Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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Agreement with Minnesota Department of Transportation and Washington County for the Jurisdictional Transfer of Century Avenue
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Washington County for the jurisdictional transfer of Century Avenue (Trunk Highway Number 120), between Trunk Highway Number 694 and County Road E.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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Ramsey and Washington Counties have been working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for some time on the feasibility of transferring ownership of Trunk Highway 120 (Century Avenue) from MnDOT to Ramsey and Washington Counties. MnDOT and both counties believe that this roadway is more appropriately managed as a county road.
The jurisdictional transfer agreement details the conditions of the turnback including a one-time allocation of funding that will be used to reconstruct the road providing a newly constructed, modern roadway upon transfer to Ramsey and Washington Counties. A variety of funding, including turnback funds and grant funding received, will be used to create a county road offering space for all roadway users including bicycles, pedestrians, vehicles, trucks, and transit. The funding for the turnback is anticipated to be included in the MnDOT fiscal year 2025. This agreement allows for that transfer to occur once the funds are available for distribution.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The portion of Century Avenue that is proposed for turnback is adjacent to Century College. There are pockets of student and affordable housing in the immediate area, both of which have lower percentage of car ownership. A modern facility with an expanded range of modal connections will better serve the broad range of users in this area.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This action is administrative in nature. It does not warrant community participation currently. However, the jurisdictional transfer will allow for updates that will improve conditions for the traveling public.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Washington County will be the fiscal agent for both counties and all the funds will be paid to them. Washington County will receive a lump sum payment of $10,500,000 in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.2300 subp. 6a. Ramsey and Washington Counties will each have a 50% ($5,250,000) share in the total lump sum payment ($10,500,000) from the state under this agreement. Funds will be used for pavement repair and improvements included in the 2024 - 2028 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Agreement