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5.3. SR 11-19-2001MEMORANDUM Item # 5.3. TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council ~/~ Scott Harlicker, Senior Plann November 19, 2001 North'star Corridor Update At the NCDA meeting held on November 1~ the Authority listened to a presentation on the public information program. The program will include billboards along the corridor and bumper stickers. The Commissioner of Transportation, Elwyn Tinklenberg, explained that after recent discussions with the FTA the entire corridor from Minneapolis to Rice Lake will be included in the federal funding application. The approval to move forward to final design is contingent on the state providing about 120 million dollars in matching funding. The Authority also received an update on the state legislature. The Cities are being asked to reaffirm their support for the Northstar Corridor by adopting a new resolution of support. A resolution of support for the development of the Northstar Commuter Rail is attached for your consideration. DOCUMENT2. City of Elk River Resolution of Support for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project Whereas, the City of Elk River is a member of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority, established by Joint Powers Agreement in 1997; and Whereas, demographic projections indicate that growth patterns and traffic congestion in both the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the Northstar Corridor will increase dramatically in the next 20 years; and Whereas, the City of Elk River supports Northstar commuter rail from Minneapolis to the St. Cloud/Rice area to help relieve pressure on an overburdened state highway system; and Whereas, the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project, when completed, will provide greater access to and from the City of Elk River, allowing our residents to commute to and from jobs reliably and safely; and Whereas, Northstar Corridor commuter rail will provide a viable transportation alternative for Elk River senior citizens on fixed incomes, students and those with disabilities; and Whereas, the Hiawatha and bus connections will allow Elk River residents access to other parts of the Twin Cities, such as the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Mall of America, and the University of Minnesota; and Whereas, City of Elk River has endorsed the proposed station location by its approval of the Advanced Corridor Plan; and Whereas, the commuter rail station will provide the City of Elk River with a focal point for transit oriented development and the opportunity to contain urban sprawl; and Whereas, the City of Elk River's ongoing support for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project has been demonstrated by its active involvement in the Northstar Corridor Development Authority since 1997; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City of Elk River hereby reaffirms its support for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project; Now, therefore, be it further resolved, that the City of Elk River requests that the Minnesota Legislature authorize $120 million in state bonds to provide a match for the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River, Minnesota, this 19th day of November 2001. Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor ATTEST Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk Agenda Thursday, November 1, 2001 4:30 p.m. Sherburne County Government Center Elk River, MN Action Requested 1. Minutes of the October 6, 2001 NCDA Meeting* Approval Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Report a) Update on Plan B and Public Information Activities b) Demonstration Project Static Display Information CRCCC Report a) Financing Plans for Funding Corridor from Big Lake to Rice* b) Northstar Commuter Coach Service* c) Proposed Source of Operating and Maintenance Funds* d) Update on Meeting with FTA Information Legislative Update a) Inter-Governmental Coordination Committee Information 5. Downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal Station Area Plan* Information 6. Other * Documentation Enclosed Next Meeting: December 6, 2001 Agenda Item #1 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met in special session on October 4, 2001 in the Board Room at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota. This special meeting was called by Chair Wergin. All members received proper notice or consented to a lesser notice. Present were: Betsy Wergin, Paul Ostrow, Mark Stenglein, Steve Billings, Gary Erickson, Tom Gamec, Stephanie Klinzing, Gary Hammer, Renee Zeleny, Greg Bruestle, Stephen Peka, Elliott Perovich, Dan Erhardt, Dean Michalko, Jim Barton, Dartrell Lipscomb, Patrick Wuzzo, Tim Yantos, John Himle, Bill Schreiber, Patrick Sexton, Patrick Klaers, Steve Novak, Ray Friedl, Brian Bensen, Peg Aho, David Loch, Jeff Dehler, Lona Schreiber, Peter McLaughlin, Don Meyer, Lewis Stark, Terry Nagorski, Robert Kirchner, John N. Norgren, Ewald Petersen, Bob Johnson, John Ellenbecker, Duane Cekalla, Duane Grandy, Patrick Cairns, Mitch Fiedler, Luci Botzek, Rick Speak, Gordon Voss, Alicia Vap, Colleen Herrmann, Kelli Neu, Ken Paulson, Kirsti Marohn, Jay McLinden, Sue Youngs, Michelle Madison, Jim McLean, Elwyn Tinklenberg, Shannon Baudia Klein, Margo LaBau, Muktar Thakur, Mike Schadauer. 1. The special meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Chair Wergin. Agenda: John Norgren moved approval of the Special Meeting agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Duane Grandy and approved unanimously. o Minutes of the September 6, 2001 Meeting: Duane Grandy made a motion approving the minutes of the September 6, 2001 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Patrick Cairns and approved unanimously. Mn/DOT Action to Terminate the Northstar Corridor at Big Lake: Overview of Mn/DOT's Submittal to FTA: Ken Stevens explained that the recent submittal by Mn/DOT: 1) has the corridor terminus as the City of Big Lake instead of St. Cloud/Rice; 2) changes the completion date to 2005; 3) only reduces capital costs by 8% even though it cuts the corridor size in half; and 4) delays the request to enter final design. Chair Wergin introduced ElwynTinklenberg, Commissioner of Department of Transportation, Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that when you submit a grant application to the FTA, you have to meet certain criteria. