County board actions: transit-oriented development along Blue Line Extension, funding for college and career readiness, Drug Take-Back Day, Correctional Officers Appreciation Week

Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 04/25/2017 04:08 PM CDT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969

County board actions

Votes Tuesday will aid transit-oriented development, prepare youth for college and careers, declare Drug Take-Back Day and declare Correctional Officers Appreciation Week.

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$1.2 million will aid transit-oriented development along Blue Line Extension

The board accepted $1.2 million of federal and local funding to advance transit-oriented development along the future Metro Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Transitway).

Hennepin County will receive $1.1 million from the Federal Transit Administration, with Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Robbinsdale and Golden Valley contributing additional funding.

Using grant funding, Hennepin County Community Works will complete the following activities:

  • Help cities update land use policies and zoning ordinances
  • Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections and wayfinding
  • Analyze housing gaps
  • Engage with the community and small businesses
  • Explore financing strategies

The Metro Blue Line Extension will extend 13 miles from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park and include 11 stations.

Learn more about the funding.

Learn more about Bottineau LRT Community Works.

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Funding will continue preparing youth for college and careers

The board approved $164,000 of funding to expand the reach of a college and career readiness program for local youth experiencing employment barriers. Throughout the next two years, 100 Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center youth will complete $15 an hour internships with public and private employer partners. This summer, Hennepin County will host 10 interns.

Read more about the program.

County promotes using medicine drop boxes this weekend

The board declared Saturday, April 29, Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in Hennepin County. The board encourages residents to use the 11 medicine drop boxes located throughout the county. Properly disposing of medication prevents abuse and poisoning while protecting the environment. Since 2012, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Environment and Energy have worked together to collect and destroy 45 tons of medication.

Learn more about medicine drop boxes in Hennepin County.

Learn more about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Board declares Correctional Officers Appreciation Week

During the week of May 6 -13, Hennepin County will join the nation in recognizing correctional employees. Each day, Hennepin County correctional officers at the County Home School, Juvenile Detention Center, Adult Corrections Facility and Public Safety Facility supervise more than 1,000 clients. The board recognized these dedicated employees that make an important contribution to public safety and the criminal justice system.

Read more about this action.

Library Board members commended for their service

The board commended three retiring Hennepin County Library Board members:

Read more about the board. 

Public hearing on financing capital improvements

The board is hosting a public hearing to gather feedback on the issuance of up to $200 million of financing for 2017 – 2021 capital improvements. 

  • Tuesday, May 16, 1:30 p.m.
  • Hennepin County Government Center Board Room (A-2400)
  • 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis 

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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at www.hennepin.us/stories.