Item Description:
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Neg Agmt 42-40-26 with MnDOT for the Hennepin Avenue Suspension Bridge Large Bridge Project Fund grant (CP 2164000 recv $9.0M State GO Bonds)
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, Hennepin County has applied to the Commissioner of Transportation for a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund related to Bridge No. 27636; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has given notice that funding for this project is available; and
WHEREAS, the amount of the grant has been determined to be $9,000,000 by reason of the lowest responsible bid.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Hennepin County hereby pledges to complete the project or phase if it exceeds the total funding provided by the $9,000,000 grant from the State of Minnesota; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute PW Agreement PW 42-40-26 with the State of Minnesota, County Project (CP) 2164000 (SAP 027-652-048) as necessary to implement the project on behalf of the County, that upon review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to accept funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for the project by Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued commitment, beyond the completion of the project or phase as required, by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
The Hennepin Avenue Bridge is a historic river crossing and nationally recognized cultural landmark. The existing suspension bridge was originally completed in 1988. Over the years, the bridge has experienced deterioration across its deck, substructure, and superstructure. County staff have been advancing project development for preserving the iconic bridge to extend its useful life.
On May 20, 2025, the county board authorized Agreement PW 31-40-25 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Resolution 25-0201) accepting a $3,500,000 grant for the design and construction engineering of the Hennepin Avenue Suspension Bridge. The 2025 State Legislative Session included funding for Major Local Bridges within the Local Bridge Replacement Program that will fund the $9,000,000 grant.
Current Request: This request seeks to authorize the County Administrator to negotiate PW Agreement 42-40-26 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to accept state grant funding through the Local Bridge Replacement Program in the amount of $9,000,000 for the Hennepin Avenue Suspension Bridge.
Impacts/Outcomes: This project supports the county’s Toward Zero Deaths Action Plan, American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, Climate Action Plan, and disparity elimination efforts by improving accessibility, mobility, and safety for all people using this bridge.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval