Scandia officials are pushing to have the popular Gateway Trail extended to their community in northern Washington County, and they are asking state legislators for their support.
Backers of a three-mile extension of the Gateway Trail — from William O’Brien State Park to Scandia — are asking for $4.6 million in the bonding bill. They want the trail to be built by 2024, said Lisa Philippi, a Scandia resident and Cycling Scandia board member who is helping lead the effort.
“While Scandia is a popular road-bicycling destination, there is strong community support and a need for off-road trails so families and children can use and access William O’Brien to and from Scandia,” Philippi said.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has already acquired easements for the land; the $4.6 million would help pay for the trail design, which will include a tunnel and re-design of a portion of Oakhill Road, and construction, Philippi said. The bonding request also would cover the cost of construction of the trail from the northern border of William O’Brien State Park to a terminus within the park.
The Gateway Trail currently runs 19 miles — from St. Paul to Pine Point Park in Stillwater Township — and attracts an estimated 125,000 users a year.
Eventually, the Gateway Trail will connect Pine Point Park and William O’Brien State Park. “We can’t do that section yet because we can’t purchase land yet,” she said. “But that will happen.”
Governor Tim Walz included $1.25 million for a grant to Scandia for the project in his proposed $2 billion bonding bill for public works projects in this legislative session.
The long-term vision is to develop the Gateway to Taylor’s Falls and then north to Duluth, connecting surrounding communities and enhancing adjacent natural areas, Philippi said.Among the groups working on the Gateway Trail extension: Cycling Scandia, Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails, the Gateway Trail Association, Scandia Heritage Alliance and Gammelgarden Museum.
Scandia residents and bicyclists are inviting legislators to learn more about the project during an event later this month. “Gateway to Scandia Day at the Capitol” will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 in Room G-20A in the Capitol building.
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Scandia makes case for extending popular Gateway Trail to their community - St. Paul Pioneer Press
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