Purpose

This bill would authorize funding for a local trail project in Arden Hills by allowing the state to issue bonds and providing money to support a pedestrian and bicycle trail along Old Highway 10 North. The project would connect from Lake Valentine Road to Lakeshore Place and link with an existing regional trail, improving non-motorized access and connectivity.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: An amount of 1,650,000 is designated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of transportation. The money is for a grant to the city of Arden Hills to acquire property and easements and to design and build a pedestrian and bicycle trail along Old Highway 10 North, from Lake Valentine Road to Lakeshore Place. The trail would connect to the existing regional trail along County State-Aid Highway 96. The appropriation also covers a boardwalk over a wetland space in the project area as required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Bonding: The state would sell and issue bonds up to 1,650,000 to fund the appropriation. The bonding would follow the terms in Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution, Article XI, sections 4 to 7.

Financing and Bonding Details

• Source of funds: Bond proceeds fund.
• Financing mechanism: The project is financed through the sale of state bonds, up to the specified amount, under existing bonding laws and constitutional provisions.

Local Impact and Project Scope

• Local recipient: City of Arden Hills receives a grant to acquire necessary property/easements and to construct the trail. -Connectivity and scope: The trail would run along Old Highway 10 North, improving connectivity to the regional trail network and providing a dedicated pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Environmental consideration: A boardwalk is included to cross a wetland area, in compliance with environmental requirements from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill would not create new programs or broad legal reforms. It primarily authorizes a capital investment (bonding) and an appropriation for a specific local project, establishing funding and bonding authority to complete the Arden Hills trail segment.

Relevant terms - Arden Hills - Old Highway 10 North Trail - Lake Valentine Road - Lakeshore Place - County State-Aid Highway 96 (CSAH 96) - pedestrian and bicycle trail - boardwalk - wetlands - United States Fish and Wildlife Service - grant - property and easement acquisition - construction - bond proceeds fund - bonds / bond sale - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631 to 16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI (sections 4 to 7)