DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Safe Routes To Schools Program State Bond Grant Agreement From Minnesota Department Of Transportation For Improvements On 80th Street East In Inver Grove Heights, County Project 28-66
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of Safe Routes To Schools (SRTS) program state bond grant agreement No. 1058460 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for improvements to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 28 (80th Street East), County Project 28-66, in Inver Grove Heights.
SUMMARY
County Project 28-66 in Inver Grove Heights will include the preliminary design for pedestrian and bicycle safety, SRTS improvements, and traffic signal improvements along CSAH 28 between Babcock Avenue and Boyd Avenue. This project was identified in the 2021 Dakota County Pedestrian Crossing Safety Assessment to provide improved pedestrian and bicyclist crossing infrastructure for community destinations along CSAH 28 in the project area. During project development, the SRTS crossing infrastructure improvements were separated into an independent plan set and a construction project to meet funding deadlines. This request for board action only refers to the SRTS plans of County Project 28-66.
A $250,000 Minnesota State SRTS grant was awarded to Dakota County in 2022 to fund crossing infrastructure improvements along CSAH 28 near Simley High School. A contractor must be awarded the construction contract to complete the grant agreement before the end of 2024 calendar year. If a grant agreement is not completed, the funds will be withdrawn. The project was advertised for construction bids on November 12, 2024, and bids were opened on December 9, 2024. The County Board authorized administrative award of the contract with Resolution No. 24-591, on December 3, 2024. Construction is scheduled for 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization of the Physical Development Director to execute the SRTS program state bond grant agreement No. 1058460 to obtain State bond funding.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The adopted 2024 Transportation Capital Improvement Program Budget includes a total budget of $2,238,058 for the project. This includes $250,000 in funds from the Minnesota State SRTS grant. The construction cost of the SRTS crossing improvements construction contract is expected to be completely covered by the SRTS grant funds. The engineer’s Estimate is $201,882.00.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, to provide a safe and efficient transportation system, the County and the City are proceeding with County Project (CP) 28-66; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and need for the project is to improve safety and multi-modal mobility and increase accessibility for students walking and biking to school near the Simley High School campus; and
WHEREAS, to address the purpose and need for this Project, County Project 28-66 will include crossing infrastructure improvements (“the Project”) along County State Aid Highway 28 (80th Street E) at the intersections of Bowman Avenue, Boyd Avenue, and Simley High School’s eastern egress access; and
WHEREAS, a $250,000 Minnesota State Safe Routes To School (SRTS) grant was awarded to Dakota County in 2022 for construction of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the County and City have included the Project in their Capital Improvement Programs and will jointly participate in the costs of said construction and maintenance, per the Cost Sharing Policy within the Dakota County 2040 Transportation Plan (July 2021); and
WHEREAS, The SRTS crossing improvements were separated into an independent construction project to meet funding deadlines; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County is the lead agency for CP 28-66; and
WHEREAS, a grant agreement for the SRTS funds must be completed by the end of 2024 calendar year, or funds will be withdrawn; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the SRTS Account; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this project is available; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County advertised for construction bid on November 12, 2024, for the SRTS work associated with CP 28-66 and opened bids on December 9, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the bid results for CP 28-66 included a low bid of $218,750.00 from Equity Builders & Construction Services that County Board authorized administrative award with Resolution No. 24-591, December 3, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $218,750.00 by reason of the lowest responsible bid.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That Dakota County does hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the grant consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 174.40, and will pay any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the estimate and will return to the Safe Routes to Schools Account any amount appropriated for the project but not required. The proper county officers are authorized to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto with the Commissioner of Transportation concerning the above-referenced grant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute Exhibit C - Bond Finance Property Certification of general obligation bond-financed property on the project area as required by Minnesota Department of Transportation Agreement No. 1058460 for Safe Routes To Schools program state bond grant, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute Agreement No. 1058460 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for state bond funds through Safe Routes To Schools (SRTS) program for County Project 28-66, State Aid Project 019-628-016, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Location Map
Attachment: Safe Routes to School Grant Letter
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Keelee Roggenbuck