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Scott County transportation sales tax funds major regional projects; fund forecasted to be fully programmed by 2033
Summary
Lisa Friess, Scott County transportation services director, told commissioners the county has used its half-percent sales tax to advance regional mobility and safety projects — including a $72 million 41/169 project — and that the program is forecast to be fully programmed by about 2033 unless the board decides to renew it.
Lisa Friess, Scott County’s transportation services director, told the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 that the county’s half‑percent transportation sales tax has been used to accelerate projects the county says MnDOT and regional partners were not prioritizing.
Friess said the county was able to move projects forward — “one of the first projects we actually funded … was that 41 and 169 project” — and identified that 41/169 as a roughly $72,000,000 project the county helped advance so it would not wait eight to 10 years.
Why it matters: Friess said the sales tax was adopted in 2015 to focus on mobility and safety, to leverage state and federal grants, and to align county investments with MnDOT and local partners. She told the board the program has funded 10 projects that are complete or underway (five fully complete), transit purchases and operating subsidies, park‑and‑ride maintenance, and last‑mile pedestrian connections.
Key figures and timing: Friess reported sales‑tax receipts peaked around $15 million in 2023 and produced $13.1 million last year; the county uses a conservative annual forecast of $12 million. With current programming, she said, “by 2033, we will have booked all of our revenues” and the fund would be essentially drawn down thereafter unless the board pursues renewal.
On project delivery and partnerships, Friess said the county seeks to leverage outside funding and MnDOT contributions. She said the county has generally achieved high leverage — citing roughly $2 of state and federal investment for every county dollar on some projects — though she cautioned that grant competition has become tougher.
Commissioners pressed on County Road 8: one commissioner asked whether County Road 8 is “likely going to happen,” noting long public debate. Friess acknowledged it is a heavy lift but responded, “That is the plan,” noting regional benefits, local partner interest and that staff will work with MnDOT and cities to pursue design refreshes, public engagement and grant applications.
What’s next: Friess said staff will continue grant applications and project design; commissioners discussed the potential need for federal advocacy and ongoing local engagement as projects move toward construction.
Provenance: Transportation update began with the board’s item introduction and Friess’s presentation (transcript SEG 323 through SEG 699).
