4.2. SR 06-17-2002RAver
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
MEMORANDUM
Item#
/4.2.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planne~~'l~'~
June 17, 2002
Northstar Corridor Update
At the NCDA meeting held on June 6th the Authority listened to a presentation by the city of
Ramsey regarding their proposed transit oriented development. There was also a
presentation on the ridership and trip analysis for the northeast Minneapolis station. The
NCDA Executive Committee presented options for the future of the NCDA. It was the
Committee's recommendation that the NCDA continue its efforts to develop commuter rail
in the Northstar Corridor. The level of activity will stay at its current level. The Authority
will vote at its July meeting regarding future activity of the NCDA.
Phone: 763.441.7420
Fax: 763.441.7~CUi,1ENT2
~vw. ci .elk-river. mn .tls
NCDA
Agenda
Thursday, June 6, 2002
4:30 p.m.
o
Sherburne County Government Center
Elk River, MN
Action Requested
Minutes of the May 2, 2002 NCDA Meeting*
Approval
Election of Officers: Chair
Election
Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee Report:
Final Report on 2002 Legislative Session
Discussion
Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Report:
Recommendation for NCDA's Next Steps including
Necessary budget adjustments
Approval
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in City of Ramsey:
Presentation by Jim Norman
Information
Ridership Study and Trip Analysis for the Northstar Commuter
Rail Station in Northeast Minneapolis*: Steve Ruegge,
Parsons Brinkerhoff
Information
CRCCC Report: FTA Quarterly Updates*
Information
Other: July NCDA Meeting
* Documentation Enclosed
Additional Enclosure: Lori Sturdevant editorial from the Star Tribune
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2002
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met in regular session on May 2, 2002, in the Board
Room at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota.
Present were: Lynn George, Tim Yantos, Ken Stevens, Tom Wenzel, Eugene Young, John
Weaver, John Norgren, Ken Paulson, Terry Nagorski, Ewald Peterson, LeRoy Pauley, Woody
Bissett, Duane Grandy, Patrick Cairns, Duane Cekalla, Gery Then, Bob Barnette, Tom Gamec, Dan
Erhart, Paul McCarron, Mike Schadauer, Mary Richardson, Betsy Wergin, Brian Bensen, David
Loch, Jason Tidemann, Elliott Perovich, Bill Schreiber, Lona Schreiber, Dartrell Lipscomb, Jim
Norman, Jim Barton, Dean Michalko, Chris Leeseberg, Mike Rogers, Linda Jungwirth, Jean Keely,
Jim McLean, Paul Ostrow, John Himle, Peggy Aho
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Chairperson Betsy Wergin.
2. It was the consensus of the NCDA to approve the agenda of May 2, 2002, as presented.
3. Intergovernmental Coordination Committee Report:
Paul McCarron presented a report on Senate and House activities. There are currently four
issues undecided: transportation funding, balancing of the budget, bonding, and anti-
terrorism.
Lona Schreiber distributed copies of letters and e-mails sent to legislators regarding
commuter rail from the Taxpayers League opposing the Northstar project. Bill Schreiber
reviewed an information sheet on the "Myths and Facts" of the Northstar Commuter Rail
being distributed to legislators.
Elliott Perovich reviewed the Federal funding status in fiscal year 2002 and the upcoming
fiscal 2003 years which begins October 1, 2002. Appropriations have been submitted
requesting $10,000,000 be appropriated to the Northstar project.
Letters addressed to Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe (refer to April 4, 2002, NCDA
minutes) from the NCDA were mailed to Senator Moe on Wednesday, April 5, 2002.
Page 1
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2002
Page 2
o
10.
Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Report:
John Himle updated members on the public information activities. The level of public
interest in this project is very high.
A motion was made by Paul McCarron, seconded by Duane Cekalla, and carried
unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of April 4, 2002 as presented.
A presentation on "NCDA - The First Five Years" (1997-2002) given in honor of the 5th
Anniversary of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority.
Chairperson Betsy Wergin addressed the members and commended the Committee on the
amount of support and work the Committee has accomplished during the past 5 years.
Paul Ostrow expressed his gratitude for being involved in the Northstar Project and the
ability of the diverse representatives to work together as a team toward a common goal to
better our communities.
Paul McCarron expressed his gratitude to the Committee on the ability to work
constructively on the project and is grateful for the success accomplished to date.
Following the Power Point presentation, refreshments and a light dinner were served.
Chairperson Betsy Wergin announced that, due to her decision and recent nomination to run
for State Senator, she has decided to resign as Chair of the Northstar Corridor Development
Authority. The election of a new Chairperson will be on the June 6, 2002 meeting agenda.
Betsy thanked everyone for the honor to serve as Chairperson for the past five years.
Dan Erhart acknowledged the leadership and work that Betsy has provided to the Northstar
project. She has performed admirably and the members are extremely thankful for her past
and continued leadership that affects the future of Minnesota.
The next meeting of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is set for June 6, 2002 at
4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne County Government Center.
