The Scandia City Council listening session for the Gateway State Trail project has been postponed. Here is the notice from Scandia City Council:

Due to the Winter Storm Warning in effect for Scandia and Washington County from 12:00 PM today through 6:00 AM on Wednesday.  The Special Meeting of the Scandia City Council for a Public Listening session on the Gateway Trail Project scheduled for this evening has been postponed.  

The meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Scandia Community Center.  We apologize for the late notice and hope to see all who plan to attend tomorrow night.  

Previous email about this meeting - 

As you may know, the Gateway State Trail Scandia extension is coming in 2026, but it may be in jeopardy, so we need your help.  Below is a request to all trail supporters written by Lisa Philippi, the President of Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails:

The construction of the Gateway State Trail Scandia extension is coming in 2026.  It is critical that we get your support prior to the final vote by the Scandia City Council on Tuesday, December 16th. We are asking you to do two final things to show your support:

1. Send e-mail messages to the Scandia City Council and Mayor to show your support prior to the December 16th vote. Messages can be quite short.

s.kronmiller@ci.scandia.mn.us   Steve Kronmiller - Scandia Mayor 

k.libby@ci.scandia.mn.us           Kirsten Libby - Scandia City Council Member 

j.cusick@ci.scandia.mn.us         Jerry Cusick - Scandia City Council Member

m.lubke@ci.scandia.mn.us         Mike Lubke - Scandia City Council Member

j.gribble@ci.scandia.mn.us         Jim Gribble - Scandia City Council Member

k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us         Kyle Morell - Scandia City Administrator  

Below is some information you can use to write your messages of support.  Messages can be quite short, you might simply state why you back the trail and what it would mean to you and your household.

2. Attend the public comment meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30pm at the Scandia Community Center.

City officials will provide detailed information about the Gateway State Trail extension into Scandia and announce results of the construction bidding process. After the presentation the meeting will open for public comment.

It is very important to attend this meeting to show the Scandia City Council that you support this trail. At the meeting we will provide written information and support stickers to wear.

Gateway State Trail extension Project in Scandia

History of the Trail and Route:

1. DNR selected the route of the Gateway State trail extension into Scandia after many years of extensive study by city, state, and local professionals.

2. DNR chose larger tracts of land that are away from roads and more scenic in nature.

3. Easements were purchased from willing sellers for fair market value. Any resales were purchased by willing buyers with full knowledge of the Gateway State Trail easements.

Future goals for the Gateway State Trail extension:

1. Connect the trail south to the current terminus at Pine Point Regional Park in Stillwater. Much of the easements have been purchased for this route.

2. Connect the trail north to meet up with the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail, with plans to eventually connect to other trails that would extend all the way to Duluth.

Current funding sources for Phase 1:

2022 - The Scandia City Council approved the submission for the LCCMR grant application.

1. $2,689,00 LCCMR grant awarded in 2023. Zero cost to Scandia residents. Funds expire in early 2027 and completion of the trail is required by 2026 year end.

2. $800,000 – Washington County funding – local, state and federal sources.

3. $200,000 – DNR federal grant – Zero cost to Scandia residents.

4. $3,689,000 total funding available.

Why a Tunnel:

1. The DNR and Washington County require a tunnel for safety reasons.

2. Substantial bike traffic is expected coming from some of the 200,000+ William O’Brien State Park visitors with a further increase when the connection to Pine Point Regional Park is complete.

3. Without a tunnel there will be significant traffic disruptions and safety concerns. A speed limit reduction from 55 mph, may not be effective as drivers don’t always follow posted speed limits.

Why are there two trail crossings on Oakhill?

1. One trail will be paved for bikers and will go through the tunnel.

2. The other trail will be dirt for horses to cross over Oakhill. The culvert would need to be much taller and more costly to accommodate a horse. Horses tend to be fearful of tunnels, especially with bikers coming in and out.

Gateway State Trail Extension into Scandia:

1. Phase 1: from trailhead behind Meister’s on city-owned land to Oakhill Road, including the tunnel.

2. Phase 2: from Oakhill Road to William O’Brien State Park. The DNR has LCCMR funding for design and engineering, which has already begun. When Phase 1 is completed, the DNR will apply for funding for Phase 2. This could take another 3-5 years and will be a priority for the DNR to complete the connection.

Who will maintain the trail?

1. The Gateway State Trail is owned, operated and maintained by the DNR just like a State Park.

Economic benefit:

1. Cyclists will be able to come from the state park to businesses in downtown Scandia - Meisters, Scandia Café, Maklin Bike Shop, Gammelgarden, the future Water Tower Barn Arts and Heritage Center and more.

2. Some Scandia residents purchased their properties because of a Gateway State Trail easement. Others will be attracted to the area because of the trail.

3. Bike trails such as Cuyuna in Crosby, Root River Trail in Lanesboro, and Browns Creek Trail in Stillwater have enhanced the economic value of these regions.

4. Protected bike lanes may add desirability and increase home values while providing safe recreation and transportation for families and children.

Widespread community support for the trail:

1. The City of Scandia has 87 support letters from 2022 – 2025 and a petition with 926 signers.

2. 18 of the letters are from community organizations and businesses in the area.

Consequences of rejecting the project:

1. If Scandia were to reject the project at this point all LCCMR funding would be lost.

2. Scandia would not likely get this funding again as the LCCMR now requires a 25% match from the city.

3. The current deadline of the LCCMR funding could not be met.

4. Scandia would also not likely obtain any other state grant funding for any project, as the state would be wary of awarding funding to the city again. 

   Website Information - https://parksandtrails.org/advocacy/recreation/gateway-scandia/

Please direct any questions to this email - friendsscandiaparks@gmail.com

Thank you - GBCTA - Board of Directors