By Sara Strong
The Rock County Board Tuesday took action to keep the summer's long-planned for bike trail project going.
Three properties along the upcoming bike path from Blue Mound Avenue to Blue Mounds State Park will be turned over to the county through eminent domain proceedings.
Easement negotiations failed so commissioners acted to keep the project on track, if a bit later than it would be otherwise.
Henning Brothers LLP was the hold out that prompted the eminent domain proceedings. The company wanted a higher dollar offer for its land because of the gravel excavating that takes place there.
Other property owners are Ron and Debra Luettel and Mark and Lori Holtz, who jointly own one property. They weren't against the easement, but had some questions and were waiting to finalize the agreement.
Dean and Jennifer Tofteland are the third property owners and were ready to sign off on the easement.
Eminent domain can be used if the reasoning is to serve a public purpose. A judge will determine in a hearing whether the use is of public purpose and, if so, the county will begin the project.
Payments for the land could take some time to be settled even after eminent domain is established. But even before a value is assessed by three different parties, the county can begin work.
The trail will be paved except for a small portion on the east side of the park. The graveled section of trail will be between the parking area near the quarry and the east-west tree line that connects with County Road 8.
The path is expected to be completed by fall.