Grants to build 8 new biking, hiking trails
Grants to build eight new biking and hiking trails across the state have been awarded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The new projects include trails and a "bog walk" at Sucker Creek Preserve in Detroit Lakes, as well as a paved bicycle path from Camden State Park to Marshall. Other projects are based in Walker, Rochester and St. Louis, Lake, Freeborn, Itasca and Benton counties.
The projects are funded by $7.49 million in legacy grants, which were created when voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008.
The agency will also acquire almost 300 acres to add to regional parks in the state.
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Other grants are:
• City of Walker, $425,000. Construction of a tunnel/underpass under State Highway 200/371 to complete the Shingobee Connection Trail, which connects the Paul Bunyan and Heartland state trails to Walker.
• St. Louis and Lake counties Regional Rail Authority, $512,000. Development of the Mesabi Trail at the eastern edge of Vermilion State Park.
• Lyon County, $1,409,925. Construction of a new paved off-road bicycle and pedestrian trail that will connect Camden State Park to Marshall.
• Freeborn County, $950,000. Acquisition of more than 12 miles of abandoned rail line for a new bicycle and pedestrian thoroughfare that will link to the Blazing Star State Trail in Albert Lea.
• Itasca County, $200,000. Improvement of more than six miles of the Mesabi Trail, parking and signage.
• City of Rochester, $250,000. Development of a multi-use path that connects to Quarry Hill Nature Center and Rochester's existing trail system.
• County of Benton, $280,000. Creation of a river overlook and other facilities in Bend in the River Regional Park.
• City of Detroit Lakes, $495,000. Acquisition of more than 50 acres and development of a bog walk, trails and other facilities at Sucker Creek Preserve.