The Authority adjourned by unanimous consensus to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Betsy Wergin Chairperson
Date
Page 2
Ridership and Trip Analysis Study for the
Northstar Commuter Rail Stat/on in Northeast Minneapolis
Executive Summary
The planned Northstar Commuter Rail line would provide service between the St. Cloud area and
downtown Minneapolis, with several intermediate stops. One of these stops is a proposed
location near the 7th Street NE overpass in Northeast Minneapolis, known as the Northeast
Station. Land use north of the station is primarily residential, while commercial property
dominates the land use immediately south of the station. This area is now and will be served by
a number of bus transit lines, and the station itself is likely to be a convenient transfer point
between commuter rail lines, when and if the proposed Red Rock Commuter Rail line (Hastings
to Minneapolis) is implemented. Because of these factors, residents of the area and planners are
concerned about the impact this station will have on the local environment, including parking and
access (walk, bike, transit and auto), both to and within the station area.
This report was prepared to clarify these issues, as they relate to the proposed NE station.
Specifically, the report address the following questions (answers fo#ow in parentheses):
1. What is the travel demand for the station?
About 200 persons per day w/ii use the station in year 2020. Somewhat more (about
250) if the Dan Patch Corridor is included. Typically, each person would board and alight
once per average weekday. (Chapter I, Sect/on 1.2)
2. How many autos can we expect from people driving to the station?
Due to the station's proximity to downtown, and/ow reverse-commute demand, only
about 5-15 autos per day are anticipated in year 2020. The demand est/mate grows to
20-30 autos per day if the Dan Patch line is included. (Chapter I, Sect/on 1.2)
3. Is there sufficient available parking for the auto-access demand identified above?
Yes, current on-street parking is adequate to accommodate the demand. (Chapter V)
4. What measures may be taken to "nuisance" parking by commuters?
A number of actions may be taken, induding res/dent/a/perm/ts, signing and gating,
providing private off-street/eased parking, encouraging walk and bike access and
organ/zed local enforcement of park/ng restn'ct/ons. (Chapter V, sect/on 5. 4)
5. What impact does this station have on the ridership of the Hiawatha Light Rail line?
Very little, if any, change in ridership on Hiawatha would occur with the presence or
absence of the NE Stat/on. (Chapter I, sect/on 1.3)
6. ls the station designed to properly accommodate all access modes?
In genera/, yes. Specific issues are discussed in Chapter 2.
7. What is the magnitude of potential reverse-commute demand at the NE station?
The reverse commute demand ranges from 15persons/day without the Dan Patch Line,
to ,t5 persons/day with the Dan Patch//ne, in year 2020. (Chapter III, sect/on 3.2)
8. TS the proposed feeder-bus service adequate?
Yes, Chapter IV discusses the feeder-bus service.
9. What might a coordinated Northstar/Red Rock train schedule look like at the NE station?
Chapter VI presents a possible consolidated weekday train timetable for the NE stat/on,
showing when transfer opportunities might take p/ace.
10. What is the anticipated train-to-train transfer demand at the proposed NE station?
A total ofabout 1,150 transfer movements per day are anticipated in 2020 if both the
Northstar and Red Rock lines are operating and use this station as the transfer point.
(Chapter VI, Table 6.1)
I:L. Will the station design accommodate this demand?
Yes, based on a peak movement demand of 180 persons, this number of passenger
transfers can be accommodated w/thin the B-minute transfer window. (Chapter VI,
section 6.3)
Execut/ve Summary
Page i
£idership and Trip Analysis Study for the
Northstar Commuter Rail Station in Northeast I~inneapolis
As you read through this report, keep in mind that the primary purpose is to clarify and establish
facts related to the demand for and access to the proposed station. As a secondary purpose and
where appropriate, the report also identifies design and operational issues related to access and
circulation and suggests ways of addressing these issues, such as the control of parking.
Executive Summary
Page ii
Agenda Item #7
MEMORANDUM
May 31, 2002
To: NCDA
From: Staff
Subject: Quarterly Reports
Attached is a copy of the January 23 and May 1, 2002 Quarterly Reports for the
Northstar Corridor Rail Project as prepared by Mn/DOT staff.
Action Requested_.' Information only.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3"~ Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.northstartrain.org
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT
QUARTERLY REPORT
January 23, 2002
I. Introduction
II.
III.
Since the last Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM) with the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA), held on October 31,2001, the Northstar Corridor Rail
Project (Project) has submitted a New Starts Criteria update, continued preparation
of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), conducted a number of public
informational presentations, and prepared for the upcoming legislative session.
State and Local Funding
The top priority in the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) capital
budget request to the Governor was $120 million for the Northstar Corridor Rail
Project. This would cover a 40% state share for the entire commuter rail corridor to
Rice, as well as a 50% state share for the multi-modal connection. This was also
the Governor's top transportation priority in his bonding request, which was
released January 14, 2002, and which will be presented to the 2002 Minnesota
Legislature during the upcoming session, which commences on January 29, 2002.
Mn/DOT will request FTA~s permission to enter the final design phase after
receiving a commitment for State of Minnesota funding for the Project.
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) Capital Parmers have
comrnitted $25.1 million of their $27.1 million share of the Project. The difference
is a result of inflation from delay caused by the lack of a state funding commitment
in the past. They plan to wait for the state commitment prior to passing the
resolutions necessary to account for the final amount.
