Sponsor: Policy & Planning
Title
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Bonding Project Prioritization
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Recommendation
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Support the 2024 bonding requests in the priority order as follows:
1. Rice Creek Commons ($25 million)
2. Park at RiversEdge ($20 million)
3. Aldrich Arena & Community Event Center ($12.835 million)
4. Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Facility ($10.5 million)
5. Rice Creek North Regional Trail ($5 million)
6. Youth Detention Facility ($16 million)
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Background and Rationale
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The Minnesota Management and Budget Office (MMB) requires that local governments submit their bonding projects on or before June 16, 2023 in order to be considered for inclusion in the Governor’s 2024 Capital Budget. Ramsey County submitted six projects for MMB’s consideration. MMB also requires that the submitting authority prioritize their bonding proposals prior to October 13, 2023.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The projects submitted represent a balance of ideas to address the economic development, housing, public health and community recreation needs of the county. Advancing equity was key to the creation of this list as we centered community needs and those most impacted by these investments. Rice Creek Commons will create economic prosperity, build an inclusive economy and develop an energy-forward community by providing much-needed housing at a variety of price points - including deeply affordable housing - and creating well-paying jobs. The resulting increase in the property tax base from Rice Creek Commons and the Park at RiversEdge is vital to creating more financial resources in an extremely developed county like Ramsey County. Aldrich arena is a true community resource used by many county residents. From our racially and ethnically diverse residents hosting community events like Latinx and Oromo concerts, international market nights or quinceneras, to high school graduations. It is a true multipurpose event center. Our public health facility currently serves community who have historically experienced marginalization. This investment will allow the county to offer services in a facility in community that’s more accessible and centered on community needs. The transition of the Youth Detention Center to Maplewood will ensure a safer, more therapeutic environment for both youth and staff. This supports our strategic priority of putting well-being and community at the center of the justice system transformation. Additionally, the new site has ample free parking for staff and families, an amenity currently not available in downtown Saint Paul. All of these projects will boost and improve the well-being of residents across Ramsey County.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This action informs the public about the County Board’s prioritization of its existing list of bonding proposals.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The 2024 omnibus bonding bill provides an opportunity for the state to partner on important projects and priorities for the region, and ultimately Ramsey County. There is a 50/50 match required of local governments, should projects be included in the bill. If awarded any money, any needed match would come through in a revised 2025 Capital Improvement Program.
Last Previous Action
On July 6, 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners supported the 2022 bonding request and priorities as follows: The Park at RiversEdge ($26 million); Rice Street Revitalization ($5 million); and Bruce Vento Trail Extension ($3.5 million) (Resolution B2021-160).
Attachments
None.