DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Approve Letter Of Support To Metropolitan Council For Better Utilizing Investments To Leverage Development Grant Application For Interchange Modernization Study
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Board Chair to provide a letter of support to the Metropolitan Council for the Interchange Modernization Study application to the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.
SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) BUILD grant program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The BUILD program, previously known as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grants, provides funding for surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation. For fiscal year 2026, the BUILD program has $1,500,000,000 available for funding across the nation.
The Metropolitan Council is requesting a letter of support for an Interchange Modernization Study application to the BUILD grant. The study will assist the Council as well as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in identifying and prioritizing improvements on existing interchanges across the planning area by examining criteria related to safety, mobility, environmental sustainability, quality of life, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, agency and funding collaboration, and opportunities for innovation.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the authorization of the Board Chair to provide a letter of support to the Metropolitan Council for an application to the BUILD grant program for the Interchange Modernization Study.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☒ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Council is applying for financial assistance from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to advance the Interchange Modernization Study; and
WHEREAS, the USDOT is requesting project submittals for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program; and
WHEREAS, federal funding of projects reduces the burden on local taxpayers for regional improvements; and
WHEREAS, project submittals were due on February 24, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby supports the Metropolitan Council-led Interchange Modernization Study grant application to the United States Department of Transportation for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to submit a letter of support to the United States Department of Transportation for the Interchange Modernization Study for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant application.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Interchange Location Map
Attachment: DRAFT BUILD Letter of Support for Met-Council
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Barry Becker