Will Winneshiek County handle engineering for Freeport bike trail?

Supporters of a bike trail from Freeport to the Super Wal-Mart are asking for Winneshiek County to provide the engineering services for the trail as a way of holding down costs.

Freeport residents Dale Putnam and Heidi Rockweiler appeared before county supervisors on Monday.  They had received permission from supervisors earlier this year to use county right-of-way along Old Stage Road for the bike trail.

County Board Chair Dean Darling noted that many county residents do not want highway funds used for bike trail expenses.  But supervisors Bill Ibanez said "It's a public safety issue."  Supervisor Les Askelson said he would be much more comfortable with an in-kind contribution to the bike trail, calling a monetary donation by the county unlikely.

Rockweiler said her group has already gotten $5,500 in pledges and has not yet formally begun a fund drive, although one will begin soon.

Supervisors say they will vote on the issue next Monday.