line Trail

County Public Works Director Tony Hennen presented multiple grant requests and a recently negotiated grant agreement at the Dec. 12 board meeting. Commissioners approved support for three grant applications and accepted a grant agreement for Soo Line Trail improvements.

Hennen requested a resolution of support for a Transportation Alternatives Program application for County Road 252 (Park Avenue) in partnership with the City of Peers; the board approved the request. He then sought support for a Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) application for a roughly 6.5‑mile rehabilitation of Kasai in the Hillman area and said the county would request the maximum eligible state amount; commissioners approved the request. Hennen also requested support for a Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) application for County Road 258 (from County 26 to 113th) as pavement rehabilitation; the motion was approved.

Hennen said the county was selected for a Greater Minnesota Parks & Trails grant to rehabilitate 2.2 miles of the Soo Line Trail and replace a bridge south of Bowlus. He described the estimated total project cost as "just over $1,100,000," said the grant will cover the majority of the cost and that the county’s share is $174,000, and noted funds must be spent by June 2028 with construction hoped for 2027. The board approved accepting the grant agreement after county attorney review.

All four items were approved in sequence; staff will proceed with applications and final agreements.