[{"_1":2,"_116":-5,"_117":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,94,104],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6272466,"mediaKeyId","3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9","parentId",3027406,"title","Scott County panel links principal-arterial investments to safety and economic mobility","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",42488000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9&start=42488&end=42488","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9/thumbnail_42488000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272466/Scott-County/Minnesota/Scott-County-panel-links-principal-arterial-investments-to-safety-and-economic-mobility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272466-525704963586675e7fe27f5a3cfa8edb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775960009&Signature=Am0-idsgl-7VcNvlm84fm8BJsRoamv9kuo5rU5SXpnQZXnsc1ojrdgx68RxSPGImr~6AkKTmfXk1EksrvaYK08shxFcCWGSXmYU2E276UPjZkcrHLSn5iY0hmU01mc5b~LWHIlAVP53~cClIGffNu5PbEtyAElNxxMgcHqikKt1pxF2qvj97atUGXCFt1PIrtjen0ueEKe7DmD0ohMVnbM86RH~1Sb07G7jhMfTOxldgSmfDeynEcgwtieLgPG8r~qjL1mADFwD83QRA15W5RTJiy0pe7Bj2-COTksvwIoSrY5nnwjKdBxfo4B8ePM2Av2DMGw4FGsxeeYWdFqtAMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scott County, MN","date","2025-04-17T00:06:54.913Z","article","Scott County officials and regional transportation partners presented a panel on April 15 about highway mobility and economic impacts, telling the county board that investments in principal arterial corridors have both safety and economic benefits.

County staff opened by noting the Board’s strategic objective to improve safety, mobility and economic development. Panelists included local transportation managers and private-sector logistics representatives; MnDOT’s south-area manager was also on the panel. The presentation highlighted crash-rate trends, the county’s pavement and intersection investments, and how corridor improvements can preserve regional mobility that supports jobs and commerce.

Panelists pointed to measurable safety gains from targeted projects but said fatal and serious-injury crashes require continued attention. \"For us, it's been nothing short of phenomenal,\" said Greg Oberle of CHS Inc., describing the safety improvements from recent corridor redesigns and grade separations that reduced truck-driver conflicts and improved employee and customer access. Panelists noted that while overall crash rates on county roads have declined, serious and fatal crashes have at times shown an uptick and are often tied to human factors — speed, impairment and distracted driving — rather than single engineering defects.

Presenters urged a \"safe systems\" approach combining engineering, enforcement and public education. County transportation staff and MnDOT representatives also discussed data-driven prioritization for projects and drew links between principal-arterial performance and local economic development: firms and freight operators favor reliable, higher-capacity corridors for access to markets, labor and barge/rail intermodal options.

The board asked questions about enforcement, speeds and bike/pedestrian options; panelists described statewide discussions about complementary measures (education and enforcement), and county staff outlined ongoing investments in trails and connections. Commissioners praised the panel for data on crash rates and the economic role of corridors and asked staff to continue that work to inform capital programming.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scott County Board of Commissioners April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff and regional transportation partners presented a panel to the board outlining how principal arterial highways support regional mobility, safety improvements and economic activity; panelists urged a multi-pronged safe-systems approach to reduce fatalities.","taxTitle","Scott County , Minnesota","taxId",52800,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6272471,"Scott County delays decision on abandonment of County Ditch 5; hearing continued to June 17",25620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9&start=25620&end=25620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9/thumbnail_25620000.jpg","/articles/6272471/Scott-County/Minnesota/Scott-County-delays-decision-on-abandonment-of-County-Ditch-5-hearing-continued-to-June-17","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272471-ab1fac9ff0ad5d4959b9d47601e4cb96/orig.mp4?Expires=1775960009&Signature=ez6Mtpv2HLVmVu9a05JVw6o42OJdKVwYQX7DrvvgyAZsZirOvxwu2DLBP4Jm6Jq18MSqpFYuP~~36XMwTi~ZM2SklYXkwPrFkE-PBUnWjTdJc5y2tCnqxQXoGf36gAogfhY-uEm7guSZgW6YPje-yBP2sTc~VcgtfvhAK~aKE48-j9LNmy7i88N~LyN7GNDcFY6MF9JmhUCNgCAkk37JjSaOFBPFIw54y~K-YMY~Lsk02qkAHW5-fG~zDU9-InoG7AIxArrtG9SUM2DLkKbTsLoLim2pUCw0nQg40PyhvgmAsMo3yNXpszN8HNKUwT5FpzMipFfl~YugXUUoi-Njig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott County commissioners on April 15 agreed to continue the public hearing for Scott County Drainage Ditch Number 5 to June 17 at 8 a.m., after multiple landowners requested more time to review easements, culvert elevations, partial-abandonment options and potential assessments.

Staff said Ditch 5, constructed in 1916 and located in Cedar Lake Township, has a long history of contested petitions, limited maintenance and complex environmental constraints. Staff reported that more than 62% of benefited owners did not respond to the recent mailing and that a large portion of benefited acreage — 358.59 acres — is owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Staff also noted two culverts (at Highway 13 and 230 Third Street) that sit above the legal ditch bottom and which, residents said, prevent water from flowing off the system.

