The city of Chanhassen is requesting more than $1 million in state bonds.

The City Council on Monday night unanimously approved the city's project list for the governor and legislature to consider including in the state bonding bill. The money would help fund three different projects. Two of the projects involve Bluff Creek. The other involves the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

The projects are a Bluff Creek ravine stabilization project, Bluff Creek Drive trail and storm water improvements, and construction of a Highway 41 pedestrian underpass south of Highway 5.

The ravine stabilization project proposes helping to stabilize the Bluff Creek ravines and to purchase property or easements to make the improvements. Currently some ravines on the bluff are creating sediment loading issues in the creek. This sediment eventually is deposited downstream. The city is requesting $631,800 in state bonding funds.

The Bluff Creek Drive trail and storm water improvement project would extend the trail on Bluff Creek Dr. south of Highway 212 to the Three Rivers Park District Trail head on the old Hennepin Co. railroad line. The project also proposes making improvements to the storm drainage system in this area. The drainage is creating significant erosion problems and eventually flows into Seminary Fen. The city is requesting $250,000. Chanhassen Park Dedication funds will be used as the city's funding source for the city's share of the project costs.

The city has proposed constructing a trail under Highway 41 south of the Highway 5 intersection. The project is a significant trail connection since the city and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are planning to extend a trail system through the property. The city anticipates receiving a federal grant for a trail underpass of Highway 5 at Minnewashta Parkway that would also connect to the Arboretum. The proposed underpass would allow pedestrians to use the trail system around Lake Minnewashta and not have to cross Highway 41. The city is requesting $300,000 for this project.