Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever said Monday the county has been approved by the federal Surface Transportation Board to have a 180-day negotiating period with Union Pacific Railroad officials for acquiring 12.6 miles of railroad property and turning it into a multi-use trail.

The trail would go from Hartland to Albert Lea.

Kluever said he also got word Monday that the county will likely be approved for grant from the federal recreational trail program that is administered through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The grant is for up to $150,000, with a 50-50 match.