9.2.A. PRSR 02-14-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THE GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL ELK RIVER, MN PROJECT DESCRIPTION The intent of this project is to construct a recreational trail along the abandoned Burling on Northern railroad corridor extending from the existing trailhead at CSAH 33 north to the City Limits within City of Elk River. The project is part of a lazger trail project through this corridor extending from the City of Elk River to the City of Princeton essentially connecting one end of Sherbume County to the other. The project has been named "The Great Northem Trail" and would create a regional transportation system for recreational use and provide an opportunity to link users to neazby local and regional trails and facilities. This non-motorized transportation comdor running pazallel to State Hwy 169 would serve as an effective trail system for the general public, Meadowvale Elementary School, civic activities; and recreation enthusiasts and would be accessible year round for multiple uses. Sherbume County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and has one of the highest averages for people per household in the state (MN Land Management demographic data). The proposed trail will serve as the County's main arterial route with links connecting to neazby facilities, trails, and pazks such as the Sand Dunes State Forest; the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, and Grams Regional Pazk on Fremont Lake neaz Zimmerman. The railroad right-of--way from Elk River to Princeton is the only abandoned raikoad line in Sherburne County. making it the only opportunity for a trail of this type. The amenity would provide an immediate benefit to the local users and would enhance opportunities to neighboring trails for links to Hennepin, Anoka, Wright, and Mille Lac Counties. Implementation of The Great Northem Trail has already begun for the portions between the Cities of Zimmerman and Princeton. Local eovernment agencies includins Sherbume County, the City of Princeton and the City of Zimmerman have already be~wn or even completed the necessary land acquisition and construction operations for portions of The Great Northern Trail. The City of Elk River currently owns 100% of the abandoned Burlington Northem right-of--way within the City Limits. The City has already completed the recreational trail within this comdor from the Core City on the southern border to CSAH 33. The City has also constructed an underpass across CSAH 33 for the future trail system connection and is Baser to complete this portion. y The portion of the trail within the City of Elk River includes approximately 2.6 miles of trail construction or trail enhancement with an estimated cost of $256,000. Through MnDOT's Transportation Enhancements Funding Program, this project would complete an extraordinary, multi-purpose transportation route through the City of Elk River and provide for the future connection to the rest of Sherburne County.