DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Pursue Federal Grant Funding For Land Bridge And Sound Mitigation Construction And Update On Schematic Design For Thompson County Park Phase Two Master Plan Improvements
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the pursuit of federal grant funding for land bridge and sound mitigation construction and review schematic design for Thompson County Park Phase Two Master Plan Improvements.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 20-037 (January 21, 2020), the Thompson County Park Master Plan was approved by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. Since that approval, several improvements related to visitor services, natural resources, and infrastructure were completed. Design for phase two of the Master Plan improvements received State funding in 2023. By Resolution No. 23-484 (October 24, 2023), the County Board approved the consultant selection of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc (HKGi) for pre-design and schematic design of the next round of improvements.
Staff presented the pre-design to the Board in February 2024, and the Board authorized staff to move the selected projects forward into Schematic Design by Resolution No. 24-089 (February 27, 2024). These design features, grouped as subprojects, include an addition to and renovation of Dakota Lodge/Thompson Park Activity Center that will create a park Visitor Center and an associated maintenance building adjacent to an expansion of the parking lot; a pollinator promenade alongside a newly daylit stream; an amphitheater used for programs and the rental venue; a new picnicking area near Emerson Pond; expanded trails and an overlook at Simon’s Ravine; nature play areas; a paddle launch dock; and a land bridge with associated sound mitigation barrier along Highway 52.
To support the schematic design, an online public-engagement platform went live on April 8th, and an in-person Open House was held at Thompson County on April 17, 2024. The public was able to learn more about the proposed changes and offer feedback on the information presented. The Open House was well attended.
The documents were estimated by two separate cost-estimating firms. The cost to complete the building renovation, parking lot expansion, and maintenance building is $18,100,000. The cost to complete the remaining elements of the project (with the exception of the land bridge and sound mitigation) is $6,900,000. The cost to complete the land bridge and sound mitigation is $30M. Detail cost of each subproject can be found in Attachment: Thompson County Park Schematic Design.
Staff will present the schematic design and cost estimates for each project. The County has pursued funding for these proposed improvements through the State Legislature. Staff will return to the Board for further direction on these projects once state funding is determined.
Funding opportunities for the land bridge and sound mitigation are available through the federal government’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program administered through the Federal Highway Administration. However, the program would require a 20 percent funding match. At current estimates, that would equal 20 percent of approximately $30M or roughly $6M. If the Board were open to this commitment of County funds, staff would begin working on a formal grant request.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that federal funding for the land bridge and sound mitigation is pursued through the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The project has $2,000,000 from the State legislature for design purposes only. No budget increases are requested to continue the design of the elements identified.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Thompson County Park Master Plan was approved by the Dakota County Board by Resolution No. 20-037 (January 21, 2020); and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-484 (October 24, 2023), the County Board approved the consultant selection of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc (HKGi) for pre-design and schematic design of Phase II improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Board authorized staff to move the selected projects forward from pre-design into Schematic Design by Resolution No. 24-089 (February 27, 2024); and
WHEREAS, the land bridge and sound mitigation are estimated at a cost of $30,000,000; and
WHEREAS, the land bridge and noise mitigation have been noted as potential candidates for federal funding, and that this funding would come at a 20 percent County match; and
WHEREAS, Staff recommend pursuing the Federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management Director to submit a proposal to the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program for the design and construction of a land bridge and sound mitigation system in Thompson County Park; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if awarded, staff will prepare a Request for Board Action to accept the funds.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
18-224; 04/24/18
19-720; 09/24/19
20-037; 01/21/20
23-484; 10/24/23
24-089; 02/27/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Thompson County Park Phase II Schematic Design
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Taud Hoopingarner
Author: Christina Lundgren