Committee backs DNR trails grant application for Orff family overlook

The Community Development Committee voted to adopt a resolution supporting an application to the Wisconsin DNR Recreational Trails Program to fund improvements at the Orff family overlook.

An unnamed staff presenter said the county applied for the same project last year and missed funding by a small margin after the DNR may have classified the earlier application as development rather than maintenance/rehabilitation. Staff revised the application, slightly increased the project cost, and described a proposed ADA accessible trail of about 1,100 feet along the west property line to connect to an existing boardwalk and fishing pier; interpretive panels were included in the project scope.

Staff said the grants are typically an 80/20 split (DNR covering ~80 percent). The DNR deadline for this year was moved earlier; staff said applications are due March 1 and award decisions are expected by September, with construction possible in 2027 if funded.

Supervisor (unnamed in the motion) moved to adopt the resolution supporting the county application; the motion was seconded, and the committee unanimously approved the resolution and will forward it to the full board.

Staff said no additional county funding requests are anticipated if the grant is awarded; project funds would be covered through parks budget/fund balance.

Next steps: staff will submit the application by the DNR deadline and return with award information if successful.