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Rice County sets Jan. 13 public hearing for 10'year transportation plan; schedules Dec. 16 open house on County Road 20
Summary
The board approved scheduling a Jan. 13 public hearing (9 a.m.) on the county's draft 10'year transportation improvement program, and set a public open house for Dec. 16 (4:30'6:30 p.m.) on the County Road 20 reconstruction and proposed trail; the DNR will reimburse up to $175,000 for ADA fishing piers on County Road 12, with Rice County responsible for maintenance.
Rice County commissioners on Nov. 25 approved scheduling a public hearing on Jan. 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. to consider the county's draft 10'year transportation improvement program and authorized a public open house for the County Road 20 reconstruction (including a proposed trail) on Dec. 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Highway and parks director Dennis Luby presented the draft program, which lists near'term bridge replacements, culvert work, bituminous overlays and larger multi'year reconstruction projects through 2034. Luby said the county's construction program for the coming year is projected at about $9.5 million and outlined projects funded by state aid, federal funds and local accounts.
On parks, Luby presented a DNR cooperative agreement and MnDOT cooperative language to develop ADA'accessible fishing piers along County Road 12 between Cannon and Wells Lake. Under the agreement the DNR would reimburse the county up to $175,000 for project costs, including engineering (Luby cited an engineering estimate of about $25,000). Luby said Rice County will retain liability and maintenance responsibility under the agreement: "Rice County does. That's all in the agreement with the state. We're required to manage them for ADA access," he said.
Commissioners approved setting the Jan. 13 public hearing and the Dec. 16 open house, directing staff to post the draft plan online, notify municipal partners and send direct mail to affected landowners. Staff said a web link will be provided so those who cannot attend in person can submit comments online and that staff will keep the comment period open beyond the meeting to collect written input for board review.
Luby also described options if DNR funding does not cover construction costs in full, saying plans may include alternates in bid documents to remove one or more locations if necessary. The board authorized staff to move ahead with the public-notice process and related outreach.
The county will present compiled public feedback to the board for consideration after the open house and public comment period.