New Starts Criteria
The Project's New Starts Criteria for the entire corridor from Minneapolis to Rice,
including the multi-modal connection, was submitted to the Washington, DC, and the
Chicago Region V offices of the FTA on November 8, 2001. The following volumes
were included in this submission:
Volume 1 1.0 Introduction
2.0 Mobility Improvements
3.0 Environmental Benefits
4.0 Operating Efficiencies
5.0 Cost Effectiveness
6.0 Land Use
7.0 Project Finance
Volume 2
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Annualization Factor
Capital Cost Estimate
Financial Plan
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report 2
January 23,2001
IV.
ge
VI.
Appendix D Project Management Plan
Volume 3
Land Use and Supporting Documentation
The New Starts Criteria were compiled using the new federal requirements effective
September 1, 2001. The new User Benefit Model was not included in this update,
however, as per verbal instruction at the September 6 - 7, 2001, FTA workshop in
Washington, DC.
Preliminary Engineering (PE)
The PE package was submitted to FTA on June 1,2001. Comments have been
received from the Project Management Oversight Consultant (PMOC) and several
local jurisdictions. The Project holds periodic meetings with Technical Advisory
Committees divided into segments along the con'idor. Comments from these and
other meetings impacting design have been documented to address during the final
design phase of the project. The capital cost estimate, Project Management Plan,
and Financial Plan were updated in the November 8 New Starts Criteria submittal.
Multi~modal Connection
The multi-modal connection is the extension of the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit
(LRT) line from its current downtown Minneapolis terminus at Fifth Street North
and First Avenue North to a terminus at the downtown Minneapolis comrnuter rail
station at Fifth Street North near Fifth Avenue North. The PE for the multi-modal
connection was included in the PE package for the entire Project submitted to FTA
on June 1 and in the New Start Criteria submitted to the FTA on November 8.
Agreement has been reached between the Hiawatha Project Office and the Northstar
Corridor Rail Project to transfer final design of the segment from 1st Avenue North
to 3rd Avenue North from the Hiawatha Project to the Northstar Project.
Land Use
Information describing land use along the corridor was also included in the
November 8 New Starts Criteria submittal. It described progress on a number of
issues ranging from community-involved station area planning efforts to zoning for
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) near stations to private investments in station
area development.
The last quarterly report and the November 8 New Starts Criteria submittal.
described the proposed Elk River Station development at the Elk River station site -
a mixed-use neighborhood including apartments, town homes, senior cooperative
housing, and various commercial uses.
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report
January 23,2001
VII.
Since then, Anoka County has begun planning TOD adjacent to the Coon Rapids-
Riverdale station and the City of Anoka is leveraging a Livable Communities grant
to plan for TOD near the Anoka station. Also, Hennepin County Transit and
Community Works has released the draft Downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal
Station Area Master Plan and the City of Minneapolis has begun the process for the
Downtown East/North Loop Master Plan. Both of these efforts look at future
development around and community connections to the multi-modal station serving
the Northstar Con-idor commuter rail and the Hiawatha Corridor LRT.
Community Involvement
Since the last quarterly report, several public meetings have been held and Project
representatives have given a number of public presentations:
November NCDA Board meeting; Sherbume County Government Center, Elk
1,2001 River
November Central Minnesota Transportation sponsored by Morrison County
..5, 2001 Community Development, Little Falls
November Presentation to the Minnesota Bicycle Advisory Committee, St. Paul
15, 2001
November Minnesota Township Association annual meeting, Bloomington
16, 2001
December Booth at the Association of Minnesota Counties annual convention,
3-4, 2001 St Paul
December NCDA Board meeting; Sherbume County Government Center, Elk
6, 2001 River
January 7, Presentation to Coon Rapids Rotary Club, Coon Rapids
2002
January 7, Presentation to Becker Lions Club, Becker
2002
January 9, Presentation to Anoka Kiwanis Club, Anoka
2002
January Presentation to Big Lake Lions Club, Big Lake
i0, 2002
January Presentation to the Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, Brainerd
11, 2002
January Presentation to the Transportation Advisory Committee of the West
11, 2002 Central Initiative Fund, Fergus Falls
January Presentation to the Edina Lions Club, Edina
22, 2002
January Parking Management Forum, discussing parking at the Minneapolis
23, 2002 LRT and proposed commuter rail stations; Minneapolis
VIII. Project Schedule
Milestones for completion of the Northstar Corridor Rail Project are listed below:
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report 4
January 23, 2001
March Publish FEIS
2002
April 2002 Environmental Record of Decision
April 2002 Begin Value Engineering
June 2002 State financial commitment complete
June 2002 Submit request to enter final design
August Begin final design (includes vehicle specifications)
2002
September Submit New Starts Criteria
2002
November Complete Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF)
2002 negotiations on track and signal capacity improvements
May 2003 Begin vehicle procurement
January Full Funding Grant Agreement
2O04
March Complete construction agreement with BNSF
2004
April 2004 Begin construction
June 2005 Complete service agreement with BNSF
September Begin start-up and testing
2005
December System open
2005
IX.
