DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update And Discussion Of Proposed Transit Investments In Capital Improvement Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive information on transit projects identified in the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and discuss priorities for inclusion in the 2023-2027 CIP.
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, Dakota County works cooperatively with transit providers to support transit and invest in transit improvements that align with the goals of the Dakota County 2040 Transportation Plan. The Transportation Plan includes strategies and policies for the County to collaborate with transit providers to enhance fixed-route transit service through service improvements and pilot projects and by improving operating conditions and accessibility.
County transportation staff meets with transit service providers and operators to understand transit system needs and potential projects for inclusion in the annual CIP. In previous years, the County has partnered with transit providers on projects such as the expansion of the Apple Valley Transit Station, a pilot transit service to the Dakota County Technical College, and by providing bus pads at bus stops along county highways.
The 2022-2026 CIP includes three transit projects funded through the Transportation Sales and Use Tax. The projects aim to respond to transit needs within the county, recognizing that commuter and express-oriented transit ridership has not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. The projects aim to support transit services geared toward transit riders who may not have access to other transportation modes to meet daily needs. A brief description of the projects is included below with more detail in Attachment: CIP Transit Summary Sheets.
• Bus Shelter Pad Construction, County Highways: Annual program to provide accessible concrete bus pads at transit stops along county highways.
• Bus Shelter Pad Construction, Off County Highway System: Program to provide accessible concrete bus pads at high-use transit stops throughout the county along other streets and highways.
• DARTS Loops: Support for the continuation and expansion of DARTS loop transit service as well as a one-time contribution toward the purchase of a bus for service expansion.
Prior to updating the 2023-2027 CIP, staff would like to discuss these projects in greater detail with the Physical Development Committee of the Whole to understand if these projects fit within the Board’s goals for supporting transit service within the County. A summary of transit-related policies identified in the Dakota County 2040 Transportation Plan is included in Attachment: Transit Policies.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; No action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: CIP Transit Summary Sheets
Attachment: Transit Policies
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Gina Mitteco