DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On Right Of Way Acquisition And Direction On Alignment For Veterans Memorial Greenway
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Provide right of way acquisition updates and alignment analysis for the Veterans Memorial Greenway, County Project (CP) P00147.
SUMMARY
Dakota County is proceeding with Veterans Memorial Greenway County Project P00147 to construct approximately two miles of shared-use regional trail, including a bridge over Trunk Highway 3, with construction planned for 2025. Phase II of this project is being funded in part through federal funds, which require timely acquisition of right of way easements for authorization of project bidding.
County Project P00147 requires the acquisition of permanent regional trail easements and temporary construction easements over private property to accommodate trail construction and associated grading, restoration, and retaining wall construction. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners previously authorized acquisition through direct negotiation for four parcels by Resolution No. 24-594 (December 3, 2024). Easement acquisitions from the cities of Eagan and Inver Grove Heights for trail construction and maintenance on city property were also necessary.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners directed staff at the July 22, 2025, Physical Development Committee meeting to investigate alternative alignments in front of the three remaining private properties along Atlantic Hills Drive that still require acquisition agreements. The Veterans Memorial Greenway Master Plan approved alignment, and staff recommended alignment, has completed final engineering, survey, and right-of-way activities behind the houses, and is also located within the existing 200-foot-wide Xcel Energy transmission line easement.
Since that time, updated survey and final design have modified the easement areas, and negotiations with property owners have continued. Easement acquisitions on city parcels have been successfully concluded. Acquisition of easements from Parcel 6 (Church of St. Thomas Becket) have also been successfully negotiated and concluded. Further offers and negotiations have not resulted in settlements for easements on Parcels 3, 4, and 5. These three parcels are the last remaining acquisition needs for the project to move forward.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
None.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The project has $5,000,000 in secured State Bonding from the 2020 legislative session, $5,000,000 in State Bonding from the 2023 legislative session, $4,995,000 in Federal Congressional Directed funds, and $1,000,000 federal appropriation for the Highway 3 grade-separated bridge. Successful completion of this project relies upon the $5,995,000 Federal Congressionally Directed Spending allocation, which has September 30, 2026, expiration dates. The state bonding awards and federal appropriations included language that the funds will be used for acquisition of land and right-of-way, design, engineering, and construction for the Veterans Memorial Greenway, including pedestrian safety-related improvements, memorials, a community gathering space, and a new trail connection between Lebanon Hills Regional Park and the Mississippi River Greenway.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
20-430; 9/1/20
22-376; 9/6/22
22-567; 12/13/22
24-594; 12/3/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project Location Map
Attachment: Alternatives Analysis
Attachment: Presentation Slides
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: Niki Geisler
Author: Tony Wotzka