Goodhue County wins LRIP award for Casa 66 roundabout; construction likely shifts to 2028

Goodhue County staff told the board the county was selected for a Minnesota Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant for the Casa 66 roundabout, but funding timing and federal requirements mean the project’s construction schedule is likely to move to 2028.

Public works staff said the LRIP solicitation drew 233 projects statewide requesting roughly $233,400,000; LRIP had about $47,000,000 in general obligation bonding funds and selected 42 projects for funding. The county was one of the selected projects and will be required to enter a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) before construction, staff said. "There was a total of 233 projects that were submitted statewide, representing over $233,400,000 in requested funding," staff told the board.

Staff also reported the project received $750,000 through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Because HSIP federalizes the project, additional processes such as right‑of‑way, cultural resource review and environmental reviews are now required, which staff said will extend the timeline and make 2028 the likely construction year even though some construction had been planned for 2027.

Commissioners asked about potential detour routing and the impact on a major grain route. Public works staff said County Road 53, west of town, will be part of the detour and has been repaved recently to handle heavy vehicles. A commissioner expressed concern about closing a major route for two years; staff said they are actively pursuing right‑of‑way and other preconstruction work and will aim to minimize disruption.

Staff said advancing the LRIP‑funded work to 2028 does not create a funding gap because the county has reserve funds and alternative funding mechanisms identified; the county will return to the board with the formal grant agreement for approval.