Cook County officials advocate at the Capitol for Gunflint Trail improvement funding

Two Cook County officials addressed the House Capital Investment Committee on April 9 during the legislative session, advocating for a bill that would secure state funding to improve the last 10 miles of the Gunflint Trail.

The bill, HF3811, was introduced during the committee by Rep. Roger Skraba. Cook County Commissioner Ann Sullivan and Cook County Highway Engineer Robbie Kimmel-Hass represented the county and spoke about the need for state funding for the project.

The 10-mile section of road is part of the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway and serves as an access point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Gunflint Trail section is also integral for emergency access for first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement.

The entire 10-mile section needs resurfacing, 16 culvert replacements, and four bridge replacements.

“It’s critical infrastructure that supports public safety, tourism, and access to federal lands,” Sullivan said.

The total projected cost for the project is $15 million.

Cook County has already secured $4.5 million in funding through a “strong partnership of state and federal dollars,” said Kimmel-Hass. The funds are available through 2028.

The bill would allocate $10 million in state bond funding for the project, to be administered by the Commissioner of Transportation and distributed to the county through a grant for the needed improvements.

“By continuing to align state and federal resources, we can ensure this project reaches completion and delivers lasting benefits for our community,” said Kimmel-Hass.

“Nearly 90% of our economy is tourism-based, and we welcome more than 1.2 million visitors each year,” Sullivan said. “Many of them from throughout Minnesota are traveling north to experience the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest.”

Sullivan said, “These improvements are essential to maintain emergency access to wilderness, strengthen our wildfire evacuation routes for visitors and for our residents, and increase resilience to extreme weather.”

Skraba described the Gunflint Trail to the committee as a “pretty important piece of infrastructure for their community.”

Sen. Grant Hauschild has also supported state funding for the needed Gunflint Trail improvements. Hauschild introduced a companion bill SF4261 in the Senate.

In March, several county officials traveled to the Capitol to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the Gunflint Trail project, among other priorities. City officials, business leaders, and Cook County Chamber of Commerce representatives also visited with legislators in the last month to advocate for various projects, including the Grand Marais Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Audio of Rep. Roger Skraba, Cook County Commissioner Ann Sullivan, and Cook County Highway Engineer Robbie Kimmel-Hass speaking during the April 9 House Capital Investment Committee is below.

Kalli Hawkins April 10, 2026