DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization Of Right Of Way Acquisition And Relocation Assistance For Parcel Three For Reconstruction Of County State Aid Highway 26 (70th Street) Between Allen Way And Trunk Highway 52 In City Of Inver Grove Heights, County Project 26-060
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the pursuit of right of way acquisition and relocation assistance for the total acquisition of the Parcel Three on County Project (CP) 26-060 in Inver Grove Heights (City).
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County and the City of Inver Grove Heights (City) are proceeding with CP 26-060, a reconstruction of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 26 between Allen Way and Trunk Highway (TH) 52 that will include a roadway expansion to three lanes, construction of two roundabouts, multiuse trail, retaining wall, storm sewer, and installation of new City utilities (Attachment: Project Map). Expansion of CSAH 26 in this area is a recommendation of the updated Regional Roadway System Visioning Study adopted by Resolution No. 22-419 (October 4, 2022). A joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City to enable final design and right of way acquisition was executed by Resolution No. 23-075 (February 28, 2023).
Dakota County is the lead agency for the design, right of way acquisition, and construction of CP 26-060. Acquisition of right of way from 21 parcels, including one total acquisition, is required to deliver the project. Property appraisal and negotiations for the total acquisition of parcel three, the Cotterman Parcel (1271 70th St. E.) (Attachment: Cotterman Parcel) have begun in order to maintain the schedule for the overall project. An appraisal and review appraisal were completed by Patchin Messner Valuation Counselors and Kelly Lindstrom, respectively. The total appraised value, plus relocation and moving expenses, is estimated at $400,000. Detailed information about the appraisals has been provided to the Board in a separate document, as the appraisal is currently confidential, non-public data pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13.44, subd. 3. The property owners are entitled to relocation assistance from the County, including moving and relocation expenses. If this property is acquired, all structures would be demolished, and the property prepared for construction anticipated in 2027.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the right of way acquisition and relocation assistance for the total acquisition of the Cotterman property for CP 26-060.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The draft 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program allocates $2,868,750 in CSAH funds towards right of way acquisition, with a City match of $506,250 per the terms of the JPA. Pending adoption of the 2026 Budget, sufficient funds will be available to complete the proposed acquisition.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to pursue a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County is partnering with the City of Inver Grove Heights (City) on County Project (CP) 26-060; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-419 (October 4, 2022), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the recommendations of the Regional Roadway System Visioning Study Update, which recommends expanded facilities on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) between Trunk Highway (TH) 3 and TH 52 in Inver Grove Heights; and
WHEREAS, CP 26-060 includes a full reconstruction of CSAH 26 from Allen Way to TH 52 in Inver Grove Heights; and
WHEREAS, CP 26-060 is currently programmed in the draft 2026 Transportation Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget in 2026; and
WHEREAS, the parcel at 1271 70th St. E. (Cotterman Parcel) requires a total acquisition to proceed with CP 26-060 under the known project limits; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has engaged the owner of the Cotterman Parcel in negotiations to acquire the parcel, and has completed an appraisal for the property; and
WHEREAS, the property owner is entitled to the appraised value of the property or a minimum compensation to purchase a comparable property within the community, whichever is higher; and
WHEREAS, the property owner is entitled to relocation assistance, and the County is required to provide a written offer for relocation expenses that includes moving expenses and other benefits as required by law; and
WHEREAS, the draft 2026 Transportation CIP Budget includes sufficient funds for the anticipated cost of right of way acquisitions for CP 26-060.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the appraised value in accordance with County policy relocation benefits, as required by law, for the acquisition of 1271 70th Street East (Cotterman Parcel) for County Project 26-060 and authorizes County staff, in its discretion, to share the appraisal data with the respective landowner, including all or portions of the completed appraisal as part of the negotiation process; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the acquisition of the property described below from Paul Cotterman:
The south two hundred eighty (280) feet of the west one hundred sixty (160) feet of the east half (E 1/2) of the southwest quarter (SW 1/4) of section five (5), township twenty-seven (27) north, range twenty-two (22) west, Dakota County, Minnesota.
Subject to easements, restrictions, and covenants
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes payment from the 2026 Transportation Capital Improvement Program Budget, subject to approval and adoption.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
22-419; 10/4/22
23-075; 2/28/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project Map
Attachment: Cotterman Parcel
Attachment: Confidential Spreadsheet (Board Only)
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Joe Morneau