Several nearby owners and residents described on-the-ground flooding and standing water, raised concerns about high culvert elevations under public roads, and showed historic photos and recent images of hay harvests taken in the drainage area. Some residents who currently are not listed as benefited owners said they use outlets or easements that connect into the ditch and asked for additional notice and time to consider whether they would be assessed under a redetermination of benefits. One resident said, \"I'm neutral in this, but I'm really frustrated because I feel like this is the county's negligence,\" while others pressed staff for cost estimates and for clearer information on whether the DNR would be a paying party if benefits were redetermined.

County counsel told the board that the drainage code does not specify how frequently abandonment petitions may be filed and that redetermination of benefits can significantly increase the number of parcels assessed, sometimes raising the threshold for a petition result. Counsel and staff described typical redetermination expenses and timeframes, noting viewing-team fees that are commonly charged per watershed acre and giving a redetermination-cost order-of-magnitude in the tens of thousands of dollars where larger watersheds are involved.

Given the number of affected landowners, the DNR’s ownership of a large acreage, and contested easement questions raised by residents, the board voted to continue the public hearing to June 17 at 8 a.m. and instructed staff to work with the DNR, neighbors and the watershed partners to explore partial-abandonment alternatives and culvert/permit issues before reconvening.","The board continued the public hearing on Scott County Drainage Ditch Number 5 to June 17 after residents asked for more time to confer with neighbors, the DNR and county staff about culverts, easements, and partial-abandonment options.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":42,"_43":87,"_45":87,"_46":88,"_48":89,"_50":90,"_52":91,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":92,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":93,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6272476,"Scott County adopts order abandoning County Drainage Ditch 12",3506000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9&start=3506&end=3506","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9/thumbnail_3506000.jpg","/articles/6272476/Scott-County/Minnesota/Scott-County-adopts-order-abandoning-County-Drainage-Ditch-12","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272476-5d92fa6b617f904ca45f4e02b98fcc86/orig.mp4?Expires=1775960009&Signature=dN3~26veS5jBF5uxLlw6RmdsFgvi1MBYUa6RJ-OECEe4JE1KzhQqkDO7i0vTDR4myskRiamqX8SfDDzcn6jisZjKqIWCOegFm~jGZ0xVodcPnwPO-cVfXVSUsHdhYiV7Os5JMYE5gMW6b2WUiVK6z6X01XY4ot6f-wQ-63yew-~M4O~evvFUpLqAdvHSNKnGeP9M1DOQGKsqibjMlrkFfvBSwia0PEfl2oO1eo1jrt7Bkdnibeqb8ndPbbHHVXpWostQFjPPRiLMOlyX1FxjyGTaX3UlV6DVeQbDDdRTPPDAqZbhygm5SCUQSWHZEVC2DjOw5XRZMPucWQP5f3q2uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott County commissioners voted April 15 to adopt findings and an order abandoning Scott County Drainage Ditch Number 12 following staff presentations and a public hearing.

Staff reported that Ditch 12, constructed in 1956 and located in Newmarket Township, runs into Bridal Lake and is part of the headwaters for the Vermillion River. Staff said the system is fairly flat, drains into public waters and has limited repair history; past repair petitions were not approved because of anticipated wetland impacts. After a landowner meeting in 2023 and a mailing in October 2024, staff said the ditch-account balance is negative and that 52% of the owners of benefited acres voted to abandon the ditch.

During the hearing one written submission supporting abandonment was placed on the record. A public commenter expressed concern that losing county jurisdiction would increase the permitting burden for property owners and make private repairs harder; counsel and staff answered that abandonment would remove the county as drainage authority and that the DNR would retain a regulatory role over public waters inventory areas. Counsel noted that private remedies exist through common-law rights if parties obstruct flows after abandonment.

After closing the public comment period the board moved and seconded the item and approved the findings and order to abandon Ditch 12. Commissioners stated they were balancing owner ballots, the ditch’s limited utility and the cost and regulatory complexity of repairs when voting.","The county board approved abandonment of County Drainage Ditch Number 12 after staff said a majority of benefited acres voted in favor.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":42,"_43":97,"_45":97,"_46":98,"_48":99,"_50":100,"_52":101,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":102,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":103,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6272481,"Board approves abandonment of Scott County Drainage Ditch 8 after owner ballots",666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9&start=666&end=666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9/thumbnail_666000.jpg","/articles/6272481/Scott-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-abandonment-of-Scott-County-Drainage-Ditch-8-after-owner-ballots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272481-ad1d97baddb9a88f5f1a12493b7a939d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775960009&Signature=dx1~iAyVDFlDNx0dTtOraUs8E9haTBGHsNel7Z~knM~DYV6mB5uJVJgLikRn7szhquNIFt7V6TT57MrdyZbP618q8wwNjPmeZGFiRHiwK0~NC3a5q-Gp-UCsxBMxag7L98866UoLYk7YRj843nEz1iq79GT6jvqJxBAtDioerQkFT0OEZfAK-LnRaX0WppXIMvHnAjL327O59ryooEc4fX7n~x92SJtky53LyWFFFa6BwzCDJVfXZlWrdwkV0LlwcLpazhDB3mSWOXx5mvbjmFaUaLVCwiNyhEpoCPHc2O5iWTEaNvHR9TcEwgMpocelgivYJExvKwPOZDgGkVCxMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott County commissioners on April 15 adopted findings and an order granting a petition to abandon Scott County Drainage Ditch Number 8, following a staff presentation and a public hearing with multiple landowners and property owners testifying.

