AUSTIN — Mower County commissioners have plans to extend the Shooting Star Trail to Iowa, but it’s going to take some time.

County officials said Tuesday they are working to set a route and purchase land to finish the final seven miles of the trail from Rose Creek to Austin by this fall.

“That’ll make it easier to lobby for state funding,” County Coordinator Craig Oscarson said.

During its Tuesday morning meeting, the board voted 4-0 to commit to eventually connecting the Shooting Star Trail with Iowa’s Wapsi-Great Western Trail, but commissioners said the county’s first priority is Austin.

Commissioner Polly Glynn said it was important that Mower County makes it clear that connecting to Mitchell County in Iowa will not be immediate and expansion to Austin remains the top priority.