City Council Meeting Date: November 17, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett - Public Works Director/City Engineer
Sean M. Simonson - Engineering Manager
Subject:
TITLE
Consider Resolution of Support for the MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) Grant Application for the funding year 2029 - Armstrong Road Improvements
BODY
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the attached Resolution of Support for the MnDOT LRIP Grant Solicitation for the funding year 2029.
Summary Report:
The Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) is a Minnesota state funding program administered by the MnDOT State Aid for Local Transportation Division. Established in 2002 under Minnesota Statute 174.52, it provides financial assistance to local agencies and federally recognized Indian Tribes for the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of local roads.
Under Minnesota statute, projects must fall into one of three primary funding accounts:
1. Trunk Highway Corridor Account: Local improvements associated with trunk highway projects.
2. Routes of Regional Significance Account: Projects that support regional mobility and connections.
3. Rural Road Safety Account: Focused on safety improvements for rural county state-aid highways.
The City of Northfield will be submitting the grant application under the Routes of Regional Significance account. Construction is scheduled as a joint project with Rice County during the 2029/2030 Construction Season.
The proposed project scope is currently a pavement reclamation from TH 19 to approximately 2200’ south, and then a full reconstruction from that point to the City Limits. The project includes an off-street trail constructed along the entire project corridor as well.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Pedestrian, Bike, and Trail System Plan
Alternative Options:
Council could not elect to submit for this project grant.
Financial Impacts:
The total project costs are estimated to be $3,213,720. for this project. The current funding without the LRIP Grant would utilize Bonding, Municipal State-Aid,(MSA) Storm Fund, Sanitary Fund, and Watermain Funding. (see below)
If the City of Northfield is successful in receiving the full amount requested of the LRIP Grant, Bonding would be able to be eliminated as a funding source, and the amount of MSA funding would be lessened.
Tentative Timelines:
Council Action for Grant November 17, 2026
Grant Application Due November 25, 2026
Grant Award Notice March 30, 2027