DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of West St. Paul For Design, Right Of Way Acquisition, And Construction Of Multi-Use Trail Along County State Aid Highway 8, County Project 08-035
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City of West St. Paul For County Project 08-035 for the design, right of way acquisition, and construction of a multi-use trail on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 8 (Wentworth Avenue) between Trunk Highway 3 (Robert Street) and CSAH 73 (Oakdale Avenue) in West St. Paul.
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient transportation system, a multi-use trail along the south side of CSAH 8 between Robert Street and Oakdale Avenue is programmed for construction in 2027 (Attachment: Project Map). This work will build upon a design concept developed through a feasibility study completed by the County and West St. Paul in early 2025. A JPA between the County and West St. Paul will define responsibilities and funding obligations for the two parties through construction. In accordance with 2040 Transportation Plan policies, a funding split of 85 percent county/15 percent city is expected for all project elements at this time. The City is the lead agency for the project.
The Dakota County Pedestrian and Bicycle Study identified this segment of CSAH 8 as a medium-priority gap in the County’s system of multi-use trails. Current facilities provide limited safe mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists in a high-volume segment of the County and state highway system. This project will expand on other recent trail projects within West St. Paul to provide a more comprehensive trail network comparable to other areas in the County.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends executing a JPA with the City to define cost contributions and responsibilities for the project through design, right of way acquisition, and construction.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The estimated cost of design, right of way acquisition and construction for CP 08-035 is $1,741,193. Funds from the Transportation Advancement Account will be used for final design and right of way services in 2026. The draft 2026-2030 CIP allocates $233,750 in CSAH funding for right of way acquisition, and $500,000 in CSAH funds and $350,000 in Transportation Advancement Account funds towards construction.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to promote a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, the County is partnering with the City of West St. Paul to conduct preliminary engineering, final design engineering, right-of-way acquisition and of a multi-use trail along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 8 (Wentworth Avenue) between Robert Street and CSAH 73 (Oakdale Avenue), County Project 08-035; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County and the City of West St. Paul identified this trail gap as a priority for improving safety and access for pedestrians and bicyclists to destinations such as housing, retail, and transit; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County and the City of West St. Paul completed a feasibility study and preliminary design in 2025 to establish project parameters, costs, and right of way needs; and
WHEREAS, costs of final design, right of way acquisition, and construction will be shared 85 percent County funds and 15 percent City funds in accordance with adopted County Policy; and
WHEREAS, funding for final design and right of way acquisition services in 2025 and 2026 have been allocated to the project through the Transportation Trail Gap Set-aside fund; and
WHEREAS, the City of West St. Paul will be the lead agency for preliminary engineering, final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction for the project; and
WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement with the City of West St. Paul is required to define responsibilities and cost share obligations through the construction of the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute a joint powers agreement with the City of West St. Paul to identify costs and responsibilities for final design, right of way acquisition, and construction in accordance with County policy for a multi-use trail along County State Aid Highway 8 in the City of West St. Paul, subject to approval by the County Attorney's Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-073; 2/6/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project 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: Joe Morneau