 A new plan is in place to help make the City of Brainerd more pedestrian friendly. After a presentation from the walkable and bikeable committee, the Brainerd City Council tentatively approved the plan Monday night. The 10-year non-motorized transportation plan's goal is to put into strategic sidewalk routes and multi-purpose trails. The estimate for the first year of the project is $1.6 million. The walkable and bikeable committee is happy with the council's decision and understands there is still work to be done. From the City Council's perspective, and the walkable and bikeable committee was concerned about this as well, is the price tag that goes along with the infrastructure improvements. And I can understand the City Council's concern about that. So we're happy that they approved the plan conceptually. It knows now that everybody knows now that there's a plan that can be used as we move into the future and provides guidance that we'll need for both infrastructure and for goals and policies to create a more walkable, bikeable community. The first year of the project is expected to begin in 2017. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.