DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Limited Use Permit And Joint Powers Agreement With Metropolitan Council For METRO G Line Construction And Operation
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County and the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority have cooperated in regional efforts to identify and develop improvements to transit service and facilities on Robert Street in West St. Paul; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority and the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority completed an Alternatives Analysis of potential service and capital improvements; and
WHEREAS, since 2021, Dakota County has coordinated with the Metropolitan Council on the planning and development of the METRO G Line, a bus rapid transit service that provides faster and more frequent service between West St. Paul and Little Canada on a general alignment along Robert Street and Rice Street; and
WHEREAS, planning and design work to date has designated a southern terminal station at the Northern Service Center; and
WHEREAS, Metro Transit has developed a plan for the station on County property with the cooperation of Dakota County staff; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council recognize the need for a continuing agreement to govern both the construction and operation of a station; and
WHEREAS, at its August 17, 2026 meeting, the Dakota County Physical Development Committee provided feedback and direction on the proposed station and agreements necessary for its construction and operation; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has developed a limited use permit to address construction, access, safety, and maintenance related to the station; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has developed a joint powers agreement for the broader METRO G Line project to facilitate work on County property and easements for the construction of the METRO G Line and commit the County to exercise its right of way power as needed to advance construction.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager, or their delegate, to execute a limited use permit with the Metropolitan Council for the construction and operation of a station for the METRO G Line at the Northern Service Center, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager, or their delegate, to execute a joint powers agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the construction of the METRO G Line, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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BACKGROUND
Dakota County and the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority have cooperated in regional planning for transit service improvements along Robert Street through the Robert Street Corridor Transit Feasibility Study (2008) and the Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Analysis (2015). In 2021, Metro Transit advanced the METRO G Line into project development, where Dakota County has maintained an advisory role in the planning and design of the project. Construction of the northern portion of the route will begin in 2027, followed by the southern half within Dakota County in 2028. Service in Dakota County will begin in 2028.
The Northern Service Center was designated as the location for a terminal station for G Line service as part of the planning process. County staff from multiple departments have coordinated with Metropolitan Council on the design of a station near the southeast corner of the Northern Service Center property for use by the METRO G Line and specialized Metropolitan Council transportation services including Metro Mobility and Micro, a shared ride service. Dakota County has developed a limited use permit (Attachment: Draft Limited Use Permit) that outlines terms for the construction and operation of this station. In addition, the Metropolitan Council has developed a joint powers agreement (Attachment: Draft Joint Powers Agreement) for the construction of the METRO G Line, which formalizes roles for the County in the construction process, primarily related to it right of way management powers.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization of the execution of both the limited use permit for the construction and operation of a terminal station for the METRO G Line on County property at the Northern Service Center. Staff further recommends authorization of the execution of a joint powers agreement with the Metropolitan Council to assist in the construction of the METRO G Line within county owner right of way.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
None.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
15-018 (DCRRA); 10/29/15
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project Map
Attachment: Draft Limited Use Permit
Attachment: Draft Joint Powers Agreement
CONTACT
Department Director: Erin Laberee
Author: Joe Morneau