Wabasha/Kellogg Proposed Trail

During the latest Wabasha County Board of Commissiors meeting, Wabasha County Administrator Michael Plante said County Engineer Dietrich Flesch has secured more than $1.5 million in federal funding for a proposed multi-use trail between Wabasha and Kellogg.

However, most of the funding comes with restrictions - including no use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), also known as ‘side-by-sides.

The Plainview News reports discussion was held regarding trail funding, the restrictions on how federal funds can be used, and enforcement of the restrictions.

The 1.5-mile Kellogg-Wabasha Trail Connection is being planned to link the cities with a dedicated, off-road path for cyclists, pedestrians, ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles.

Plans include construction of a new trail bridge over the Zumbro River, and improving regional safety, connectivity, and non-motorized transportation options in the county.

Plante said “there isn’t any kind of optimism for the next year or two for any of that. So we will be having a stake-holder meeting with the City of Kellogg, Wabasha, and Greenfield Township, to talk about the next steps - and specifically, what are the two cities willing to take on, and the township as well.

We’ve made it very clear that the county would not own the trail or provide any kind of maintenance or insurance on it.”