DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization Of Resolution Of Support And Agreement To Sponsor Eureka Township’s Pursuit Of 2026 Local Road Improvement Program Funding For System-Wide Gravel Road Improvements
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize a resolution of support for Eureka Township’s application for Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funding and agreement to sponsor the application to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for system-wide gravel road improvements.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Transportation Department is committed to providing safe and efficient travel within the County. Eureka Township is proposing to make improvements to 34 miles of township roadways. The improvements include re-shaping, grading, and adding up to 6.5 inches of gravel to roads under township jurisdiction. Eureka Township is pursuing funding for the improvements through MnDOT’s LRIP solicitation, which requires Dakota County support and sponsorship.
The Eureka Township gravel roadways need resurfacing. Some of the roadways do not have sufficient gravel to grade and shape the surface. The proposed improvements will bring all the gravel roadways in Eureka Township up to standards. Construction is proposed in 2026.
LRIP is administered by MnDOT and makes available up to $1,500,000 to apply towards projects on local roads that are regionally significant, result in safety improvements, address transportation deficiencies and contribute to economic development. LRIP requires townships to have a county sponsor and the support of a County Board. LRIP also requires that Dakota County be the fiscal agent on behalf of Eureka Township, allowing the funds to flow through the County to the contractor.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing a letter of support and agreeing to sponsor the application for road improvements.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
No Dakota County funding is proposed as part of the Eureka Township Road Improvement projects. The County will serve as the fiscal agent of Eureka Township should LRIP funds be awarded.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County is committed to providing safe and efficient travel throughout the County; and
WHEREAS, the Eureka Township improvements include improving approximately 34 miles of roadway; and
WHEREAS, Eureka Township is pursuing funding for the improvement through the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT’s) Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) solicitation; and
WHEREAS, some of the roadways do not have sufficient gravel to grade and shape the surface; and
WHEREAS, improvements will enhance access to local businesses and improve the economic vitality of the community; and
WHEREAS, LRIP is administered by MnDOT and makes available up to $1,500,000 to apply towards projects on local roads that are regionally significant, result in safety improvements, address transportation deficiencies, and contribute to economic development; and
WHEREAS, LRIP requires cities with populations under 5,000 to have a county sponsor and the support of a County Board; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorizing a resolution of support and agreeing to sponsor the application for the Eureka Township Road Improvements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board hereby:
1. Supports the Eureka Township’s pursuit of Local Road Improvement Program funds for roadway improvements; and
2. Agrees to sponsor Eureka Township’s Local Road Improvement Program application to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and act as fiscal agent for this project.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
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: Todd Howard