Blazing Star: trail extension

Project was included in Parks & Trails Council’s 2018 Legislative Agenda, but was not funded by the Legislature.

2018 Legislative Outcome

Amount Requested	Amount Funded
$2.5 million	$0

Funding Source Sought

General Obligation Bonds

Bills Introduced

HF 1296 – Blazing Star Trail funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

SF 276 – Blazing Star trail bond issue and appropriation.

Final Language in Law

None – not passed

Proposed Project Overview

This will complete a 6-mile trail connection between the city of Albert Lea into Myre-Big Island State Park and to the city of Hayward.

2018 Need

$2.5 million

Project Impact

The Blazing Star State Trail currently stretches from Albert Lea to Hayward, with an approximately 2-mile gap in between. Bridging this gap requires a trail bridge over Albert Lea Lake, and would connect two cities and a state park. Both the cities of Albert Lea and Hayward have invested in trailhead facilities on either end of the trail, and the Freeborn County Trail Association has been working to get this project done for years.

Project Support

Grassroots initiative in partnership with Freeborn County Trail Association

Learn More

Bill Status: Not Funded in 2018

Bills (HF 1296 & SF 276) drafted that appropriate $800,000 for construction of a bridge over Albert Lea Lake, connecting Hayward to Albert Lea via the Blazing Star State Trail.
Both bills referred to committees.
Failed to be included in the omnibus bonding bill.