The paving won't likely happen until next spring but the state Building Commission on Wednesday approved funding to complete the final section of the Badger Trail.

The Building Commission approved $497,000 in Stewardship Funding for the project to supplement over $1 million in federal funding.

The section will link Fitchburg and Madison's Southwest and Capital City Trails to the Badger Trail, which runs from Fitchburg to the Illinois border.

"Today's approval is very important for both bike commuters and recreational cyclists. It is estimated that a quarter of a million people a year will use the new trail," said Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison) in a statement.

"The six miles approved today will close a gap in the Badger Trail and will tie together the Madison and state bike trail systems. It will allow commuters in rapidly growing Fitchburg and areas to the south to access the bike trail and bike route system in Madison and Fitchburg. The trail segment will also be important for traffic safety. Currently, Seminole Highway sees significant conflicts between bicyclists and motor vehicle traffic."

The Badger Trail was first approved by the Legislature in 1997 but has taken years to complete.

"Today's Building Commission vote means that we will finally get this job done," Black said.

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