Next Steps
Value Engineering is the next major project milestone.
Final design is scheduled to begin in August 2002, depending on consent to
enter final design from the FTA.
Mn/DOT is also contemplating a contract with a systems/vehicle procurement
consultant to assist Mn/DOT with the vehicle acquisition process and with
overall system planning and integration. This contract would not be procured
prior to the summer of 2002.
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report
January 23,200l
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT
QUARTERLY REPORT
May 1, 2002
I. Introduction
The proposed Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) will provide commuter rail
service along an 82-mile corridor from Downtown Minneapolis to St. Cloud/Rice
parallel to Trunk Highways 47 and 10. It will use existing rail tracks owned by
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and include 11 stations.
The commuter line is expected to carry 9,594 passengers per day upon opening in
December 2005 and 10,829 by the year 2020. The rail line will have inter-modal
connections to bus transit and to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The
LRT connection, called the Multi-modal Connection, consists of a four-block
extension of Hiawatha LRT to reach the Downtown Minneapolis commuter rail
station. With the exception of the Downtown and Northeast Minneapolis stations,
all of the stations would have park and ride facilities.
Since the last Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM) with the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA), held on January 23, 2002, the Project has published the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), conducted a number of public
informational presentations, continued to plan for transit oriented development at
station sites, and provided a great deal of information for the ongoing legislative
session.
Ii.¸
State and Local Funding
The top priority in the Minnesota Department of TransportatiOn (Mn/DOT) capital
budget request to the Governor was $120 million for the Northstar Corridor Rail
Project. This would cover a 40% state share for the entire commuter rail corridor to
Rice, as well as a 50% state share for the Multi-modal Connection. This was also
the Governor's top transportation priority in his bonding proposal to the
Legislature. The current Senate bonding bill contains $8 million for the Project and
the House version contains no Project funding. These two bonding bills are now in
conference committee.
The Senate also passed another bill that could also provide funding for the Project.
The bill would raise the gas tax, thereby allowing creation of a multi-modal fund
from freed up motor vehicle sales tax funds that could be tapped for commuter rail
construction and operations. This same bill also includes a referendum in which
voters in the Twin Cities area could choose to raise their sales tax to increase
funding for transportation including transit.
Mn/DOT will request FTA's permission to enter the final design phase after
receiving a commitment for State of Minnesota funding for the Project.
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) Capital Partners have
committed $25.1 million of their $27.1 million share of the Project. The difference
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report 2
May 1, 2002
is a result of inflation from delay caused by the lack of a state funding commitment
in the past. They plan to wait for the state commitment prior to passing the
resolutions necessary to account for the final amount.
III.
New Starts Criteria
The Project's New Starts Criteria for the entire corridor from Minneapolis to Rice,
including the multi-modal connection, was submitted to the Washington, DC, and the
Chicago Region V offices of the FTA on November 8, 2001. The New Starts Criteria
were compiled using the new federal requirements effective September 1, 2001. The
new User Benefit Model was not included in this update, however, as per verbal
instruction at the September 6 - 7, 2001, FTA workshop in Washington, DC.
According to the New Starts posting on the FTA's web site, the Project has a
Recommended rating and received Medium rankings in every category.
IV.
Preliminary Engineering (PE)
The PE package was submitted to FTA on June 1,2001. Comments have been
received from the Project Management Oversight Consultant (PMOC) and several
local jurisdictions. The Project holds periodic meetings with Technical Advisory
Committees divided into segments along the corridor. Comments from these and
other meetings impacting design have been and continue to be documented for
resolution during the final design phase of the Project. The capital cost estimate,
Project Management Plan, and Financial Plan were updated in the November 8 New
Starts Criteria submittal.
Multi-modal Connection
The Multi-modal Connection is the extension of the Hiawatha LRT line from its
current downtown Minneapolis terminus at Fifth Street North and First Avenue
North to a terminus at the downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station at Fifth
Street North near Fifth Avenue North. The PE for the Multi-modal Connection was
included in the PE package for the entire Project submitted to FTA on June 1 and in
the New Start Criteria submitted to the FTA on November 8.
Agreement has been reached between the Hiawatha Project Office and the Northstar
Corridor Rail Project to transfer final design of the segment from First Avenue
North to Third Avenue North from the Hiawatha LRT Project to the Northstar
Corridor Rail Project.
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report
May 1, 2002
VI. Land Use
The last quarterly report included information about the City of Anoka's plans for
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) near the Anoka Station. The City continues
to acquire property in the station area, especially current commercial and industrial
property, as it becomes available to assemble a large parcel of interest to potential
developers.
Also, the last quarterly report contained some infonuation on two efforts looking at
future development around, and community connections to, the Multi-modal station
serving the Northstar Corridor commuter rail and the Hiawatha Corridor LRT.
Hennepin County Transit and Community Works has just released the final
Downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal Station Area Master Plan. The City of
Minneapolis has held both of its planned public meetings for the Downtown
East/North Loop Master Plan. A draft report will be prepared in the near future.
The City of Rice considered two methods of preparing for commuter rail in their
city: a development moratorium in the station area and a TOD overlay ordinance.
