Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Trails topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge changes to county snowmobile grant; board approves resolution after amendment fails
Summary
Multiple residents told the Walworth County Board they oppose the current wording of Res. No. 11-05/26 — a grant application for snowmobile trail aids — and a proposed amendment to earmark early funds failed; Director of Public Works Richard Hough said the county controls grant disbursement and emphasized a $40,000 annual spending requirement to keep eligibility.
Multiple residents spoke at the May 12 Walworth County Board meeting to oppose Res. No. 11-05/26, the county’s planned grant application for Outdoor Recreation Snowmobile Trail Aids covering Lyons Bridge rehabilitation and White River Trail rehabilitation. Chuck Gamache (Burlington), Daniel Knop (Lake Geneva), Dan Mahoney (Delavan), Alex Rasch (Walworth), Steven Kuiper (Delavan) and Bob Lanser (Elkhorn) each said they objected to the resolution “as it is currently written,” urging clearer controls on how and when funds would be used.
Supervisor Joanne Laufenberg offered an amendment to the resolution to add language prioritizing gas and materials payments to the snowmobile alliance each March, with any remaining funds to be used for White River Trail and Lyons Bridge work. The amendment was debated but failed for lack of a majority vote.
Director of Public Works Richard Hough told supervisors he had met with the snowmobile alliance and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and said the grant manager indicated “the grant funds are the County’s money” and that allocation decisions are at the county’s discretion. Hough said the county plans to meet annually with the snowmobile alliance each March to review funding, and he emphasized the county must spend at least $40,000 annually on the trail network to remain eligible for the state program and pursue supplemental grants, including potential federal matches. He also noted the need for experienced bridge workers and urged flexibility to address condition-based needs.
After discussion and the failed amendment, Res. No. 11-05/26 was approved by voice vote. The board was told the grant submission deadline is in July and staff intend to continue coordinating with the alliance and DNR on allocation and project timing.
