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Goodhue County adopts updated bridge and construction programs and approves local option sales tax project list
Summary
The board accepted a revised five-year bridge priority list, approved a five-year construction program that adds projects through 2029 and approved a revised list of local option sales tax eligible projects and its implementing resolution after a public hearing.
Goodhue County commissioners on Feb. 4 accepted an updated five-year bridge program, approved a five-year county construction program and adopted a list of projects eligible for local option sales tax funding following a public hearing.
Public Works staff told the board the 2025 bridge program updates include 10 county-eligible structures, five new additions to the list and several timing changes driven by local planning index (LPI) adjustments and funding availability. Two of the listed structures are funded in part by federal grants, and staff said they are advocating for additional state bridge bond (Local Bridge Replacement Program/LBRP) dollars to replace eligible structures.
The board discussed impacts on local travel during planned replacements in Welch Township, including two culvert replacements on County Road 7 that will require short detours; staff said the replacements will use box culverts and should proceed more quickly than full bridge replacements and that staff will coordinate with Welch Township and attend township meetings to explain plans.
Public Works then presented a five-year construction program that added 14 projects programmed between 2027 and 2029 with a combined estimated value of about $17 million. Staff said the county—s five-year program now lists about $72 million in projects over the period, with an estimated $8.5 million in 2025 and $16.7 million in 2026. The program remains a "living document," staff said, and projects and timing may change as bids, grants and other funding evolve.
Because proceeds from the local option sales tax (LOST) can be used only for approved eligible projects and not for maintenance, staffing or equipment, staff presented a revised list of LOST-eligible projects and opened a public hearing as required by statute. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After closing the hearing, the board voted to accept the revised LOST project list and to adopt an attached resolution to make the projects eligible to receive LOST revenues.
Motions to accept the 2025 five-year bridge program and to approve the five-year construction program were made and carried by voice vote. The board approved opening and closing the public hearing, accepted the LOST-eligible project list as presented, and unanimously approved the implementing resolution.
Staff identified two structures (in Featherstone and Leon townships) that currently do not meet Minnesota—s statutory definition of a bridge but whose hydraulic sizing would qualify them as "bridle" (less-than-10-foot span) structures for replacement funding; staff said they are working with state officials to reclassify those crossings so townships may access township bridge funds.
