6.10. SR 05-18-1998~..~ty of
iver
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
MEMORANDUM
Item # 6.10:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistan~---
May 18, 1998
SUBJECT: Update on Northstar Corridor
Development Authority
Current Studies
There are two studies currently underway which are looking at the feasibility
of commuter rail systems along the Highway 10 corridor. The Department of
Transportation is conducting a metro wide study which looks at the total
system including the role of the Northstar Corridor, from Minneapolis to Elk
River, within that system. The Northstar Corridor Development Authority
(NCDA) hired a consultant to study the Northstar Corridor. The NCDA study
includes the corridor from Minneapolis to St. Cloud.
DOT Study
Phase I of the DOT study examined the feasibility of commuter rail along 19
corridors in the metro area and identified 7 for expanded analysis. The
Northstar Corridor from Minneapolis to Elk River was one of the 7 picked for
further analysis. Phase II, which involves a more detailed analysis, will be
completed by February 1,1999. At that time a report will be made to the
legislature.
Northstar Study
The NCDA hired BRW to do a major investment study (MIS) for the corridor.
The MIS is required for major projects that are to receive federal funding and
is a higher level of analysis than the DOT study. The purpose of the MIS is to
build a consensus for actions to address transportation issues and meet
transportation needs of the corridor. The work plan will include review
existing and on-going studies, public involvement, defining transportation
problems and evaluating current conditions, defining and examining
alternative transportation improvements and a commuter rail alternative
report. The MIS is scheduled to be completed in 1999.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 ° Elk River, MN 55330 ° TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Memo to Mayor and City Council
May 18, 1998
Page 2
Fundinz Status
The NCDA has received $350,000 from the federal government as part of an
appropriations bill for 1998. The state has approved $1.5 million as federal
matching funds. There is $6 million included in an appropriations bill
currently working its way through congress. The NCDA is expecting funding
to be continued through ISTEA re-authorization. Congressman Oberstar is
seeking full funding authorization for the corridor; a decision on re-
authorization is expected within a couple of months.
Location of Train Stations
It is likely that the number of train stations between Anoka and St. Cloud
will be 5 or less. The location of these stations will be based on factors such
as population, accessibility and distance from other stations. Suggested
locations for stations will be a product of the MIS that is being completed.
The NCDA will be the body that decides where the stations will be located.
Communities picked to have a station will then have to determine what
would be the best site within their community. Design criteria for the station
will be made available to communities to assist in determining a specific
location for the station. Funding for the construction of the stations is likely
to be included as part of the overall funding for the corridor.
Time Line
The proposed schedule of work on the project is as follows:
1997 Establish Authority / Develop scope of MIS
1998 MIS with draft Environmental Impact Statement
1999 Complete MIS / Begin preliminary engineering / Final EIS
2000 Complete preliminary engineering and develop final design
2001 Implementation
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What is the Northstar Corridor?
The Northstar Corridor is a 60-mile
long transportation corridor that runs
between St. Cloud and Minneapolis
along U.S. Highway 10 and includes the
Burlington Northem Santa Fe mil line.
Why is the Northstar Corridor
important?
The area between St. Cloud and
Minneapolis is the fastest growing region
in the state, the third fastest in the nation.
There are no plans to expand U.S.
Highway 10 in the next 20 years.
Without transportation alternatives,
congestion will grow to a critical level.
What transportation alternatives are
being considered?
A "multi-modal" system that may
include:
· Commuter mil
· Improved freight mil
· Enhanced highways
· New recreation and bike trails
· Safety improvements
· Intelligent Transportation System
Who is studying the Northstar
Corridor?
The Northstar Corridor Development
AUthority, of which Anoka County is a
member, is a joint powers board made
up of counties, cities, townships and
regional railroad authorities along the
corridor.
What is the Authority doing?
The Authority has secured $350,000
in federal funding to study the potential
of a commuter mil system that will
connect with other planned mil projects.
It will provide connections with the
entire metropolitan area including the
Minneapolis-St. Paul International
Aixport, the Mall of America and
downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
What are the benefits of improved
transportation in the Northstar
Corridor?
An improved transportation system
will shorten your commute to work or
school and provide better access to
shopping, restaurants, entertainment and
recreation oppommifies.
Improved transportation will keep
this region economically vital by giving
residents better access to job
opportunities and making it easier and
more efficient to move people and
goods in any weather.
It also will give persons who do not
drive - young people, the eldefly, the
disabled and those on fixed incomes -
safe, economical transportation
alternatives.
Where can I get more information?
Call Tun Yantos, Anoka County, at
(612) 323-5692 or David Loch,
Sherbume County, at (612) 241-2701.
How can I help?
Call your state and federal elected
officials to voice your support.
"The Northstar
Corridor's
transportation
system in its
current state
simply can't
accommodate
the increasing
demand to
move people
and goods~ "
Congressman
Jim Oberstar
T.H. 10 Multi-Modal Transportation Corridor Development Study