City of Blackduck Obtains $300,000 to Construct Bike/Pedestrian Trail

After five years of planning and hard work the City of Blackduck will finish the construction of the first phase of a paved trail system this summer.  The trail is a two mile loop that connects the downtown and city park to the school and residents in the north half of the City.  Total cost of the project will be near $380,000 after the final foot of pavement is laid down.

With Headwaters RDC assistance, the City has obtained over 80% of the funds to construct the trail from outside resources.  They received a grant from the DNR for $95,000 and through the MnDOT Transportation Enhancements Program they were awarded funds for 80% of construction costs, up to $246,960.  Local groups within the City also stepped up to the plate and helped raise a significant portion of the remaining funds the City will need to fill the remaining gap.

In the future the City hopes to secure funding to construct the second and third phases of the system that will consist of a loop in the southern half of the City and a trail connecting the park on Blackduck Lake.