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EDA to press legislators for funding after DNR cites $4.2 million trail estimate
Summary
The Harmony EDA discussed a new DNR estimate of about $4.2 million to build the bike trail and agreed to ask local legislators to introduce bonding language and to follow prior lobbying strategies; staff will prepare handouts and arrange meetings with bonding committee members.
The Harmony Economic Development Authority heard an update on the bike trail project and agreed to pursue additional state funding after learning new cost estimates.
Chris Giesen, EDA staff, reported the Department of Natural Resources had asked that 2018 bonding funds for the trail not be canceled and that Minnesota Management and Budget granted a one-year extension before canceling as required by law. Based on four bids received in December for the town-to-county road 30 segment, Giesen said DNR projects a current construction cost of about $4.2 million for the entire trail, including engineering and amenities.
Board members discussed how much additional state funding to request and agreed to ask local legislators to introduce legislation funding the remainder of the project using the DNR’s current construction cost estimates adjusted for funds already on hand and inflation. Giesen said he would talk with local legislators (Sen. Jeremy Miller and Rep. Greg Davids were discussed in prior conversations) and, once they indicate support, set up meetings with bonding committee members. He also said he would create project handouts and seek volunteers to assist lobbying efforts.
The board directed staff to begin legislative outreach and to follow a lobbying strategy similar to prior funding requests. No formal motion or vote on a dollar amount was recorded in the minutes; the discussion resulted in consensus to seek legislative support based on updated DNR estimates.