The City Council chose and passed the TOD overlay ordinance on March 4, 2002,
and passed it on to their Planning Commission. The Planning Commission has set a
hearing for the ordinance.
VII. Community Involvement
Since the last quarterly report, several public meetings have been held and Project
representatives have given a number of public presentations:
January Follow up with State Bicycle Advisory Committee, St. Paul
24, 2002
January Commuter rail equipment demonstration, Minneapolis-St. Cloud
28, 2002
January Discussion on TOD with Rice City Planning Commission; overview
28, 2002 on TOD overlay ordinance, Rice
January Northstar presentation to Regional Development Commission
29, 2002 Transportation Planners annual conference, St. Cloud
February Northstar presentation to Coon Rapids Kiwanis Club, Coon Rapids
1, 2002
February Northstar presentation to the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee,
4, 2002 Transportation and Public Safety Division, St. Paul
February Northstar presentation to Northeast Minneapolis Kiwanis Club,
.4, 2002 Minneapolis
February Northstar Corridor Development Authority Board Meeting, Elk
7, 2002 River
Northstar Corridor Quaaerly Report
May 1, 2002
4
February Northstar presentation to the Minnesota House of Representatives
11,2002 Transportation Finance Committee, St. Paul
February Northstar presentation and passenger rail booth at the Minnesota
12-13, Transportation Conference, Bloomington
2002
February Northstar presentation to the Minnesota House of Representatives
14, 2002 Capital Investment Committee, St. Paul
February Discussion of TOD overlay ordinance with Rice City Council, Rice
19, 2002
February Public meeting for the Downtown East/North Loop Master Plan,
2 t, 2002 Minneapolis
February Presentation to Transportation and Economic Development
26, 2002 Committee of St. Cloud East Side Boosters
February Northstar presentation to St. Cloud State University student
28, 2002 organization, St. Cloud
February TOD planning meeting with St Cloud Station Area Planning
28, 2002 Committee, St. Cloud
March 1, Northstar presentation to Rochester Chamber of Commerce,
2002 Rochester
March 4, Discussed moratorium on development near commuter rail station
2002 versus TOD overlay ordinance with Rice City Council--TOD
ordinance was passed and forwarded to Planning Commission, Rice
March 14, Northstar presentation to St. Cloud Lions Club, Waite Park
2002
March 18, Northstar presentation to North Hennepin Kiwanis Club, New Hope
2002
March 24, Rice Planning Commission considers and sets hearing for TOD
2002 overlay ordinance, Rice
March 27, Northstar presentation to St. Anthony Rotary, St. Anthony
2002
March 27, Northstar presentation to Anoka Kiwanis Club, Anoka
2002
March 28, Northstar presentation to Fridley/Columbia Heights Golden K
2002 Kiwanis Club, Fridley
March 29, Northstar presentation to Minnesota Surveyors Technical
2002 Conference, Brainerd
April 2, Meeting of the St. Cloud Station Area Planning Committee to discuss
2002 TOD, St. Cloud
April 4, Northstar Corridor Development Authority Board Meeting, Elk
2002 River
April 10, Overview of Northstar given at St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce
2002 Lunchtime Learning program, St. Cloud
April 16, Northstar presentation to Mn/DOT District 3 (Brainercl/St. Cloud)
2002 Employees Meeting, Foley
April 17, Northstar presentation to Benton and Steams County Retired
2002 Physicians Organization, St. Cloud
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report
May I, 2002
April 18, Northstar presentation to Anoka Rotary, Anoka
2002
April 18, Public meeting for the Downtown East/North Loop Master Plan,
2002 Mi~meapolis
April 23, Northstar report and update to St. Cloud East Side Boosters business
2002 organization, St. Cloud
April 24, The Fridley City Council heard comments on the Project FEIS as the
2002 City deliberates approval of the station site, Ffidley
VIII.
Next Steps
A preliminary draft of the Record of Decision (ROD) is underway. If any
substantive comments are received by the close of the FEIS review period on
May 6, 2002, they will be addressed in the draft ROD. The project will work
with Vanessa Adams-Donald of the FTA Region V office to complete the
ROD.
With completion of the ROD, Value Engineering will be the only task
remaining in the Preliminary Engineering phase of the proj eot.
Final design is scheduled to begin in August 2002, depending on funding from
the Minnesota State Legislature and consent to enter final design from the
FTA.
Mn/DOT is also contemplating a contract with a systems/vehicle procurement
consultant to assist Mn/DOT with the vehicle acquisition process and with
overall system planning and integration. This contract would not be procured
prior to the summer of 2002.
Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report
May l, 2002
Development Authority
Northstar Commuter Rail
MYTHS V. FACTS
Whether the analysis is in dollars per mile or per passenger, Northstar is more
cost-effective than other transportation choices. Because it runs on already-
existing rail lines, commuter rail takes less time to build.
CAPITAL COST COMPARISON OF VARIOUS PROJECTS
60-
50-
40-
30-
20-
10-
New urban Light rail Exclusive Hwy 10 Northstar
freeway busway upgrade
COMMUTER COST COMPARISON
(30-mile trip from Elk River to Minneapolis, based on information from AAA.)
