City of Spring Park Complete Streets Grant

Sambatek, a leading professional services firm specializing in civil engineering, surveying, planning, and environmental services, is proud to announce its partnership with the City of Spring Park in securing $1.5 million in funding through the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). This funding will support the implementation of a Complete Streets design aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and improving access for cyclists along Sunset Drive near Lake Minnetonka.

The grant, awarded to Spring Park as part of the LRIP, will facilitate the reconstruction of Sunset Drive, making it safer for pedestrians to cross and enhancing connectivity to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail and other popular local destinations. Construction for this transformative project is scheduled to start in 2025.

Spring Park’s successful application stood out among the competitive pool, with only 10% of “Small City” applications receiving funding through the program. Sambatek was pivotal in the grant application process, collaborating closely with the city to develop a comprehensive proposal that met the program’s criteria and addressed local transportation needs.

“The partnership between Spring Park and Sambatek showcases how we can effectively tell a community’s story,” said Codie Leseman, Sambatek’s Planning Group Leader. “We are thrilled to contribute to making Spring Park’s vision of safer, complete streets a reality.”

The LRIP, established in 2002, aims to provide financial assistance to local agencies to construct or reconstruct local roads. Administered by MnDOT’s State Aid for Local Transportation Division, the program prioritizes projects addressing transportation system deficiencies and promoting local, regional, and state economic development efforts. Projects funded through the LRIP undergo a rigorous selection process, with criteria including the availability of other funding sources, the regional significance of the route, and the positive impact on local communities. An Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from county and city governments, plays a crucial role in evaluating and recommending projects for funding.

The City of Spring Park also collaborated with Sambatek on the West Arm West Road project application, securing funding for its implementation.