Description
The City of Willmar, in partnership with Kandiyohi County and BNSF Railway, is seeking a qualified consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive Rail Corridor Study. The study will assess safety, environmental, and multimodal opportunities across BNSF‑owned corridors in Kandiyohi County, develop conceptual improvement options, and provide cost estimates and grant‑application support. The effort includes desktop and field data collection, extensive public outreach, and the preparation of multiple deliverable packages, with an optional phase for refined design and federal grant assistance. The total available funding is $300,000, with BNSF reimbursing up to $100,000 (33% of consultant costs). The contract must be completed within calendar year 2026.
• Phase 1: Desktop/field reviews, traffic modeling, environmental screening, and at‑grade crossing analysis.
• Phase 2: Up to ten in‑person stakeholder meetings and three public workshops (minimum two virtual).
• Phase 3: Development of at least five improvement concepts, cost estimates, and a final report with implementation recommendations.
• Optional Phase 4: Refined designs (10% level) and narrative support for up to five federal grant applications.