by Dennis Dalman
A state grant for a walking trail, which is considered a vital first step to development plans for the Mill District in Sartell, was authorized by the city council at its May 12 meeting.
The Mill District, as it’s now known, is the vast empty riverside site of the former paper mill. There are plans to make that now-empty site a multi-purpose area that would include commercial, residential and recreational uses.
The council approved acceptance of a Department of Natural Resources Trail Connection grant totaling $193,502. The city had applied for that grant in 2023. It will cover most of the cost for the 0.17 mile trail, which is estimated to cost $259,215. The rest of that cost ($65,713) will be paid for by city funds from the regional sales tax.
That trail, once built, will be extended, quite possibly by funds from another grant for which the city has applied.
Urban studies have shown multi-use walking trails can help stimulate economic development, especially in areas undergoing revitalization – the Mill District being one good example of that. Walking trails have been known to increase customers’ use of retail stores, dining establishments and other service-oriented businesses.
Another grant
Sartell has also submitted a $1.5-million grant request to the Legislative Citizen Commission of Minnesota Resources to support a range of Mill District improvements that includes utilities, trails, habitat restoration, river access and park amenities.