County staff told the board that Ditch 8, constructed in 1916 and located entirely in Cedar Lake Township, once served agricultural drainage but the area has largely transitioned to residential subdivisions. Staff said the system has seen limited maintenance — principally beaver-dam removals — and that of the 46 benefited owners contacted, \"41 of those 46 people voted to abandon the ditch, which is 89%.\" Two owners asked for a redetermination of benefits and three did not respond, staff said.

During public comment several benefited owners and residents supported abandonment. Jake Helgason, speaking for the Knowles Homeowners Association, said the association voted unanimously to support abandonment and that association members were prepared to handle any routine maintenance themselves. Others, including landowners who harvest hay from the drainage area, said they use the area as productive farmland and warned they could lose income if maintenance were discontinued.

County counsel and staff described the consequences of abandonment: the county would be removed as drainage authority for the system, and subsequent work in the watercourse would be regulated under state public-waters laws and likely require permits from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Staff also explained that a positive balance in a ditch account would first be used for hearing expenses; any remaining funds would transfer to the county general fund, per counsel's guidance.

After closing the public comment period the board voted to adopt the findings and order presented by staff. The motion was moved and seconded; the minutes record the motion was moved by Commissioner Ullrich and seconded by Commissioner Brennan before the vote to approve the abandonment.","Scott County commissioners adopted findings and an order to abandon County Drainage Ditch Number 8 after staff reported 41 of 46 owners (89%) favored abandonment and multiple public commenters supported the change.",{"_33":105,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":106,"_41":107,"_43":108,"_45":109,"_46":110,"_48":111,"_50":112,"_52":113,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":114,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":115,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6272486,"Scott County board approves abandonment of County Ditch 7",334,261000,595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9&start=261&end=595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027406-2a6f009711d419376484ca80bccfb9a9/thumbnail_261000.jpg","/articles/6272486/Scott-County/Minnesota/Scott-County-board-approves-abandonment-of-County-Ditch-7","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272486-9b5e36f39b3584aca0d697f4b38b1d4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775960009&Signature=J9-9cE4jWbYYgtnqAYAqsV-G1qz0t85fauytAz0LX2xl6GX9ztneq~TmEnTCmjrq6jeJqxzEc1qe~KT1J~OsJfQS4Zq608bx4kKKw5-uw7JT1rzB5o~FJl6GgYshj~wRMV1ajHS6Pf6T02-cqCI8-ybV-lDi5nPmnVI~ePkEu9MGxlJKr0qMhi8eXj3Zv~DrY6aRaE2M~zRhEkDEGil4AAXPUmXql8foRwMROdFHO9xIPdXKvncaW6eFm2vNFF8V46sX5xnLQdNAi06YRwvtppmBZG6MoUIYzVNQndvbfAn560JTn4JS-bUnAt7veCIdhlLgvwoaG~236Wnp1Ii-gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott County commissioners on Tuesday adopted findings and an order approving the abandonment of Scott County Drainage Ditch Number 7 after a staff review and public hearing.

County staff told the board that County Ditch 7, constructed in 1917 and located entirely within Helena Township, has had little to no maintenance since construction and that the system lies mostly in a wetland. \"79% of the owners voted to abandon the ditch,\" county staff said when reporting on the owner mail survey mailed in October 2024. Staff said one owner asked for a redetermination of benefits and three owners did not respond.

The hearing followed the county’s legal standard under Minnesota drainage law, with the county attorney expected to explain the decision standard. Staff presented available history and maintenance records before opening the item for public comment. No public speakers spoke at the hearing on Ditch 7, though staff noted two written responses had been submitted to the record.

A motion adopting staff’s findings and the presented order to abandon the ditch passed after the public-comment period was closed. County staff and the drainage attorney clarified during the hearing that abandonment does not prevent private landowners from doing maintenance on their own property or from removing obstructions; it removes the county as the formal drainage authority for that system and returns regulatory oversight for work in the watercourse to applicable state public-waters rules.

The board’s order removes Ditch 7 from the county drainage code and places future responsibility for routine maintenance and any restoration with the private property owners, subject to state public-waters permitting where applicable.

The county’s drainage attorney, staff and commissioners said the decision was based on evidence in the record about the ditch’s lack of use, limited maintenance history and the owners’ ballots. No legal appeal or further action was recorded during the meeting.","After a public hearing and staff review, the Scott County Board approved findings and an order to abandon County Drainage Ditch Number 7 following a petition and owner ballots.","actionData","errors"]

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