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SLAYTON -- The Southwest Regional Development Commission wants to make the most of trail plan proposals in its nine-county region.
The agency has applied for a federal Economic Development Authority grant to cover the costs of a comprehensive regional trail plan update. It will spell out goals for the expansion of paved recreational trails in upcoming years.
SRDC is seeking matching funds of $3,000 from each of its nine counties as part of the grant package. It's expected that dollars invested in the plan update will pay off in the future when local officials apply for trail construction grants.
"It should improve the prospects of getting funds for trail construction," said SRDC development planner Rosemary Bruce-White. "Grant evaluators want to see evidence of a detailed planning process. They also want indications of public support."
As part of the plan update, SRDC intends to host meetings in area communities to gather public comments about the potential value of trail expansions.
The process will incorporate all trail proposals throughout the region, including some that have never gone past the idea stage.
"We keep finding information about routes that have been proposed over the years," Bruce-White said. "All of it will be considered. We'll be identifying project priorities in each of the counties."
She said existing trails will serve as a valuable foundation for expansion proposals. Many of the trail locations are near recreation areas such as Camden State Park and Lake Shetek.
She added that most of the recent trail development in Minnesota has been centered in an area between St. Cloud and Rochester, within easy reach for most Twin Cities metropolitan area residents.
An updated regional plan should help to make agencies that sponsor grants aware of the trail potential in southwestern Minnesota. It could also create awareness among the general public through added publicity and marketing materials.
"Online mapping doesn't always do justice to rural locations," Bruce-White said. "Our planning process will help to create visibility, which could lead to wider public interest."