Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program
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Recommendation
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1. Adopt the 2026-2030 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program.
2. Authorize the County Engineer to prepare plans and agreements for all projects identified in the Transportation Improvement Program and to issue solicitations in accordance with County policies and procedures and the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s list of “Pre-Qualified Vendors by Work Type.”
3. Authorize the County Surveyor to execute Right of Way Plats and Certificate of Surveys for projects in the 2026-2030 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program, or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program, that require the determination of existing right of way for the delineation and /or acquisition of property interest.
4. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements and execute change orders and amendments to agreements, supplemental agreements, and agreements related to the expenditure of Transportation Improvement Program Project Funds utilizing County State Aid, Federal, State, and participating funding associated with the construction of the approved projects in the 2026-2030 or a previously approved Transportation Improvement Program in accordance with the county's procurement policies and procedures.
5. Authorize the County Engineer and County Attorney to acquire temporary easements, permanent easements, fee title, enter into Limited Use Permits with the State of Minnesota, and complete the disposition of excess County properties for projects in the 2026-2030 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program, or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program, by negotiation or condemnation.
6. Authorize the County Engineer to approve negotiated settlements for up to $100,000 over Ramsey County’s appraised value per parcel for temporary and permanent easements and fee title.
7. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute purchase agreements, settlements, closing documents, Limited Use Permits, and other related real estate documentation associated with Ramsey County Board approved acquisitions of real property.
8. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute cooperative agreements and maintenance agreements with cities, counties, the state, and other governmental agencies for their participation in projects listed in the 2026-2030 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program.
9. Authorize the County Manager to make temporary transfers, as needed, from the County General Fund to Public Works to cover expenses related to the TIP until funds are received from bonds, Wheelage Tax proceeds, County State Aid Highway, Federal, or State Participating funds. Repayment is to be made upon receipt of the funds.
10. Authorize the County Engineer to submit grant applications for state and federal funding for projects listed in the 2026-2030 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program.
11. Authorize the County Manager to accept grants and execute grant agreements, agreeing to the grant terms and conditions for the grant award. For grants that so require, Ramsey County agrees to be responsible for any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the county’s construction cost estimate and will return to the grantor any grant amount appropriated for the project but not utilized under the terms of the grant agreement.
12. Authorize the County Manager or designee to provide statements of support to county constituent cities for grant applications being pursued by the cities.
13. Approve the transfer of $15,300,000 from the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Tax Levy fund balance to the 2026 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority operating budget to be used to fund the 2026 Transportation Improvement Program projects identified to be funded by Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority funds.
14. Approve the transfer of $32,680,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax fund balance to the Administrative operating budget to be used to fund the 2026 Transportation Improvement Program projects identified to be funded by Local Option Sales Tax funds.
15. Authorize the County Manager to establish project budgets for projects within the Transportation Improvement Program. Authorize Public Works to transfer funds between these respective projects as needed.
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Background and Rationale
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To qualify for state and federal funding and to proceed with construction projects, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners must approve the Public Works 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a planning document, and funding estimates identified in the TIP are reflected in the county's Capital Improvements Program budget. Similar programs have been developed each year since 1988.
The Public Works Department annually prepares the TIP using a collaborative process whereby the county solicits projects and input from area municipalities. Project inclusion in the TIP is based on a cooperative dialogue with municipal and state partners, along with technical analysis and consideration of funding opportunities. Communication and engagement ensure that projects are informed by a dialogue with a broad representation of residents. In addition, close coordination with municipal partners also ensures local needs and priorities are examined and addressed to the extent possible.
Projects included in the TIP are also viewed through the lens of the Ramsey County All Abilities Transportation Network (AATN) policy, which prioritizes the most vulnerable users (i.e., pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, etc.) first. In addition, the 2026-2030 TIP incorporates data and projects as identified in the Ramsey County 2050 All-Abilities Transportation Plan, which was completed in 2025.
The design, construction, and right-of-way costs identified in the TIP are estimates based on industry best practices. The funding landscape for transportation projects can be volatile, and the ultimate delivery of the TIP is dependent on continued collaborative approaches and partnerships. Partnering on projects with area communities, bordering counties, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, federal funds, and other state agencies will continue to be a critical way for Ramsey County to get the most from our available funds.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County is the most racially and ethnically diverse county in Minnesota. Improved transportation conditions and options will benefit all residents of the county, including communities of color and Native Americans in Ramsey County, who are more likely to benefit from increased investments in transportation projects that prioritize Ramsey County’s All Abilities Transportation Network policy. All transportation capital construction projects, including roadway, bridge, trail, sidewalk, and transit projects that are identified in the TIP include workforce inclusion goals of 32% minority and 20% women in the construction workforce. These goals strive to economically benefit communities of color and Native Americans through investments in transportation.
As established by the Federal Highway Administration, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals are required on all federally funded construction projects. Many DBE firms are minority- or female-owned, providing an opportunity for these companies to participate in federally funded construction projects.
Public Works also has a goal of 5% growth year over year for the use of Certified Small Business Enterprise (CERT SBE) companies on its construction projects. The CERT SBE companies are further categorized into minority and female-owned businesses that can be contracted with on Public Works’ professional/technical and construction contracts.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Ramsey County staff worked with cities’ staff to identify and include projects in the TIP. As each project begins its project development moving towards construction, the community will be engaged to ensure that the scope of the proposed project is consistent with community goals and values, as well as with local planned investments. Once approved, the 2026-2030 TIP may be accessed on the County’s website at
<https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/residents/roads-transportation/transportation-improvement-program>
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Existing revenues and the additional revenues articulated in this RBA fund Ramsey County’s commitments for both operating and capital costs as outlined in the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program.
A summary of the 2026-2030 TIP is included here (funding amounts listed are in millions):
Year 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Total
Roadway, bridges, trails, sidewalks $112.7 $145.8 $64.6 $97.3 $116.7 $536.9
signals, storm drainage, ADA
improvements, & corridor studies
Transitways $7.5 $13.5 $17.0 $90.0 $90.0 $218.0
Total $120.2 $159.3 $81.6 $187.3 $206.7 $754.9
Last Previous Action
On November 18, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held a workshop on the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program.
Attachments
1. 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program Funding Summary
2. 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program Presentation