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<br />Pedestrian Bridge: <br />In addition to the four programmed projects noted above, project staff have been seeking outside <br />grant funding to include a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 35E as the next phase of the projects <br />listed above. The grade separated trail crossing over Interstate 35E is identified as a desired <br />improvement in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as the City’s adopted Sidewalk and Trail <br />Map, which is attached for reference. <br /> <br />Congressionally Directed Funding Requests for FY ’27 are now being accepted through the <br />offices of Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Tina Smith, and Representative Betty McCollum. <br />The City submitted a $5M request in 2024 and a $5.625M request in 2025 that were both <br />unsuccessful. The City also has a pending legislative bonding request with the State of <br />Minnesota. <br /> <br />City staff recommends making an application to the FY’27 Congressionally Directed Funding <br />programs through the offices of Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Tina Smith, and <br />Representative Betty McCollum. <br /> <br />Part of the Congressionally Directed Funding programs is submitting a resolution authorizing the <br />pursuit of funding assistance for congressionally directed spending programs. <br /> <br />Strategic Priority: <br />The planned corridor enhancements deliver on the following 2030 Strategic Plan objective: <br /> <br />Delivering Dynamic Community Spaces <br />Little Canada desires to connect the community by linking trails and sidewalks and <br />creating a community building for public gatherings. The city places a high value on <br />keeping a small town feel and sense of community. <br /> <br />Source Of Funds: <br />Bolton & Menk will perform the three Congressionally Directed Funding application requests <br />within the 2026 General Engineering Contractual Services budget. The work to apply is expected <br />to take less than 20 hours, which at the reduced General Engineering rate of $75/hour, results in <br />an application cost of no more than approximately $1,500. Application costs are not expected to <br />be reimbursable. Funding for development of this bridge project was included in the 2026-2035 <br />Capital Improvement Plan (PW-88). <br /> <br />Staff Recommendations: <br />Staff recommends that the City Council pass a resolution authorizing staff to submit FY ’27 <br />Congressionally Directed Funding applications for the Interstate 35E Pedestrian Bridge Project. <br /> <br />Attachments: <br />• Current Pedestrian Bridge Concept Plan