Rep. Niska seeks state funding for study of new Mississippi River crossing near Ramsey

Representative Niska asked the House Capital Investment Committee to fund the first phase of a tier 1 environmental impact statement to identify and preserve a corridor for a new Mississippi River crossing near the cities of Ramsey and Dayton.

Brian Hagan, city administrator for Ramsey, told the committee the study would update and expand on a 2021 feasibility study and create the technical foundation to protect a future regional transportation corridor, preserve right-of-way, and build a fiscally realistic, phased project pipeline. He said northwest-metro growth and congestion are acute: the area is expected to add more than 20,000 people by 2040 and several major road segments are running at roughly 150% of capacity, contributing to higher crash rates and freight delays.

Hagan said Ramsey is prepared to lead the study and to convene community stakeholders; Representative Niska acknowledged a drafting mix-up that listed Rogers in the bill title but clarified the appropriation is intended for Ramsey. Committee members asked whether the study would evaluate greenhouse-gas impacts and mitigation; Hagan said consultants would follow required environmental review and address mitigation where necessary as part of the EIS.

The request seeks state investment to fund planning that proponents said is needed to avoid higher land and construction costs as development fills remaining corridor options. No formal vote or funding decision was recorded during the hearing.