Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bike Trail topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Harmony EDA weighs options as bike-trail segment faces $300,000 shortfall
Summary
The Harmony Economic Development Authority heard that design is complete for a town-to-cave bike-trail segment but culvert and erosion issues plus a $300,000 funding gap may force a scaled-back build; the board asked staff to pursue legislative advice and consider prioritizing the city–highway 30 segment.
The Harmony Economic Development Authority on Sept. 1 discussed a potential funding shortfall for a planned bike trail linking town to a nearby cave, with staff and board members weighing options to preserve state bonding dollars.
Chris Giesen, EDA staff member, told the board the project has been designed but ‘‘issues with culverts and possible erosion control remain to be resolved,’’ and that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) intends to bid the work around Thanksgiving and award contracts in early December. Giesen said the segment between town and the cave is now estimated to cost $1.7 million while only $1.4 million remains available, leaving about a $300,000 gap.
Board members discussed contingency plans if bids are not received or are unacceptable. One option the EDA discussed was arranging an agreement in which the DNR would reallocate its award to the city so the city could manage construction and meet the DNR's specifications. The board expressed concern that bonding dollars could be lost at year-end if a project could not be awarded.
Board members and attendees, including Vicky Tribon and Mark Bishop, urged staff to seek advice from local state legislators about possible funding options. The board reached consensus that, if the DNR could construct only part of the trail, the city-to-highway 30 segment should be prioritized so visitors can reach a paved surface connecting town and the cave.
Staff was directed to follow up with the DNR, reach out to potential bidders to encourage competitive bids, and meet with state legislators to discuss funding strategies. No formal vote was taken on altering the project scope at this meeting.
