2026 Buschmann Road Project

Buschmann Road Improvement Project

Buschmann Road serves as an important east/west travel connector from the City of Breezy Point to the City of Pequot Lakes. The City of Breezy Point intends to reconstruct Buschmann Road and Ranchette Drive to a supported local standard. The project aims to improve the safety and mobility of vehicles and pedestrians utilizing this high-volume traffic corridor.

Project Goals

Enhance Safety: Improve conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians along the corridor and at key intersections.
Strengthen Regional Connectivity: Ensure reliable access between Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, and surrounding areas.
Plan Responsibly: Minimize construction, right-of-way, environmental, and financial impacts while creating a long-term, cost-effective solution.

Updated Project Timeline

The project timeline is subject to change:

Action	Date	Status
Approve Plans and Specifications & Authorize Ad for Bid	October 6, 2025	Complete
Apply for LRIP Grant	December 2025	Complete
Await LRIP Award Announcements	Late April/Early May
Advertise for Bid	May 2026
Award Bid	June 2026
Review Presale Report & Call for Bonds	June 2026
Bond Sale	July 2026
Construction begin	July 2026

Progress to Date

Significant planning and engineering work has taken place over the past several years. Residents can follow the steps completed from 2023–2025 by clicking the Buschmann Road Progress link at the bottom of this page. Below is a brief timeline:

December 5, 2022: The City Council selected WSB as the engineering firm to lead the reconstruction effort, marking the official launch of the project.
January 3, 2023: WSB presented the preliminary design process to the Council, providing a roadmap for engineering design, public engagement, and funding considerations.
May 5, 2023: Council approved a cooperative agreement with Ideal Township, which formalized their participation and financial commitment to the project (13.11% of total cost).
July 26, 2023: The City hosted a Community Open House to share updated design concepts and collect public input, ensuring the design aligned with resident needs and concerns.
October 17, 2023: WSB presented preliminary designs, and Phase 2 was split into two parts:
- Phase 2a: Land acquisition and right-of-way procurement.
- Phase 2b: Development of final design documents and preparation for bidding.
July 7, 2025: The City successfully acquired all necessary property, clearing the way for final design work and initiation of the funding process.

Partnership with Ideal Township

A portion of the project (13.11%) lies within Ideal Township. The Township will share in the cost of improvements for their portion of the roadway.

Project Updates

Update November 6, 2025

The City Council held a public hearing to consider adopting the Street Reconstruction Plan and approving the issuance of General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds. The bond issuance is subject to a 30-day reverse referendum period following the public hearing. This period allows members of the public to petition against the bond issuance within 30 days after City approval. If a petition receives signatures from at least 5% of the voters who participated in the last election, the bond issuance must be abandoned or reconsidered.

Additionally, the City will be applying for MnDOT’s Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant. Pursuing this grant will affect the initially proposed project timeline, as reflected in the “Updated Timeline” above. Applying for the grant will only impact the bidding schedule and bonding process—not the project’s construction itself.

Update October 6, 2025

The City Council approved Plans and Specifications and Authorized Ad for Bid for the project. The advertisement will be posted in the paper. It is anticipated the Council will award the bid by the end of the year.

Update September 2, 2025

On September 2, 2025, the City Council approved the 2026 Preliminary Tax Levy, which included a future bond payment for Buschmann Road. Below is the tentative upcoming timeline for City Council actions on this project:

October 6, 2025: Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bid
December 1, 2025: Award Bid to Contractor
Early Spring: Begin Tree Clearing
May 2026: Proposed Construction Begin

A local government general obligation bond is a type of debt issued by a local government entity to fund public projects. The local government borrows money from investors by issuing bonds with the help of a financial advisor. In return, the municipality will repay the borrowed amount (principal) on a future date (maturity date) and make regular interest payments (coupon payments) until then.

A benefit of this funding mechanism is that the current taxpayers don’t have to shoulder the burden of the entire project. A 15-year bond allows the cost of the project to be paid by current and future residents of Breezy Point. Benefiters of the improved infrastructure will not just be our existing residents, but any future residents we may have. This method also allows the city to preserve its day-to-day services and avoid tax spikes and service cuts. Bonding also ensures that the taxpayers’ dollars are used for their intended purpose.

The city has some experience with bonding for projects over the last 20 years. The only outstanding debt obligation is the ladder truck purchased last year, paid for by the entire fire district.