More than $200,000 in unspent state bonding money that was given for the extension of the Blazing Star Trail in 2014 will be reallocated for maintenance of the existing trail, according to city officials and local trail enthusiasts after petitioning the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

The funding was approaching the deadline of when it had to be spent and was previously scheduled to be reallocated by the DNR to a different project, said Sue Blenka, Freeborn County Trail Association treasurer.

She said about $433,000 was initially given from the state for the construction of two sections of trail: first, from Hayward to Albert Lea Lake, and second, from the end of the trail at Myre-Big Island State Park to the lake on the opposite side.

Though the work from Hayward to the lake was completed, the portion from the state park to the lake was not. The funds for that portion have remained unspent as the project awaits more state funds for the bridge over the lake connecting the two pieces of trail. Blenka said there is a likelihood that trail work would be damaged when equipment comes in to construct and place the bridge.

When complete, the trail, which was established by the Legislature in 1996, will connect Albert Lea to Hayward and could eventually connect to the Shooting Star Trail in Austin.

Blenka, Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen, Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. and District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett said in an interview Monday when they found out the funds might go back to the state for another project they began contacting DNR officials and others to see if the funds could be put toward rehabilitation of the existing trail, which was initially constructed in 2003 from Albert Lea to the state park.

Bennett said she spoke with DNR officials about the importance of the trail to the area and that the existing trail is already wearing out in some parts. Some parts of the trail even flood on the way out to the state park.

Petersen said Albert Lea Public Works Director Steven Jahnke stated the DNR plans to write an agreement giving the money to the city with the condition it will be used for trail maintenance between the figure eight of the trail to the state park. The DNR will draft the agreement over the next few weeks.

Though Blenka, Petersen, Rasmussen and Bennett said they were relieved to hear the money will likely stay in Albert Lea to support the project, they look forward to seeing the day when the entire trail, including the bridge over Albert Lea Lake, will be completed.

Rasmussen said he is concerned with the delays that have taken place over the years for the project. He said the city initially spent the money to construct the trail from Albert Lea to the state park, and the support needs to continue to get to the point to construct the bridge over the lake and finish the project.

“It’s part of a bigger picture,” he said. “The commitment from the community and the county has been very positive about trails.

“It’s imperative to have that piece finished.”

A call to the DNR was not returned as of press time.