Nature Center

The new Olmsted County Nature Center at Zollman Zoo is now open. The new nature center will be able to increase the capacity to educate students on the natural world.  Here is a video about the new nature center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II22Xo8XNzo

 

2022 Transportation Costs

• Traffic Signal           $570,000
• 1 Mile Bike Trail     $160,000
• 1 Mile 2-Lane Rural Reconstruction      $2,250,000
• 1 Mile 4-Lane Urban Reconstruction     $5,000,000
• 1 Mile Bituminous Reclamation and Overlay   $350,000
• Rural Right of Way Acquisition   $8,000-$10,000/acre 
• Urban Right of Way Acquisition   $2.00-$3.00 sq. ft.
• Tandem Axle now Plow Truck   $275,000
• 5 Year Average Annual Snow/Ice Removal   $1,107,030

 

Volunteer 

Are you interested in Volunteering in Olmsted County?  Here is a video that will provide information for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Xv2lu6lME

 

Juvenile Detention

Olmsted has contracted with the Anoka County Juvenile Center to ensure that we have a place for youth who need to be held in a secure setting.  Over the course of the first three months of 2023 we have utilized 6 spaces at the facility.  We will contract for more spaces if they are needed. There are also ongoing discussions to gather information on the interest of building and operating a regional juvenile detention facility.

 

Materials Recovery Facility

Here is information about Olmsted’s proposed MRF:

https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/garbage-recycling/proposed-materials-recovery-facility-mrf

 

Bonding Success at the State Capitol

Olmsted County was awarded funds for the following projects:

• $10 million for design and construction of a material recovery facility
• $ 8 million for a multi-purpose exhibition center at Graham Park
• $ 5 million for a Highway 14/County Road 44 Interchange
• The efforts of our Legislators were essential in securing this funding.  Their support and continued advocacy for Olmsted County is appreciated.

The new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) is a planned 30,000 square foot facility that will aid the county in our recycling efforts.  The estimated cost for this facility is $32.5 million.  Its impact will avoid having to build a fourth incinerator, extend the life of the current incinerator, and increase the amount of recyclables that can be sold.  The MRF facility will be the only in the SE Minnesota region.  

The Graham Park Exhibition Center will support year-round activities and add to the economic vitality of Olmsted County. The building will replace some animal agriculture buildings and will be able to host community and regional events.  

The highway 14 interchange will improve the north/south movement of traffic on the west side of the county.  It will also alleviate congestion on County 22 (West Circle Drive).  More funding is needed to complete this project; I am waiting to see if the Minnesota Department of Transportation will allocate enough money to complete this project.

 

Other Funding

Minnesota also Increased the funding for Community Supervision Services, County Program Aid, Expansion of the homestead exclusion, senior property tax deferral program, and increased funding for Public Health.  All of these will benefit the residents of Olmsted County.