County introduces new Mobile Social Services vehicle program
Washington County’s Community Services Department introduced a new Mobile Social Services vehicle at the Jan. 14 Board of Commissioners meeting.
The vehicle is part of an innovative county program that aims to bring mental health, substance use disorder, and social service resources directly to people and communities in Washington County. The vehicle will make regular stops at community sites, offering on-the-spot assistance, information, resources, and referrals. The program focuses on reaching individuals who may face barriers or stigma when trying to access traditional services. By bringing these critical resources directly to the community, the vehicle ensures that support is within reach.
The Mobile Social Services Vehicle is a custom-designed, high-ceiling van. Inside, the van is equipped with a meeting space that serves as both a workspace for staff and a welcoming area for individuals receiving services. The exterior of the vehicle is designed to be inclusive and inviting, reflecting the broad range of Community Services Department programs. This program not only provides immediate access but also plays a key role in normalizing conversations about mental health and substance use, helping to break down the stigma surrounding these important issues.
The vehicle was funded by a one-time grant opportunity through the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, Adult Mental Health Initiative. Ongoing program expenses will be funded through the Adult Mental Health Initiative grants.

Sheriff’s Office purchasing rapid response patrol boat
Also in updates from Jan. 14, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is purchasing a rapid response patrol boat from Lake Assault Boats LLC. To that end, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with the company totaling $269,960.
The purchase is funded by a $225,000 Port Security Grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency that the County Board approved in October 2024. The county is required to provide a 25% match in funds.
The goal of the Port Security Grant Program is to strengthen port-wide risk management and protection of critical marine transportation system infrastructure from acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies. The program provides funding to enhance maritime security capabilities throughout U.S. ports.
The Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for all waterways in Washington County and is part of the area maritime security plan, providing layered security to several Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) facilities in Mississippi River Pool 2. The Sheriff’s Office also provides security and patrol resources for Lock and Dam No. 2. The Sheriff’s Office would be the primary and coordinating agency, assisting in events such as spills, train derailments, bridge collapses, and other emergencies.
The investment in a rapid response patrol boat will allow the Sheriff's Office to provide enhanced security measures and deploy resources quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.

Bituminous Roadways selected for County Highway 12 trail construction
In road news from County Board, Commissioners approved a contract with Bituminous Roadways Jan. 14 to construct a trail along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 12 in Mahtomedi.
The contract, totaling $146,298.70, will fund the construction of the trail from Ideal Avenue to the Mahtomedi School Entrance along the south side of the recently reconstructed segment CSAH 12.
Washington County worked with the Cities of Mahtomedi, Grant, Willlernie, and the Mahtomedi School District to successfully apply for grant funding through the Metropolitan Regional Solicitation Funding program. This grant covers construction costs only and requires a 20% local match.
Bids for the project were opened Dec. 10, 2024, and Bituminous Roadways was the lowest of eight bidders.
The County Board also approved a Cooperative Cost Share Agreement with the City of Grant for the project Jan. 14.

TKDA Associates to do design on Highway 96/ Stonebridge Trail/Norell Ave. improvement project
Also in road news, TKDA Associates will provide preliminary design services for the County State Aid Highway 5 (Stonebridge Trail), County Road 55 (Norell Ave.), and County State Aid Highway 96 (Dellwood Rd.) intersection improvement project.
The contract, totaling $445,100, was approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners Jan. 14. The county received $500,000 in federal funding secured through congressionally directed spending to support the project.
Last September, the Washington County Public Works Department issued a request for proposals to provide project coordination, preliminary engineering, stakeholder and public engagement, utility coordination, geotechnical analysis, and environmental documentation services. TKDA was selected as the preferred vendor from five qualified firms that submitted proposals for this improvement project.
The project is in Stillwater Township and  construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.