DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Release Draft 2027-2031 Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority Capital Improvement Program
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota Regional Railroad Authority (Authority) plans for capital projects that fulfill the Authority’s purpose to preserve and improve transitways and rail corridors; and
WHEREAS, the Authority desires input from local communities in developing its Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the joint powers agreement between the Authority and Dakota County, Dakota County provides administrative services for the Authority, including development and management of the Authority’s budget; and
WHEREAS, staff has compiled the draft 2027-2031 CIP; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-603 (December 16, 2025), the County Board also scheduled a public hearing for December 1, 2026, to receive comments on the Authority’s 2027-2031 CIP; and
WHEREAS, to align with the release of the draft 2027-2031 Transportation CIP, staff recommends officially publishing the Authority’s 2027-2031 CIP on October 6, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority hereby authorizes submission of the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program summary to the cities and townships on October 6, 2026, for formal review and comment prior to the public hearing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority hereby authorizes posting the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program to the Dakota County website on October 6, 2026, to allow review from interested parties as a means of receiving further input prior to the adoption of the Capital Improvement Program in December 2026.
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BACKGROUND
As part of the annual budget process, the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority (Authority) prepares a five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP identifies capital projects that fulfill the purpose of the Authority to preserve and improve transitways as well as local rail corridors and services. The first year (2027) of the five-year CIP will become part of the Authority’s overall 2027 budget when approved.
Pursuant to the joint powers agreement between the Authority and Dakota County, Dakota County provides administrative services for the Authority, including development and management of the Authority’s budget.
The purpose of submitting the draft CIP (Attachment: Draft 2027-2031 RRA CIP Summary) for formal review is to obtain additional advice and input prior to making final recommendations to the Authority.
A public hearing will be scheduled for December 1, 2026, to receive comments on the proposed Dakota County CIP. The Authority Budget and CIP will also be discussed at the public hearing as part of the County’s administrative services for the Authority and its connection to the County’s CIP.
The Authority is currently scheduled to consider the adoption of the 2027-2031 CIP on December 15, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends the Authority authorize submission of the draft Authority 2027-2031 CIP summary to the Cities and Townships for formal review and comment prior to the public hearing held on December 1, 2026. Staff also recommends the Authority authorize the posting of the draft CIP on the Dakota County website for public viewing.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
None.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-603; 12/16/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft 2027-2031 RRA CIP Summary
Attachment: Presentation Slides
CONTACT
Department Director: Erin Laberee
Author: Jake Chapek