(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Sherburne County).

A joint effort between Sherburne County and the City of Zimmerman to improve pedestrian safety received a significant boost recently when a trail project was awarded $270,000 by way of federal grant funding. The federal grant covers a significant portion of the estimated $340,000 construction cost.

“We are proud to be a part of this joint effort between the city and county. This has been a long time coming with significant effort from the agencies involved. We look forward to the construction of this much needed city asset,” said Zimmerman Mayor Nick Stay.

“Our partnership with the city is critical to securing these types of competitive funds,” said County Board Chair Raeanne Danielowski. “We continue to look for opportunities to work with all of our township and city partners on projects which benefit our local communities.”

If all goes well, the project is anticipated to be constructed in 2024, based upon the federal fund allocation year.

“While more work is still needed to secure project funding for actual road improvements, this is a great start to our efforts to improve both safety and accessibility along Fremont Avenue,” said Sherburne County Commissioner Lisa Fobbe, whose district includes the Zimmerman area.

The multi-use trail will be constructed on the south side of Co. Rd. 4 from Co. Rd. 45 to Co. Rd. 46 in Zimmerman. The trail will connect schools, businesses and residential neighborhoods along Co. Rd. 4.