Dakota County leaders and federal and state lawmakers celebrated a pivotal benchmark Saturday, Sept. 9 for the Mississippi River Greenway. 

The project launch, held at a Dakota County trailhead along the Mississippi River Greenway, commemorated federal funding to complete a 2.4-mile gap in Rosemount. Project planning and design are complete. A contractor will be hired this fall to begin work. 

“Once it’s complete, this greenway will safely connect you from the city of Hastings all the way to Harriet Island in St. Paul,” Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik said. 

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig helped secure an $8.8 million grant to close the remaining gap and make other enhancements along the greenway. Efforts to close the gap in the greenway began over a decade ago. In addition to securing funds, the work required reaching agreements among the county, the City of Rosemount, business property owners and the Union Pacific railroad — while navigating limited route options along the stretch.  

Dakota County Commissioner William Droste, who previously served as Rosemount mayor, said the city long advocated to complete the 27-mile greenway. 

“We always strongly supported this because of what it did and how it connected our communities,” he said. “Beyond that, it’s also going to increase the safety.” 

The project will complete and enhance the greenway as a major recreational and transportation amenity serving a diverse population. The greenway will connect communities to parks, schools, employers and natural areas along the river. Closure of the gap will complete the greenway as envisioned in the early 1990s. 

“You’re doing well for the people you that represent, and the people in Rosemount and Dakota County who are finally going to be able to say, ‘We filled the gap,’” Klobuchar said. 

Craig said it’s an honor to fight to get tax dollars back to the 2nd Congressional District, including the greenway project. 

“You’re going to recognize such immense benefit from this greenway to all of these communities in the 2nd District,” she said. “Making these bold investments in Minnesota’s infrastructure just makes good sense.” 

The project should be complete in fall 2024.