Melissa Bregani

AUSTIN -&160;The Mower County board will not participate in a joint-powers agreement that would facilitate the completion of the Blazing Start Trail, the board decided Tuesday.

Wednesday, January 30, 2002

AUSTIN -&160;The Mower County board will not participate in a joint-powers agreement that would facilitate the completion of the Blazing Start Trail, the board decided Tuesday.

Board members said they would support the trail, beginning in Albert Lea and running to Austin, but would rather focus its first efforts on the Shooting Star Trail.

Commissioner Len Miller said the problem he has with a joint powers agreement is that, while it’s great to support Blazing Star, the board would also be asked to support the Shooting Star Trail through joint powers, as well.

Commissioner David Hillier said he felt the Shooting Star Trail, which goes along Highway 56 east of Austin, should be a primary concern.

The board approved a $580,000 grant agreement with the Department of Natural Resources for the Shooting Star trail.

County Planner Daryl Franklin was named a representative for the county and the board will now ask the city to appoint a representative, as well.