Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Project development

Engineering process | Planning

Cost Participation Policy

Purpose

The state can only use trunk highway funds for trunk highway purposes. Where there is a mutual benefit and demonstrated transportation need, MnDOT endorses cooperative construction projects with local units of government. The cost participation policy provides a framework to determine the potential expenditure of trunk highway funds on elements of those cooperative construction projects.

When to use this subject

According to this policy, MnDOT may only participate financially in elements of the project scope that are necessary to address the trunk highway purposes according to the district’s determination and approval. Local units of government are responsible for costs for items beyond those the district determined necessary.

This policy applies to MnDOT projects with local government participation. It may also apply to locally initiated projects with eligible trunk highway items. Refer to the Section II.C. Determination of MnDOT Participation and also Section II.C., Application of Policy to Projects, of the Cost Participation and Maintenance Responsibility with Local Units of Government Manual for more details.   

The Cost Participation and Maintenance Responsibility with Local Units of Government Manual details the process and procedures for cost participation and maintenance responsibility for elements on the trunk highway as required by the Cost Participation Policy Participation.

For specific process information, see the other guidance page and/or contact the individual on the contacts page.

How this subject fits into the overall project development process

Start looking for cost participation opportunities during the planning phase. You must know the extent of MnDOT or local cost participation by the final design phase.

Organizations involved

  • MnDOT:
    • Office of Contract Management
    • Cooperative Agreements Unit
    • Project Managers
    • District Design
    • District Construction
    • District Maintenance
  • FHWA
  • Municipalities and Counties
  • Other State Agencies