WASHINGTON, D.C. -Renville County Commissioners recently approved a resolution to apply for federal and state funding for a $11.3 million road improvement and recreational trail connecting project.
Plans call for widening and paving 7. 5 miles of County State Aid Highway 5 and adjoining trail from the south County line to just south of Franklin.
County Road 51 from CSAH 5 to Highway 19 would also be improved.
The road (CSAH 5) would serve as the spine for a two-county (Renville and Redwood counties) trail system that would include trail loops near Belview, Delhi, North Redwood, Morton plus the Chief Sleepy Eye Trail Loop linking Redwood Falls, Sleepy Eye and Fort Ridgely.
According to the resolution, Renville County Engineer Marlin Larson determined the project would address safety, mobility and environmental concerns plus result in reduced erosion and eliminate dust problems.
The trail connecting Morton, Franklin, Fairfax and Fort Ridgely would provide bicycling, hiking, jogging and in-line skating opportunities.
In a letter to Congressman Collin Peterson, Renville County Administrator Sara Folstad said $6.34 million in federal funding is sought for the project.
"The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byways Alliance encouraged the paving of the river road for more than a decade but funding has never been available so the project never proceeded," Folstad wrote.
She added that Minnesota State Aid Project Development Engineer Lynnette Roshell determined the project is eligible for Member-Designated High Priority Project funding under Title 23 of the U.S. Code.
Folstad further stated that the project will attract more travelers to the scenic route and enhance economic development through tourism efforts.
State bonding funds in 2010 will be sought for 20 percent ($1.585 million) of the CSAH 5 project.
Another $3.38 million in state funds will be sought to improve County Road 1 connecting to Highway 19 near Morton.
Receiving legislative authorization as a designated trail is the first step in the process.
Designated state trails would be acquired, constructed and maintained with state funds.
Increased state funding is expected to be available with the recently enacted sales tax amendment with Parks & Trails Legacy Funding.
State authorized trails include the Minnesota River Trail (MRT) from Le Sueur to Ortonville, extending the Casey Jones Trail from Walnut Grove to Redwood Falls and the Chief Sleepy Eye Trail linking Redwood Falls, Sleepy Eye and Fort Ridgely.
The Morgan Lions Club plans to host a community trail meeting in the near future.
(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).