DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Approve Letters Of Support To West St. Paul And Lakeville For Applications To Regional Solicitation Funding Opportunity
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Board Chair to provide letters of support to the City of West St. Paul for the Christensen Avenue project and the City of Lakeville for the Downtown Lakeville Sidewalk project applications to the Regional Solicitation funding opportunity.
SUMMARY
The Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) has released the 2026 Regional Solicitation to award funds for transportation projects in fiscal years 2030 and 2031. Approximately $250 million in federal funding is available across various categories, including Roadway, Transit, and Bicycle/Pedestrian projects. Applications received by TAB will be evaluated based on criteria aligned with the region's long-range plan, Imagine 2050. Evaluation measures prioritize safety (Safe System Approach), equity, and multimodal connectivity. As part of the application process applicants are required to obtain letters of support from affected agencies declaring they understand the project and are committed to operating and maintaining the facility for its design life.
The following municipalities have requested letters of support for their applications to the 2026 Regional Solicitation:
• The City of West St. Paul for the Christensen Ave project. This project will affect County trail facilities at the intersections of Christensen Ave. and County State Highway (CSAH) 14, Westview Drive and CSAH 73, and Marie Ave. and CSAH 73.
• The City of Lakeville for the Downtown Lakeville Sidewalk project. This project will provide a direct connection to the Lake Marion Greenway gateway adjacent to downtown and further expand the connectivity through Lakeville.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the authorization of the Board Chair to provide letters of support to the cities of West St. Paul and Lakeville for their applications to the Regional Solicitation funding opportunity.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There are no fiscal impacts as a result of this action.
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) is requesting project submittals for funding through the Regional Solicitation process; and
WHEREAS, the Solicitation programs fund between 80 and 95 percent of project construction costs; and
WHEREAS, funding of projects reduces the burden on local taxpayers for regional improvements; and
WHEREAS, project submittals are due on June 25, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves letters of support for the aforementioned city-led project application(s) to be signed by the Board Chair.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft Letter - Lakeville
Attachment: Draft Letter - West St. Paul
Attachment: Project Location Map
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