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MRPC executive committee to form team to address deteriorating 'Roadside Storybook' panels
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Summary
The Mississippi River Parkway Commission executive committee agreed to recommend forming an ad‑hoc team to inventory, triage and plan rehabilitation of roadside interpretive panels after members flagged deteriorated signs and outdated content.
Chris, the commission’s outgoing staff person, opened the discussion by directing members to a packet that includes a history, map and a multi‑year cost estimate for the Great River Road "Roadside Storybook" project. "So, right now, there are 63 interpretive panels and 32 frames at 22 locations along the river," Chris said, citing a 2021 field analysis that found about 31 panels in good condition, 30 needing repair and 18 needing replacement.
Carol Zoff of the Minnesota Department of Transportation urged a phased approach: "Redeveloping those that exist in the field... I think are a critical path because it's our branding too," she said, noting content work and tribal engagement drive a large portion of cost and timeline. Carol and other members described immediate fixes MnDOT can provide, such as trimming vegetation and power‑washing panels at affected waysides.
Members debated longer‑term options including full refabrication, fewer but more visible panels, and a hybrid model that pairs a reduced physical presence with QR‑linked digital content. Anne Lewis, an at‑large MRPC commissioner, argued QR codes would permit faster updates and lower ongoing maintenance for copy: "The QR code content can be more easily changed and more quickly converted, if and when stories change." David Kelleher of the Minnesota Historical Society cautioned that QR strategies require back‑end upkeep and measurement to be effective.
The committee also addressed ownership and day‑to‑day maintenance. Carol said ownership varies by site—some panels are on DOT waysides, some at state parks or local properties—and "day‑to‑day maintenance is by the site owner." That reality shaped members' proposals that the commission act as an advocate for capital replacement while site hosts retain routine care.
After discussion the executive committee agreed to recommend to the full commission in August that an ad‑hoc team be convened to: inventory existing panels, develop triage criteria (remove/repair/replace), identify lead agency and fiscal‑agent options, and prepare a prioritized funding approach. David Kelleher, Anne Lewis and other members volunteered to serve or assist with limited commitments.
The committee did not commit commission funds on the spot; members emphasized that a formal fiscal plan and, potentially, consultant support will be needed before large capital work begins. The ad‑hoc team will return recommendations and a prioritized checklist to the full commission for further action.
