AUSTIN – The future of the Blazing Star Trail, which runs from Albert Lea to Hayward, was the topic of a Wednesday discussion for members of the Senate Capital Investments Committee and Austin city officials.

Thursday, November 15, 2001

AUSTIN – The future of the Blazing Star Trail, which runs from Albert Lea to Hayward, was the topic of a Wednesday discussion for members of the Senate Capital Investments Committee and Austin city officials.

A joint powers group from Austin and Albert Lea is requesting $2.5 million to extend the trail.

Jerry Hickman, president of the Freeborn County Trail Association, which formed in 1995, told legislators the association has talked with a number of community members to get an idea of the best way to use the trail.

&uot;The best route would be to connect the two major cities of Austin and Albert Lea, using Myre-Big Island State Park as a halfway point,&uot; Hickman said.

The Blazing Star Trail begins in Albert Lea, with approximately two to two-and-a-half miles of trails in the city, Hickman said. Planners intend to have the trail follow the I&M Railroad under Interstate 90. The trail would then continue across the state park and into Hayward.

Sen. Grace Schwab (R-Albert Lea) confirmed that the section of Blazing Star through Hayward is already funded.

&uot;We’re looking to finish the job we started,&uot; Hickman said.

He went on to inform legislators of the trail’s history, beginning in 1996, when the state authorized the trail association to raise funds for land. In 1998, the state bonding committee approved $800,000 and the association was designated a charitable organization.

In 2000, there was an additional state bond request for $750,000. Currently, $1.5 million has been raised for the trail, according to Hickman.

In response to Sen.Keith Langseth’s inquiry as to why the trail has not been further constructed, Hickman said the trail association is currently in negotiations to get an easement from I&M Railroad. I&M agreed to provide an easement, but the final agreement was not received from the Department of Natural Resources until August.

The agreement is now in place, Hickman said, and bids will begin this winter, with construction expected to begin next summer.

Administrators stressed the economic impact of the trail, with Zoning Administrator Craig Hoium stating the combined population of Freeborn and Mower County to be more than 70,000.

Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz said the trails have always been a high priority for her and that &uot;they’re something that adds to the quality of life for citizens to use.&uot;

A strong proponent, Rietz said it was helpful to have the legislators come out into the community and see the citizens involved.

The next step in the process is setting a time when the project can be discussed; administrators will remain actively involved, going up to the Legislature to testify on the issue.