Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Trail And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EDA backs LCCMR grant application as legislators seek more funding to finish bike trail
Summary
EDA staff reported the state has about $1.4 million from a 2018 bonding bill but needs roughly $4 million more because of inflation to complete the trail to the Iowa border and Niagara Cave; the board asked staff to submit an LCCMR application by March 31, 2023 and include project management costs.
EDA staff briefed the board on the status of the bike-trail extension project and funding options.
Chris Giesen told the board that local legislators would soon introduce bills to secure the remaining funding but said the state currently has about $1.4 million allocated from a 2018 bonding bill. "Because of inflation, another $4 million is needed to complete the project to the Iowa border and to Niagara Cave," Giesen said. The board reached consensus to have staff submit an application to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for construction funding by the March 31, 2023 deadline; board members asked that grant budgets include funds for project management and oversight.
Members also flagged the poor condition of the existing trail from Harmony to Preston and discussed maintenance and rehabilitation needs. There was no formal vote recorded on trail repairs; the recorded action was consensus to pursue the LCCMR application and to monitor state legislative activity. Giesen said he would keep the board posted on legislative developments and grant progress.
