09-09-2025 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Site Infrastructure Over the past several years, Ramsey County has invested in improving roads and expanding the network surrounding Rice Creek Commons in anticipation of the development. Primary access to the Rice Creek Commons development will be from Highway 96 east of Highway 10 and County Road H near I-35W. A new county road, commonly referred to as the Spine Road to be named Rice Creek Boulevard, will serve as the main artery through the site. A roundabout built by Ramsey County at County Road H provides improved access to the 35W entrance and exit ramps, future Spine Road and Rice Creek Parkway. Roadways within Rice Creek Commons will be a combination of local city roads and private roads. Sidewalk and trail infrastructure will be prioritized within the development to ensure streets are pedestrian and bicycle friendly. In 2024, to prepare for private development, Ramsey County executed an engineering contract for final design of public infrastructure on the site. This design work includes grading, drainage, stormwater management features, mitigated wetlands and public utilities. The design contract also includes the final design of the Rice Creek Blvd (CSAH 13), which will provide primary access to future residential neighborhoods and commercial areas throughout the site, as well as a direct connection to Interstate 35W. Final design and engineering of the public infrastructure began in summer 2024 and is on track for completion in early 2026. This delivery will result in final construction documents for the county public infrastructure and is a critical step toward preparing the site for vertical construction. Existing Conditions Redevelopment of RCC will require future developers to be cognizant of the constraints associated with the site’s history. Elements of the site that may impact development include: • Ongoing on-site treatment of contaminated deep groundwater by the federal government will continue for several decades. The U.S. Army controls this groundwater treatment system (known as the TCAAP Groundwater Recovery System, or TGRS), and a portion of the mechanical for this system is contained in a building on the site to remain. • Although the soil has been remediated to residential standards, depending upon Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standards, areas of the site may require passive or active building venting systems to mitigate any potential vapor issues from shallow groundwater. MPCA standards have evolved over the past several