Board supports Mille Lacs area land use project

The Crow Wing County Board made no financial commitment Tuesday to the Mille Lacs Lake area comprehensive planning project.

Board members, though, expressed support for the project.

Tim Schmidt and Bob Hutton of Region 5 Development Commission and Steve Rekkers of Minnesota Planning discussed the project for the development of a comprehensive land use plan covering the areas bordering Mille Lacs Lake. Bay Lake, Garrison and Roosevelt townships in Crow Wing County are part of the study.

Schmidt said this plan is needed to ensure coordination between multiple planning initiatives in the area, to address commercial growth and population increase and to address environmental concerns.

Total population increased from 1990 to 2000 for this area by 40 percent. The daily traffic on Highway 169 is projected to grow from 10,200 in 1998 to 16,650 in 2015 to 20,800 in 2025.

Environmental issues to be addressed include sanitary sewer, water quality, fishery stability and health, erosion and wildlife habitat.

Region 5 is facilitating the planning and coordination of the project and Minnesota Planning will offer resources and provide mapping and data support for the project.

In the project, counties in the study area will be asked to finance $5,000; townships, a $500 match; and cities, a $1,000 match.