In 1987, the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority (Authority) was formed under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 398A, which allows broad powers for the Authority to plan, acquire, construct and operate railroads, including light rail transit (LRT). In addition to LRT, the Authority may oversee the development and implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT) in the Cedar Avenue Corridor.
Within the powers granted by statutes, the Authority evaluates rail modes of transportation for their application to reduce congestion, improve mobility and provide alternative forms of transportation. Many of the initiatives supported by the Authority have been funded by federal, state, or county dollars.
In addition to serving on the Regional Railroad Authority, Dakota County Commissioners also participate on the Metropolitan Transitways Development Board (MTDB), the Red Rock Corridor Commission, the Cedar Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Group, and the Robert Street Corridor Transit Steering Committee.
Regional Railroad Authority Members and Officers:
Commissioner
Joseph A. Harris (Secretary-Treasurer)
Commissioner
Kathleen A. Gaylord Commissioner
Thomas A. Egan Commissioner
Nancy Schouweiler Commissioner
Liz Workman Commissioner
Paul J. Krause (Vice Chair)
Commissioner
Willis E. Branning (Chair)
Current Transitway Projects: There are exciting transitway projects happening in Dakota County! The County’s
Office of Transit has more information about each project:
- Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transitway
- Robert Street Corridor Transit Feasibility Study
- Red Rock Corridor