Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program
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Recommendation
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1. Adopt the 2022-2026 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 Engineer to execute Right of Way Plats and Certificate of Surveys for Highway projects that require the determination of existing right of way for the delineation and /or acquisition of property, for planning studies or disposition of excess county property.
4. Authorize the County Manager to enter into contracts and agreements, and execute change orders and amendments to contracts, 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 2022-2026 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, and enter into Limited Use Permits with the state of Minnesota for projects in the 2022-2026 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 the 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, state, and other governmental agencies for their participation in projects listed in the 2022-2026 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program.
9. Authorize temporary cash loans from the County General Fund to the Road and Bridge Capital
Improvement Program fund and the Wheelage Tax fund for costs of projects listed in the 2022-2026 Public Works Transportation Program, or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program, and for maintenance project expenditures occurring before bond or wheelage tax proceeds are received pending receipt of Federal, County State Aid Highway, state, participating funds.
10. Authorize the County Manager to submit grant applications for state and federal funding for projects listed in the 2022-2026 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 grant award and for grants that so require, the 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 for the project under the terms of the grant agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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In order 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.
Public Works 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. While funding limits will continue to challenge program delivery, communication and engagement with municipal partners ensures local needs and priorities are examined and addressed to the extent possible.
Projects included in the TIP are also looked at 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) first.
The design, construction and right of way costs identified in the TIP are estimates based on best practices in the industry. The funding landscape for transportation projects can be volatile and the ultimate delivery of the TIP is dependent on future funding levels. Partnering on projects with area communities, bordering counties, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other state agencies will continue to be a critical way for Ramsey County to get the most from our available funds.
The approved 2022-2026 TIP may be accessed on the county’s website at <https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/roads-transit/transportation-improvement-program>
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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 the state of 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 by 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, which provides an opportunity for these companies to participate in these 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 into 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.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Ramsey County’s estimated share of funding for these projects is included in Ramsey County’s 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program and Public Works 2022-2023 Operating Budget.
A summary of the 5-year TIP is included here (funding amounts listed are in millions):
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Total
Roadways,
Bridges, $ 52.0 $ 51.5 $ 60.1 $ 26.0 $ 93.5 $ 283.1
Sidewalks
Transitways $142.9 $203.1 $305.8 $171.1 $223.7 $1,046.6
Total $194.9 $254.6 $365.9 $197.1 $327.2 $1,329.7
County Manager Comments
No additional comments.
Last Previous Action
On December 21, 2021, a board workshop on the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program was presented to the Ramsey County Board.
Attachments
1. 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program