Northstar (fare cost) $4-6 per trip (.13 cents per mile)
Private car $14.40 per trip (.48 cents per mile)
OPERATING COST PER PASSENGER MILE COMPARISON - national averages
$0.60
$0.30
$0.00
Source: APTA, MnDOT
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265
(763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682
www.m n-GetOn Board.corn
FACT
Operating and capital costs for Northstar are over $5,630. O0 per
passenger per year.
Borrowing a phrase from President George W. Bush (a Northstar Corridor
commuter rail supporter), this number represents "fuzzy math." The number
is just plain wrong.
This distorted cost estimate, promoted by the Taxpayer's League, uses a
convoluted set of assumptions and methodology that is not recognized by
anyone in the transportation field, whether private industry or government.
The industry standard used to compare cost effectiveness of transit options is
"operating cost per passenger mile" as shown on page one.
For the past five years, the local governments that make up the Northstar
Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) used the federal cost guidelines and
analysis mandated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to study
transportation alternatives in the Northstar Corridor. The result is that the FTA
has ranked Northstar as one of five most promising proposed rail projects in
the country, and it is included in President Bush's budget.
So what is the correct number? It depends on how many people you think will
benefit from Northstar commuter rail.
· $35 per person per year. The NCDA feels the 422,100 residents of the
Northstar Corridor will benefit from access to a sensible transportation
system, a drop in the growth of traffic congestion, better service from
businesses using Highway 10/47, increased economic development and
less pollution from car exhaust.
· $546 per person. If just the riders will benefit from using the service,
and users of Highway 10 benefit from less traffic on the highway.
· $1,647 per year. If just riders of commuter rail are counted as
beneficiaries.
All Minnesota legislators, especially those in rural Minnesota, should be highly
cautious about accepting the cost analysis used to criticize the Northstar
project. Using these assumptions, many worthy highway projects, especially
road projects in rural Minnesota, would never be able to compete for funding
against shorter length/higher traffic routes in the Twin Cities metro area.
FACT
Northstar commuter rail will not reduce congestion.
By taking nearly 10,000 cars off the roads each day, users of Northstar
commuter rail will make room for nearly 11/2 lanes of traffic on the highways
during times of peak congestion - the time you need relief the most. The
population growth numbers for this corridor are staggering. By 2025, the St.
Cloud area will grow by nearly 50% and Sherburne County's population will
increase by 92%. Commuter rail will slow congestion growth and will provide
a cost-effective transportation alternative for future new corridor residents.
p. 2 May 9, 2002
Myth
~ACT
Parsons Brinkerhoff 1998 study data should be used to make decisions
on the feasibility of Northstar commuter rail.
The Parsons Brinkerhoff (PB) study was done for MnDOT four years ago to
assess the feasibility of commuter rail in the seven county metropolitan area.
The study ranked the Northstar Corridor as having the most potential for
further and more detailed evaluation. Since then, a Major Investment Study
(MIS) of transportation options for the Highway 10 corridor. The NCDA chose
commuter rail as the best option. Then an Environmental Impact Statement
(ELS) and Preliminary Engineering for commuter rail were completed. As a
result of these studies, the scope of the project changed significantly from the
PB study. Rather than running from Minneapolis to Elk River, it now extends
to Rice serving eleven stations instead of seven. Service upgrades were
made, from 10 to 18 weekday trains. The numbers of train sets were reduced
from five to four. These changes resulted in a ridership increase from 3,400 to
9,594 passengers. For the Northstar Corridor, the PB study is now considered
obsolete, superceded by the 2001 Preliminary Engineering report prepared
using strict federal guidelines and greater degree of analysis. The 2001
Preliminary Engineering report will be the basis for additional federal funding
decisions. It is the best available data, and the legislature should use it for its
funding decision.
Myth
FACT
Costs for building commuter rail will skyrocket.
Many highway and rail project costs have skyrocketed between early scoping
cost estimates and actual construction. The Northstar Corridor rail project
cost estimate, however, is based on completion of preliminary engineering
and has been inflated to the year of construction, fiscal year 2006. The
state's involvement in building Northstar is limited to $120 million. Period.
Myth
FACT
"Without question, transportation funding that goes into rail by definition
will not be spent on roads. When voting on commuter rail, make no'
mistake: it will be a vote between roads and rail."
This excerpt from a March 14, 2002 letter from the Taxpayers League to
Legislators is clearly in error. The Minnesota constitution prohibits the use of
state general obligation bonds to be used for trunk highway purposes. The
Northstar request for $120 million is from these general obligation bonds.
Never have state highways been funded through this mechanism.. Trunk
highway bonds can only be used for highway purposes. This project does not
compete with existing highway financing formulas here in Minnesota nor at
the federal level where the $147 million match is from transit-only funds.
p. 3 May 9, 2002
FACT
Commuter rail is subsidized; roads aren't.
