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3. Considerations. <br />a. Existing trail connection to the Luce Line Trail. The intent of the trail extension (blue line in <br />image below) is to tie the eastern end of the 112 Trail directly into the Luce Line Trail (purple line in <br />image below). There are two other ways to access the Luce Line within the general vicinity of the <br />extension. One is an existing trail connection along the highway that would require a street crossing <br />(green line in image below) and the other is traveling on the existing roadway of Old Long Lake Road <br />(green dashed line in image below). <br />b. Comprehensive Trail System Plan. The City's comprehensive trail plan envisions future <br />connection throughout the city however the extension is not part of that plan (Exhibit D). The 2040 <br />Hennepin County Bicycle Transportation Plan contemplates the use of Old Long Lake Road as an access <br />for bicycles at the eastern end of the 112 trail (Exhibit E). <br />c. Timing / Cost Sharing. Currently, Hennepin County funding is available for the trail extension <br />at 50% of the cost. In addition if constructed in conjunction with the road construction most of the <br />earth/grading work for the trail would be done as part of the State Turn Back Project expense. Should the <br />City attempt to create this trail in the future, separate from the proposed Hennepin County Turn Back <br />Project, the estimated cost is $400,000-$470,000. <br />d. Tax Forfeit Parcel. The connection to the Luce Line would require an easement over the parcel <br />of land highlighted above in yellow. The parcel is currently tax forfeit. A separate Council item <br />addresses the potential purchase of this property. (see following Agenda Item) <br />4. Park Commission Recommendation. The Park Commission reviewed the proposed trail extension <br />at their November 7' meeting. The Commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the extension and <br />recommended funding '/z the cost from Park Dedication Funds and '/z from the Community Investment <br />Fund. <br />5. Funding. The Orono portion of the trail extension, $110,000 could be funded from the Park Fund or <br />the Community Investment Fund. <br />2 <br />