DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Adoption Of Amendments To Transportation Cost Share Policy
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County Transportation utilizes cost share policies that define each agency’s share for transportation project costs; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-524 (October 20, 2020), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the Transportation Cost Share Policy as part of the Dakota County 2040 Transportation Plan; and
WHEREAS, updates to the policy have been proposed to clarify language and provide more consistent and streamlined cost shares; and
WHEREAS, staff presented draft Transportation Cost Share Policy changes to the General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole on May 5, 2026; and
WHEREAS, staff presented proposed amendments to the City Engineers on June 12, 2026, and to the City Managers on July 24, 2026; and
WHEREAS, staff presented final Transportation Cost Share Policy updates to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on September 15, 2026; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts amendments to the Transportation Cost Share Policy presented to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on September 15, 2026.
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BACKGROUND
In 2020, Dakota County Transportation staff worked with city partners to update the Transportation Cost Share Policy. As staff has applied these policies, there have been instances where further clarification of the policy language would be beneficial to both City and County staff to interpret the policy consistently. Several key changes are proposed to the cost shares for independent roundabout and signal projects as well as 10-ton and 6-lane 1/2-mile spacing expansion projects.
On May 5, 2026, staff presented potential updates (Attachment: Transportation Cost Share Policy Amendment) at the General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole and were directed by the County Board to discuss the changes with the Cities in Dakota County. Staff presented proposed cost share changes on June 12, 2026, at the City and County Engineers meeting and on July 24, 2026, at the City Manager’s meeting. Changes were made to the draft policy based on feedback from city staff to further clarify the intent of the cost policy.
Staff presented the final amendments to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on September 15, 2026, and received direction to move the amendments to the County Board for approval.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends adopting amendments to the updated Transportation Cost Share Policy as presented to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on September 15, 2026.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
The proposed amendments to the Transportation Cost Share Policy would provide an overall benefit to the cities by reducing their cost share over the next five years by approximately two million dollars and correspondingly increase the County’s cost share. There are sufficient funds and projected County Transportation revenues in County State Aid and Sales and Use Tax funds to adequately fund the cost share policy changes.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
20-524; 10/20/20
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Transportation Cost Share Policy Amendment
CONTACTS
Department Director: Erin Laberee
Author: Erin Laberee