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Crow Wing County approves application to lead $25M RAISE grant for Mn-371 safety upgrades
Summary
The Crow Wing County Board voted to authorize a resolution to apply as lead applicant for up to $25 million in federal RAISE funds to implement near-, mid- and long-term safety improvements on Minnesota Highway 371 between Baxter and Nisswa.
Crow Wing County commissioners voted to authorize a resolution approving the county as lead applicant for a federal RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant to fund safety improvements on Minnesota Highway 371 between Baxter and Nisswa.
County staff presented the results of an 18-month corridor safety study and said near-term alternatives are ready for implementation. The staff presentation said the grant request could be for up to $25 million and that, because of an area classification in the 2020 Census, the application can seek 100% federal funding for the project. The board approved a resolution to submit the application; Commissioner Luebke moved the resolution and Commissioner Coring seconded it. The motion passed.
Why it matters: the corridor has a history of serious and fatal crashes, and the study produced a set of near-, mid- and long-term concepts the county and MnDOT say are intended to reduce crash risk. County staff told commissioners the near-term work is largely within MnDOT right-of-way and that, if any local cost share is required, most construction cost share likely would fall to MnDOT. The county said the grant would cover planning, engineering and, if awarded, right-of-way acquisition as needed.
Discussion and local partner support: representatives from MnDOT and the cities were present to support the application. Jim Hallgren, assistant district engineer for MnDOT, and Tom Blommer, public works director for the city of Nisswa, addressed the board. Blommer said Nisswa was in favor and that the city “do[es] have funds too if there were a need.” Brad Chapulis, Baxter city administrator, said Baxter also expects to enact any cost-share agreements if 100% federal funding is not awarded and noted the Baxter city council will consider a supporting resolution at its next meeting.
Timing and scope: county staff told commissioners the expected federal award decision is in June, and that construction of the major improvements is anticipated to begin in 2028 or 2029. The county described the proposal as including engineering and planning funding in addition to construction, and called the application a regional partnership strategy intended to strengthen competitiveness in the federal review process.
What the board decided: the board approved the resolution authorizing Crow Wing County to apply for the 2025 RAISE grant as lead applicant. The resolution was moved by Commissioner Luebke and seconded by Commissioner Coring and the motion passed. Commissioners asked about cost-share exposure for small cities and received confirmation from the municipal representatives that the cities expect to follow existing cost-share practices if necessary.
Next steps: county staff will complete and submit the application as authorized; award notifications are expected in June. Because most near-term improvements lie in MnDOT right-of-way, staff said MnDOT would be responsible for much of any required construction cost share if full federal funding is not awarded.
