2010 SIT UPDATE
The Chisago County Parks department, in cooperation with the Parks and Trails Foundation, works to identify the trail route, contact landowners, survey property and negotiate for trial right-of-way in an effort to construct the Swedish Immigrant Trail. The primary focus in 2010 has been to connect Shafer with Taylor's Falls via the East End Segment.
Recent actions by the County include applying for grants to fund land acquisition, design and construction of the Trail, negotiation with landowners to purchase right-of-way and and coordination with State Park and City partners.
Below is a brief update of recent efforts, provided by Parks Department Director, Laird Mork.
Right-of-Way Purchase Agreements:
Interstate Park Trail Segment:
Property Acquisition and Engineering Grants:
In July 2009, the County was selected to received a grant from MNDOT for $73,500 to acquire trail right-of-way and engineer the East End Segment. This grant requires a 50% local match.
As a condition of this grant (and of any project receiving Federal funds) the project area must be surveyed for cultural resources that could be impacted by the construction of the trail. A cultural resources review is currently underway by Richard Rothaus with Trefoil. This review must be completed in order to execute a contract for the grant.
Another condition required when Federal DOT funds are used is that property appraisals must meet federal standards..This process has been completed for all parcels that will be acquired with grant funds.
Because of delays in initiating the cultural review and arranging purchase agreements, there is a possibility that grant funds could be lost. The deadline for utilizing the MNDOT grant funds is June 30th, 2011.
More about the award of this grant.