City of Rochester to Receive $19.9 Million Grant from USDOT for 6th Street SE Bridge Project

The City of Rochester has been awarded a $19.9 million dollar United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant. The money is to support the 6^th Street SE Bridge project; a new multi-span bridge that will connect the street and trail network across the Zumbro River, enhance pedestrian and biking mobility and improve transit efficiency with more direct routes downtown for neighbors, Rochester residents and visitors.

"We would like to highlight our deep appreciation for this important funding from our federal partners. The leadership, support and encouragement of our Senators, Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have helped bring these valuable dollars to our community. This transformational project will make long needed connections for neighborhoods and the entire city," shared Mayor Kim Norton.

The bridge is expected to cost a total of $29.9 million dollars. The RAISE Grant will provide approximately 66% of the needed funding, with State Destination Medical Center (DMC) Infrastructure funds covering $10 million, or approximately 33% of the cost. Following an Agreement, final design is expected to be completed in 2023 with Construction beginning thereafter.

Some of the benefits of the bridge, as outlined by the project team, include:

• Improved emergency response times
• Promoting redevelopment of a vacant 60-acre former industrial campus into a mixed-use development adjacent to the river
• Promote multi-mobility by creating a connected street network that is safer for pedestrians and vehicles

"This important infrastructure project will improve transportation connectivity and safety for our neighborhoods and downtown as well as help catalyze redeveloping of an underutilized area in our community," shared Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser. "Neighborhoods in this area have been historically bypassed for redevelopment due to a lack of transportation access, and this project can change that."

"This is another exciting step in the process to reclaim Rochester's relationship with the Zumbro River," shared DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb. "The river is an extraordinary asset, and this project will not only improve that relationship but will also improve safety and spur development along the downtown waterfront. Destination Medical Center is proud to be a partner in this important project that will drive investment for Rochester and the surrounding area."

The RAISE Grant application was approved by the Rochester City Council on March 7, 2022, following an extensive planning process that included significant community engagement involving a steering committee made up of city representatives, community partners and neighborhood associations.

The engagement process also included a co-design process where community members participated in meetings to helped guide the direction for the design. Those elements included:

• Public Art
• Lighting & Lights - For safety and to create atmosphere
• Accessibility - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliancy and access to River
• Nature
• Sustainability
• All Modes of Transportation - Prioritizing bikes and pedestrians
• Safety
• Traffic Concerns
• Welcoming Design - Make it a destination and a place for programming.

More information about the project can be found on our website and additional information about the grant information from the USDOT can be found here.

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