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Carver County Regional Rail Authority adopts 2026 levy and approves winter snowmobile trail permit
Summary
The Regional Rail Authority approved a 2026 levy of $240,292 and a $242,292 budget, and the board granted a special-use permit allowing the Southwest Trail Association to use the Dakota Rail corridor near New Germany as a winter connection to McLeod County trails.
After recessing as the Carver County Board, commissioners convened as the Regional Rail Authority and adopted a recommended 2026 levy of $240,292 and a 2026 budget of $242,292, a 6 percent levy increase. Linden Robgent (staff) summarized staffing and stewardship costs for the regional rail corridors. The motion to adopt the RRA budget was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.
Later in the RRA session staff presented a renewal request from the Southwest Trail Association for an annual special-use permit allowing winter use of the Dakota Rail Trail corridor near New Germany to connect Carver and McLeod county snowmobile systems. Scott (trail representative) explained the connection creates a key gap link and that the permit includes conditions such as signage and a prohibition on studded tracks on the paved corridor. Commissioners discussed landowner coordination, signage requirements and safety protocols including stop signage at road crossings. Commissioner Fahey moved to authorize issuance of the special-use permit for the 2025–26 winter season; Commissioner Uttermann seconded. The board approved the permit by voice vote.
Staff noted permits are typically renewed annually so the authority can revisit routing, landowner agreements and trail maintenance conditions as needed.
