Legislative Priorities

The Washington County Board of Commissioners collaborates with the state to advance local, regional, and state goals that benefit the safety and wellbeing of the public. The County Board of Commissioners has determined the following items are the top county priorities in the 2026 legislative session.

Washington County Wood Recovery and Utilization Program (PDF)

Washington County requests $4 million in state funds and policy support to enable the effective implementation of mandated wood waste management strategies.

East Metro PFAS Biomonitoring (PDF)

 Washington County requests a $1.1 million appropriation to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to conduct an updated biomonitoring study of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in East Metro residents.

County Highway 10, 17, and 17B Intersection Improvements (PDF)

Washington County requests $2 million in state funds to design and construct improvements at the intersection of County Highway 10, County Highway 17, and County Road 17B.

County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18 (Bailey Road) and CSAH 19 (Woodbury Drive) Intersection Improvements (PDF)

 Washington County requests $500,000 in state funds for intersection improvements at CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and CSAH 19 (Woodbury Drive).

County Road 19A and 100th Street Realignment Project (PDF)

Washington County and the City of Cottage Grove request $22.5 million in state funds to construct the County Road 19A and 100th Street Realignment Project. 

CSAH 5 (Stonebridge Trail) and Brown’s Creek State Trail Connection Project (PDF)

 Washington County requests $3 million in state funds to construct a trailhead and trail connection(s) from County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 to the Brown’s Creek State Trail.

Protect County Transportation Funding (PDF)

 Washington County urges the Minnesota Legislature to protect the current formula for distributing Transportation Advancement Account (TAA) funds and Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax (RSUT).

Sales Tax Exemption for 2027 Washington County Regional Public Facility Investments (PDF)

Washington County requests special legislation granting a sales tax exemption under Minn. Stat. § 297A.75 for construction materials, supplies, and equipment for two major regional public facility projects scheduled for construction in 2027: R.H. Stafford Library and Public Works South Shop.

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Trail Lighting (PDF)

Washington County requests $3 million in state funds for trail lighting in Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.

State Bonding for Metropolitan Regional Park System (PDF)

Washington County requests $20 million in state funds for capital projects within the Metropolitan Regional Park System.

Download a printable version of the county's 2026 Legislative Priorities Summary (PDF).