Over the past few years, a number of river crossing options have been discussed to alleviate traffic congestion crossing the Mississippi River on Hwy. 25 between I-94 and Hwy. 10.

Those proposed crossings originated from the Wright County side of the river, and agreement has been unsuccessful due to the likelihood that some residential properties in Sherburne County would be affected by any of the alternatives.

 

Now discussions will become more formal as both sides of the river will participate as equal partners in the discussions. 

 

Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board approved a draft agreement with local jurisdictions to discuss regional transportation issues focusing on the river connection between Monticello and Big Lake.

 

Sherburne County Public Works Director John Menter said in June 2014, the City of Monticello hired a facilitator to assist in discussing possible river crossings and regional transportation issues.

 

Menter said he has continued to meet with the group because the transportation issues affect a large number of Sherburne County citizens.

 

“This group has been meeting for quite awhile to try to tackle some the challenges, particularly as folks cross the river and drive through the congested area through Monticello,” he told members of the board.

 

He said in 2015, the consensus of the group was to put some type of structure in place to support the planning efforts. That structure is a joint powers agreement (JPA).

 

“The joint powers agreement would form a board comprised of Sherburne and Wright Counties, the cities of Big Lake ad Monticello, and Big Lake Twp. to work cooperatively towards addressing common and regional transportation issues,” he said. “We are working to try to solve some of these transportation issues and also look long-term to address economic development and future growth in our region.”

 

Monticello City Administrator Jeff O’Neill   worked with their city attorney to draft a JPA to formalize the joint powers board. The JPA has been reviewed and approved by the other entities, said Menter.

 

He said discussions will include not only possible river crossings, but NorthStar, rail traffic, a possible rail park west of Big Lake, growth impacts and funding options.

 

Although there has been no discussion about specific monetary contributions, Menter said there has been talk about hiring a consultant as needed. He said the economic contribution for Sherburne County would likely be under $5,000.

 

The Hwy. 25 Corridor Coalition will consist of one member each from the five jurisdictions. Under the agreement, the board will meet at least quarterly and establish an annual  budget, with Sherburne and Wright County splitting 50% of the cost and the other three entities splitting the remaining 50%.

 

Menter said although MnDOT would not be a partner in the JPA, their representative would take part in the discussions.