The prospects for a large state grant to fund the Blazing Star Trail are probably not as good this year as they would have been in the past, especially in light of news that the state’s budget will probably have a hole as large as $1 billion for 2002-’03.

Tuesday, November 13, 2001

The prospects for a large state grant to fund the Blazing Star Trail are probably not as good this year as they would have been in the past, especially in light of news that the state’s budget will probably have a hole as large as $1 billion for 2002-’03.

This won’t stop trail advocates from trying, and a key step in that process will be Wednesday when a Senate committee convenes in Austin to study the issue.

There is no doubt that the Blazing Star Trail is a key piece in the future recreational system in Albert Lea; it has the potential to be a valuable, year-round focal point for biking, walking and cross-country skiing. Providing that kind of opportunity for recreation is important for our quality of life.

While this is a regional project, and one that does serve to improve the state as a tourism destination, it’s likely that Gov. Jesse Ventura, as well as legislators who are suddenly going to be in budget-cutting mode, will have some reservations about the project. Ventura has shown he is not shy about cutting projects out of spending and bonding bills if he doesn’t see any statewide benefit. He did it as recently as the last session, when he trimmed money earmarked for the Albert Lea business incubator.

It will take a lot of selling from local legislators to get this funding approved, and they will need to build support among their colleagues if they hope to gain the power to override a veto, if it comes to that.

Albert Lea would certainly benefit from a finished Blazing Star Trail; it’s just a matter of whether others make that a priority.