DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Funding Request To State Park Road Account Program For Paving Pine Bend Trail Between Fahey Avenue And Fischer Avenue
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize staff to submit a funding request to the State Park Road Account (SPRA) program for paving Pine Bend Trail between Fahey Avenue and Fischer Avenue.
SUMMARY
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources SPRA provides financial assistance to local governments for improving access to public recreation facilities, including public lakes and rivers. Two previous park paving projects have received this funding: Whitetail Woods Regional Park entrance and Cedar/Nichols access to the Minnesota River Greenway.
Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve is currently accessed only by gravel roads. The completion of the Mississippi River Greenway, reintroduction of Bison, and planned supporting facilities will increase traffic to the park and expectations for paved access. Staff is proposing a phased approach to complete paved access to the park and the Mississippi River (Attachment: Map).
Phase 1: Pave Pine Bend Trail east of Fahey Avenue to the Fischer Avenue entrance into the park. When combined with the Fischer Avenue Trailhead and River Access improvements, this will complete paved access from Fahey Avenue into the new trailhead and to a new non-motorized boat launch.
Phase 2: Pave Fahey Avenue from Pine Bend Trail north to the Archery Trailhead and the Spring Lake Park Reserve Retreat Center entrance and parking lot.
Phase 3: Pave Fahey Avenue from Trunk Highway 55 to Pine Bend Road. This segment requires more extensive design and coordination with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of Rosemount. A future project would complete a paved surface access.
Phases 2 and 3 would likely qualify for additional SPRA program dollars in future funding years.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized a 2025 SPRA grant proposal for Phases 1 and 2, with a request for $750,000, which was unsuccessful. A reduced scope is believed to make the application more competitive. The proposed 2026 SPRA funding request would be for Phase 1 improvements only. The Phase 1 cost estimate is $647,642, including project delivery costs. Dakota County would request $350,000 from the SPRA program, with matching funds totaling $297,642.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the submittal of a request for up to $350,000 to the SPRA program for improving access to Spring Lake Regional Park Reserve and the Mississippi River.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
This resolution would authorize the County to submit a request to the SPRA for $350,000 in funding. The Phase 1 project is included in the County Manager’s Recommended 2026 - 2030 Capital Improvement Program and programmed in project year 2027. The match is included in the Draft 2026-2030 Parks Capital Improvement Program, with the County’s matching funds being paid for with $164,805 of Transportation Advancement Account (TAA) revenues and $132,837 of Transportation Sales Tax (SUT) revenues.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting requests for the State Park Road Account (SPRA) program; and
WHEREAS, the SPRA program funds eligible construction costs related to improving access to public recreation areas, including public lakes and rivers; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has identified a need to pave primary access roads in Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve; and
WHEREAS, the Phase 1 improvements are estimated at $647,642; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends the submittal of a request for up to $350,000 to the SPRA program for improving access to Spring Lake Park Reserve and the Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS, the Phase 1 improvements are included in the Draft 2026-2030 Parks Capital Improvement Program and programmed in project year 2027; and
WHEREAS, project submittals are due November 1, 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the submission to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State Park Road Account program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves requesting the required letters of support from the City of Rosemount and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-533; 10/29/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Map
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: John Mertens