Sherburne County authorizes CASA 33 road realignment, allows property acquisition if negotiations fail

The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners on June 2 voted to approve a road‑safety realignment known as the CASA 33 project in the city of Elk River and authorized staff to acquire necessary permanent and temporary easements — including by eminent domain if negotiations are unsuccessful. County staff said the change is intended to replace a hazardous 90‑degree curve and a pair of 45‑degree curves with a new alignment and a future roundabout to reduce crashes.

David, the county project presenter, told commissioners that the county is seeking easements, not full property acquisitions. "These are easements, permanent and temporary, not acquisition of entire properties," he said, and he showed a project map locating the proposed realignment east of Highway 169. David said the corridor has a history of accidents — including a fatality — tight right‑of‑way and closely spaced residential driveways that make the current alignment unsafe.

Commissioners discussed efforts to negotiate with affected property owners and emphasized a preference for voluntary agreements where possible. Commissioner Felber said the realignment will be difficult because the new alignment goes through several private properties but described the work as a necessary safety improvement. Commissioner Hulls urged the county to seek amicable settlements and rely on eminent domain only as a last resort.

The board approved Resolution 060226‑A‑3294 to authorize property acquisition if needed. Staff did not present a detailed cost estimate during the meeting; commissioners discussed budgeting to ensure funds are available when the project advances. David said the county previously acquired two parcels near the corridor in preparation for the project and plans to continue negotiating with remaining owners.

The board’s action authorizes county staff to proceed with right‑of‑way acquisition activities, and commissioners said they would continue outreach to affected residents before any forced acquisition. The resolution passed on a voice vote.