DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Use Agreement With Union Pacific Railroad And Progressive Rail To Improve Existing Railroad Crossing At Byllesby Bluff As Part Of Lake Byllesby Regional Park Master Plan Improvements
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the 2025-2029 Parks Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget includes a project to formalize access and create basic trailhead amenities at project sites on the west side of Lake Byllesby Regional Park; and
WHEREAS, schematic design concepts were presented to and approved by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners by Resolution No. 26-113 (March 24, 2026); and
WHEREAS, the existing and only access to the Byllesby Bluff site crosses an existing railroad line owned by Union Pacific Railroad, leased and operated by Progressive Rail; and
WHEREAS, the two railroads have agreed to allow the existing crossing to remain a private, rural crossing as long as it is upgraded to two-way traffic and meets current railroad standards; and
WHEREAS, the required improvement work on and around the railroad tracks can only be completed by railroad-approved contractors through a formal Use Agreement; and
WHEREAS, pricing and scope for this required improvement work have been negotiated and can be constructed in the fall of 2026 if a Use Agreement is executed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager or delegate to execute a Use Agreement between Dakota County, Union Pacific Railroad, and Progressive Rail to govern the required improvement work at the Byllesby Bluff access; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes up to $275,000 for construction work on and around the rail line to improve the crossing by a railroad-approved construction contractor named in the Use Agreement.
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BACKGROUND
The Lake Byllesby Regional Park Master Plan Improvements project inc...
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