DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Submit Letter Of Support To Inver Grove Heights For Local Road Improvement Program Funding Application For Cahill Avenue Modernization In City Of Inver Grove Heights
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the City of Inver Grove Heights (City) has programmed improvements to Cahill Avenue from Upper 55th Street to Concord Avenue; and
WHEREAS, within the proposed project area, Cahill Avenue intersects with County State Aid Highways (CSAH) 26 and 28; and
WHEREAS, the proposed City project has the potential to improve the safety and functionality of the intersections with County roadways for all travel modes; and
WHEREAS, preliminary planning for these improvements is under consideration in the current design phase for County Project 26-68, which will modernize CSAH 26 between Trunk Highway 52 and Cahill Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to submit an application for a Local Road Improvement Program grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to fund up to 100% of project costs; and
WHEREAS, funding of projects reduces the burden on local taxpayers for regional improvements; and
WHEREAS, project submittals are due on November 25, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves submittal of a letter of support for the City of Inver Grove Heights-led application to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a Local Road Improvement Program grant to be signed by the Transportation Director.
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BACKGROUND
The Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2002 and is authorized under Minn. Stat. § 174.52. In 2026, the Legislature appropriated $50 million in general obligation bond proceeds for the program. Funding is available through the Trunk Highway Corridor Account, Routes of Regional Significance Account, and Rural Road Safety Account.
The City of Inver Grove Heights (City) has begun design for improvements to Cahill Avenue between Upper 55th Street and Concord Avenue, and intends to apply for LRIP funds in advance of construction planned for 2029. As part of the application process, the City has requested a letter of support (Attachment: LRIP Letter of Support) from Dakota County as the project interacts with County facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends the authorization of the Board Chair to provide a letter of support to the City of Inver Grove Heights for its application for LRIP funds for the modernization of Cahill Avenue.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
None.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: LRIP Letter of Support
CONTACTS
Department Director: Erin Laberee
Author: Joe Morneau