Brainerd council grapples with grant funding for 210 pedestrian bridge

BRAINERD — State funds for a pedestrian bridge across Highway 210 near Lum Park are up in the air.

The city of Brainerd received a $1.33 million grant from the Carbon Reduction Program for the proposed bridge but has yet to accept or deny the money. The grant requires 25% matching funds from the city, equating to more than $300,000 the city would have to come up with.

City staff told council during a meeting on Oct. 6 the Minnesota Department of Transportation is now looking for an answer on whether the city will accept the grant, as those funds would be allocated elsewhere if they are denied.

The recommendation from the council’s Safety and Public Works Committee was to deny the grant, knowing the city would not be able to come up with the matching funds and allocate the grant in the t