DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Release Draft 2025-2029 Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority Capital Improvement Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the release of the draft 2025-2029 Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority (Authority) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Budget for public review and comment.
SUMMARY
As part of the annual budget process, the Authority prepares a five-year 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 (2025) of the five-year CIP will become part of the Authority’s overall 2025 budget when approved.
In the spring of each year, Transportation staff meets with representatives for the County’s cities to review the current CIP and discuss requests for modifications and/or additions. In May of 2024, staff held a discussion with the Authority to understand priorities for future Authority CIP projects. The current draft CIP reflects the projects identified in that discussion.
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 County Manager has reviewed the draft summary of the 2025-2029 CIP (Attachment: Draft Authority 2025-2029 CIP).
Recommended projects and the years in which proposed projects appear are subject to continued review and change prior the final recommendation of a budget to the Authority. The purpose of submitting the draft CIP for formal review is to obtain additional advice and input prior to making final recommendations to the Authority.
By Resolution No. 23-497 (October 24, 2023), a public hearing has been scheduled for December 3, 2024, 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 2024-2028 CIP on December 17, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the Authority authorize submission the draft Authority 2025-2029 CIP summary to the Cities and Townships for formal review and comment prior to the public hearing held on December 3, 2024. Staff also recommends the Authority authorize the posting of the draft CIP on the Dakota County website for public viewing.
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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, 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 have compiled the draft 2025-2029 CIP; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-497 (October 24, 2023), the County Board also scheduled a public hearing for December 3, 2023, to receive comments on the Authority’s 2025-2029 CIP.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority hereby authorizes submission of the draft 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program summary to the cities and townships for formal review and comment prior to the public hearing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority hereby authorizes the posting the draft 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program to the Dakota County website to allow review from interested parties as a means of receiving further input prior to the adoption of the Capital Improvement Program in December 2024.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
23-497; 10/24/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft 2025-2029 Authority CIP
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Gina Mitteco