Item 5C. Resolutions in Support of 2026 State Bonding Request for the Coon Rapids Dam Improvements and Regional Trail Network
Superintendent's Recommendation:
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-12, A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A 2026 STATE BONDING REQUEST FOR THE COON RAPIDS DAM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-13, A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A 2026 STATE BONDING REQUEST FOR THE REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK SAFETY, STEWARDSHIP AND EXPANSION PROJECT.
Prepared By: Jason McGrew-King, Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Supervisor
Background:
The Minnesota Office of Management and Budget (MMB) has issued a call for 2026 State Bonding Projects. State bonding can provide up to 50 percent of the total cost of a capital improvement project.
Staff recommends submittal of two state bonding projects:
- Coon Rapids Dam Improvements Project
- Regional Trail Network Safety, Stewardship and Expansion Project
Three Rivers has previously submitted the Regional Trail Network Project for consideration in the 2024 and 2025 sessions, and the Coon Rapids Dam project in the 2025 session. A Resolution of Support for each Project is requested by MMB as part of the submittal process (attached).
The Coon Rapids Dam Improvements project has four primary components:
- Hydraulic cylinder replacement and improvements
- Underwater repairs
- Auxiliary spillway repairs
- Old powerhouse area repairs
The total estimated project cost is $7,084,000. The project funding request submitted to MMB would be for $3,542,000, which is the 50 percent cap of total estimated costs allowed in MMB applications. We will continue to work with the DNR to educate Legislators that the state, via the terms of our joint powers agreement, is 100% responsible for repair costs.
For the Regional Trail Network project, the funding request recognizes that the Three Rivers Regional Trail Network serves dual roles – both as a recreational amenity and as the arterial non-motorized transportation network – and that funding of an arterial transportation network is beyond the scope, mission and ability of a natural-resources based park agency. The project has three primary components: construction of 11.8 miles of new regional trails, improvements on 1.5 miles of existing trails, and reconstruction of 16.7 miles of trails that are at the end of their useful life. These improvements will better develop and maintain the active transportation network in the western metropolitan area and will provide a healthful and safe transportation alternative to the public across Hennepin County. The total estimated cost of the trail network project is $49.4 million. Federal funding of $25.3 million has been secured to help fund this project. The balance of $24.1 million (49 percent of the total) will be requested to be funded through State Bonds. The project reflects Three Rivers’ draft 2026-2030 capital plan for safety improvements, rehabilitation and construction of the regional trail network.
Relationship to the System Plan:
The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:
Goal 1: You Belong Here
Goal 2: Parks Matter
Goal 3: Lead by Example
Attachments:
Resolution No. 25-12 Coon Rapids Dam Improvements 2026 State Bond.pdf
Resolution No. 25-13 Regional Trail Network 2026 State Bond.pdf