Roads are not funded solely by user fees. The highway trust fund annually
receives over $180 million from the state general fund. According to the latest
data collected by the State Auditor, 39% of county highway expenditures and
87% of city street expenditures come from property taxes or special
assessments. Gas taxes and motor vehicle registration (TAB) fees do provide
nearly $1.1 billion annually to support the road system, but an almost equal
subsidy amount comes from the general fund, property taxes and special
assessments. This means that the annual non-user tax subsidy for roads is
nearly 5 times greater than for transit.
FACT
Buses would be a better alternative for people in the Northstar Corridor.
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) reviewed all the
options - including buses and busways- as required by the FTA. It was clear
that commuter rail is the best option for thi.s, corridor. The Burlington Northern
Santa Fe rails are already in place. Commuter rail is faster and more reliable
than buses. Buses would be stuck on the same congested highways as cars.
Running them on shoulders is slow and is intended for bottleneck relief only.
FACT
A railroad construction agreement needs to be signed before the state
devotes funding to the project.
Until the project is funded, BNSF has little incentive to negotiate a contract
because the project, without funding, won't exist. Negotiations with the
railroad are at the same point in Northstar's development as they have been
with every other commuter rail project throughout the country. Obviously,
there is nothing to negotiate or sign if the project isn't funded.
FACT
People love their cars and wouldn't use Northstar commuter rail.
No one expects people to sell their cars because commuter rail is operating.
Automobiles are still needed for mobility within the corridor. The NCDA
expects corridor residents to respond to commuter rail in the same way they
have responded to the express bus service currently in service in the metro
area. If the service saves time, avoids parking fees, is reliable, timely, safe and
avoids mental frustration of congestion, people will leave their cars at the
park-and-ride lot and opt for the more cost effective and convenient
alternative.
p. 4 May 9, 2002
FACT
Funding Highway 10 improvements is more cost effective.
According to MnDOT there are neither plans nor funds earmarked for the next
20 years for a Highway 10 upgrade. A roads-only approach in the Hwy10/47
corridor is not cost effective When compared to costs of the commuter rail
system. For example, it will cost more than $900 million in 2002 dollars to
expand highway 10 from Minneapolis to Rice/St. Cloud.
Myth
,FACT
Northstar surveys show that most people would use the train to go to
the airport or Mall of America, not to commute to work.
Surveys show that 23% of corridor residents are interested in using the
service to get to work. If 10% of commuters used Northstar, we would need to
add more cars and/or increase service immediately. If residents use Northstar
for shopping or pleasure, fare box recovery will be even better than projected.
Myth
FACT
Commuter rail doesn't work.
According to the FTA's National Transit Database, nationwide transit ridership
has increased every year since 1996. In 1999 and 2000, the growth in trips on
transit actually increased more than the growth in trips by automobile travel.
18 commuter rail systems are currently operating in the country, 21 more are
proposed.
Myth
FACT
80% of Highway 10 construction costs could be shifted to the federal
government.
If the goal is to bring more federal funds to Minnesota, that can be most
effectively accomplished by supporting the Northstar project, not Highway 10
construction. Federal gas tax dollars for highways are allocated to the states
by formula. Minnesota currently utilizes all available federal highway
construction dollars. Any additional projects would need to be funded with
100% state dollars. Federal gas tax dollars set aside for transit are allocated
partially by formula and partially by a nation-wide competitive fund. Northstar
currently has "recommended" status by the FTA in the nation-wide
competitive fund and is included in President Bush's recommended budget for
fiscal 2003.
p. 5 May 9, 2002
My~
FACT
This corridor congestion is an isolated problem.
Highway 10 motorists must use Highway 101/I-94, Highway 169, Highway 252,
Highway 47 or 35W to get to Minneapolis. All of these routes are heavily
congested at rush hour. Major improvements on these routes would also be
necessary in order to provide relief for the Highway 10 commuter. This is one
of the reasons that the 30 local units of government comprising the NCDA
concluded that getting automobiles off of Highway 10 was the most cost
effective alternative. It will have region wide impact.
FACT
Funding the Northwest Busway would be a better solution.
The Northwest Busway in Hennepin County is separated from the Northstar
Corridor by the Mississippi River and serves a different travel shed. It would
be like saying that funding a busway along Highway 13 in Dakota County
would solve traffic congestion on Interstate 494 in Bloomington.
SUMMARY
1. Northstar would lessen pressure on roads during times of
peak congestion.
2. Northstar would encourage development, both business
and residential.
3. Northstar is the most cost-effective transportation option
available.
4. Northstar is flexible; increasing capacity is as easy
purchasing more passenger cars.
5. Northstar is supported by 80 percent of Northstar Corridor
residents.
p. 6 May 9, 2002
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
June 6, 2002
NCDA Executive Committee
Commissioner Paul McCarron, Chair of the Inter-Governmental
Coordinating Committee
Options for the NCDA's Future
To assist us in our consideration of the future of the NCDA and the Northstar
Commuter Rail Project, I have asked staff to develop several options. The
attached discussion paper lays out three scenarios and discusses the pro's and
con's of each. It is my recommendation that the NCDA move forward to
implement Option #3 as described on page one of the discussion paper.
Action Requested: Recommendation to the NCDA
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3'L~Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.northstz~rtr~in.org
June 6,2002
OPTIONS FOR NCDA CONSIDERATION
Option #1: Quit
The first option is to terminate the NCDA and to stop work on the Northstar
Commuter Rail Project.
