DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Distribute Environmental Assessment Worksheet For County Project 54-11
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize staff to distribute the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for County Project (CP) 54-11 for public review in accordance with Minnesota Rules 4410.
SUMMARY
Dakota County, in partnership with the City of Hastings, Prairie Island Indian Community, and Ravenna Township, is advancing CP 54-11 to reconstruct County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 54 between 18th Street East in Hastings and CSAH 68 (200th Street East). The project includes safety-driven geometric improvements, widened shoulders, turn lanes, drainage and flood-resiliency improvements, and a planned roundabout at the CSAH 54/CSAH 68 intersection. Construction is anticipated in 2030, subject to funding.
An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) has been completed for the full project footprint, including the roadway and all design alternatives evaluated during the process. Although the EAW evaluates both trail and no-trail alternatives, the County Board has identified the Road-Only concept as the preferred alternative. The EAW remains valid with this direction because it already includes evaluation of all alternatives and identifies fewer impacts under the Road-Only option.
The EAW is ready for publication to initiate the 30-day public comment period and support the County Board’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Need Decision scheduled for September 1, 2026. Under EQB rules, Board approval is not required to submit the EAW; however, Dakota County typically aligns the publication with County Board awareness.
EAW Schedule (for Board awareness):
1. PDC Presentation - June 16, 2026
2. County Board Consent for EAW awareness - June 23, 2026
3. Submit to EQB Monitor - by June 30, 2026
4. EQB Monitor Publication - July 7, 2026
5. Public Comment Period - July 8-August 7, 2026
6. Prepare Findings/Responses - August 7-18, 2026
7. County Review Period - August 18-September 1, 2026
8. EIS Need Decision - September 1, 2026
9. Distribute Notice of Decision - September 8-15, 2026
10. EQB Publication of Final Decision - September 22, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to distribute the EAW for CP 54-11 in accordance with Minnesota Rules 4410.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County is advancing County Project 54-11 to reconstruct CSAH 54 between 18th Street East and CSAH 68 to improve safety, mobility, drainage, and flood-resiliency; and
WHEREAS, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) has been completed for County Project 54-11 in accordance with Minnesota Rules 4410 and is ready for distribution to initiate the 30-day public comment period; and
WHEREAS, the EAW evaluates multiple design alternatives, including trail and no-trail options, and the County Board has identified the Road-Only option as the preferred alternative; and
WHEREAS, the EAW remains valid and supports the project moving forward under the Road-Only preferred alternative; and
WHEREAS, the project is consistent with the adopted Dakota County 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes staff to distribute the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for County Project 54-11 in accordance with Minnesota Rules 4410.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Location Map
Attachment: Environmental Assessment Worksheet
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: John Sass