Advantaqes -
· No additional expenditure of time or money
Disadvantaqes -
· Commuter rail is unlikely to happen without local advocacy
Congestion on Highway 10 will continue to grow with no transportation
alternatives planned.
· Public demand will not be met.
· Federal funding will be lost
Option #2: Wait and See
The second option is to maintain the NCDA organization but reduce its level of
effort to minimal activities. The NCDA would serve as a forum for information
sharing, but no longer act as the primary advocate for Northstar Commuter Rail
Project.
Advantaqes -
· The NCDA is in place to monitor activities
· Expenditures would be minimal
Disadvantaqes -
· Commuter rail is unlikely to happen in Northstar Corridor
· Congestion will grow
· State and federal dollars likely to be used elsewhere
· Public support and project momentum will be lost.
Option #3: Continue 2001-2002 Efforts
A third option is to continue the NCDA's efforts to develop commuter rail in the
Northstar Corridor, as a grassroots initiative. Current activities include intensive
public information and support development activities, lobbying on the State and
Federal levels, promotion and technical assistance with transit oriented
development around stations, and advice and comment on Mn/DOT's project
development activities. In addition, it is recommended that the NCDA increase
efforts to build coalitions with other rail corridors and transit/transportation groups
seeking funding from the Minnesota Legislature.
June 6,2002
Advanta,qes -
· Success is most likely under this option, building on the foundation of the
NCDA's work of last 5 years and last Session
· Northstar more likely to retain top priority position for rail development in
Minnesota
· Northstar more likely to retain some opportunity for federal funding
· Support of corridor residents and businesses will be maintained and
enhanced
· Opportunities to broader base of support developed through coalition
building will increase likelihood of success
· Opportunities for transit oriented development and potential property
acquisition will not be lost through inaction
· Potential opportunity for grant funding
Disadvantaqes -
· Potential expense
0
0
0
z
c-
O
r-
123 u-~ u~
11 Dallas C. Sams &
Charles A. Berg
1 lB Mary Ellen Otremba
13 Dean E. Johnson
13A open
14 Michelle Fischbach
14A open
14B Doug Stang &
Steve Dehler
15 Dave Kleis
15A Jim Knoblach
15B Joe Opatz
19 Mark Ourada
19A Bruce Anderson
19B open
FITHST II
Minnesota
Legislative
Districts
32Warren L
3ZAAdo~
32B Rictesterberg
Bernardy
52 Michelle Bachmann &
Jane Krentz
N
52ARay Vandeveer
53 Mady Reiter
53A Philip Krinkie
53B Harry Mares
54 John Marty
54A Mindy Greiling
54B Carl Jacobson
POTENTIAL
POTENTIAL FU
59 Lawrence Pogemiller
59A Len Biernat
59B Phyllis Kahn
T.H.
10
Multi-Moo----
62 Julie Ann Sabo
62.A Jim Davnie
Prepared by the Anoka County G.I.S. Department
Apdl 17, 2002
0
C~
0
0
0
0
X
0
Proposed Contract Actions
Relating to the 2002 Budget Amendment
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with David Loch to increase the contract amount by $20,000.
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with Kenneth Stevens to increase the contract amount by $15,000.
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with Richardson, Richter and Associates, Inc. to increase the contract amount
by $50,000.
Authorize the chair to finalize negotiations and execute an agreement with the Anoka
County Regional Railroad Authority to provide public information services relating to the
Northstar Commuter Rail Project, in the amount of $95,000 for a term of June 21,2002
through December 31,2002.
DRAFT COMMUNICATIONS BUDGET
JUNE - DECEMBER 2002
Himle Homer Inc. (as of June 6, 2002)
Situation Analysis
· Northstar has enjoyed significant public support from corridor residents
· General public needs to be kept informed about project if decision is to proceed with
new state/federal funding proposal
· Supporters need reinforcement after 2002 session defeat
· Summer/fall of 2002 offers an opportunity to further enlist new supporters of the
project within the corridor
· Opportunity also exits to develop effective coalitions across MN with other
transportation supporters that did not receive funding in 2002
Public Information Stratec~v
· Widen and extend the corridor to communicate with Minnesotans who support and
may use Northstar even though they reside outside the official corridor.
· Aggressively communicate the benefits of Northstar to the general public and how
they can help.
· Enlist current supporters and recruit new supporters of the project to communicate
with their associates and stakeholders.
· Provide information to candidates running for various public offices so they can make
informed decisions about the project.
Public Information Bud.qet (June - December 2002)
Research (corridor survey update)
Materials/Expenses
Web site revisions/email updates
Communication/Updates
corridor-wide newsletter
supporter updates
opinion leader updates (statewide)
candidate communication (statewide)
Project coordinator fees
Supporter recruitment
News media
Advertising (billboards)
Contingency
Sub-total:
$ 8,O0O
19,000
6,000
70,000
20,000
5,000
3,000
15,000
12,000
7,000
25,000
10,000
$200,000
Professional fees
$120,000
Total: $320,000
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