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that Mn/DOT staff put the application together based on the FTA's criteria. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that there are two important criteria that need to be met, including: local funding and cost per incremental rider. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the FTA told him that the Northstar Project would not get a recommended status if the project as a whole was submitted for a recommendation. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that he can't o press hard to the Governor for the state share if the project doesn't have a recommended status from FTA. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that for the grant portion of the funding, Mn/DOT felt it was best to get funding from the FTA on segments of the Project to go from Minneapolis to Big Lake. Commissioner Tinklenberg further noted that nobody is proposing that the Corridor be terminated at Big Lake. He noted that the Northstar Project will be funded in part by a grant from the FTA and part from the Legislature. Commissioner Tinklenberg further noted that the State match is for the entire Corridor. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that Mn/DOT would also be pursuing direct appropriations from other state funds (ITS, transit, parking lots, etc). He noted that he needs to bring all pieces together to reflect a model corridor plan which has received backing from the USDOT and various agencies of administration. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that there are lots of funding pots to go after, the FRA, FTA, etc. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that this submittal to the FTA is a funding strategy not a proposal to terminate the project at Big Lake. Steve Billings asked what kind of assurances there are that this plan to get money from all different pots is going to come together. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that pieces are in place and that NCDA and Mn/DOT have the political influences to make it happen. Commissioner Tinklenberg further noted that direct appropriations specific to the Northstar Project can come from different areas (intercity rail, FRA safety improvements). There are lots of different opportunities for the Project to get funding and this will also give Congressman Oberstar the opportunity to pick from a larger package and should give the Project a very good shot at receiving its funding. Steve Billings noted that the submittal with the Project terminating at Big Lake had obviously been in the works before now. He noted that the biggest problem seems to be communication. He asked if it would not have been less confusing if the information had been submitted to the NCDA Executive Committee / CRCCC sooner and how can we prevent this confusion from happening in the future. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that he had had a number of conversations in Washington D.C. and that his secretary had been trying to schedule a meeting prior to the 18th, He also noted that other events that were occurring in the nation and the State workers strike caused delays in getting the information completed and finding a day to set a meeting. Chair Wergin noted that she was suppose to meeting with Margo LaBau on the 12th, but that meeting got cancelled. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that he was suppose to meeting with people on Monday, October 1st, to discuss this issue. Paul McCarron noted that he appreciates Commissioner Tinklenberg giving the NCDA members a full view of what needs to take place. Mn/DOT Action to Terminate the Northstar Corridor at Big Lake: Resolution 2001-08: Paul McCarron noted that on May 3, 2001, the NCDA had passed Resolution 2001-04, which states that the NCDA recommended to the Commissioner of Transportation of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Commuter Rail that the preferred alternative for the Northstar Corridor be that the commuter rail service run on the existing BNSF rail line from downtown Minneapolis to a northern terminus at Rice, Minnesota and that the length of the rail line by approximately 82 miles. Paul McCarron is providing to the NCDA, Resolution 2001-08, for consideration. This resolution states that the NCDA goes on record as strongly supporting continued efforts to fund and develop the Northstar Corridor from Minneapolis to Rice in the first phase of development and that the NCDA submits this resolution to Minnesota's congressional delegation, recognizing that Congress will make the final decision regarding the funding and length of the Corridor. Paul McCarron noted that there are more important things then just the bottom line, such as environment conditions (physical and social). He further noted that two major cities need to be joined so that students and aging veterans can move between the major universities and hospitals. He noted that the NCDA members need to make sure that the cities get the service they are deserving of and that friends in the Minnesota Legislature and Washington D.C. know that Greater Minnesota is being treated fairly. Paul McCarron further noted that the NCDA members need to continue their vigilance in getting the funding for the Project. Paul McCarron made a motion that the NCDA approve Resolution 2001-08 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Patrick Cairns. Chair Wergin noted that she believes there should be a fourth whereas added to the Resolution. This whereas should read: the original corridor links the economic, employment and educational centers of the metro area and central Minnesota including the state's two largest VA hospitals and two major state university systems. Tom Gamec and Duane Grandy thanked the Commissioner and others for their support on this issue. Peter McLaughlin introduced himself as a Hennepin County Commissioner and Chair of the Metropolitan LRT Joint Powers Board. Commissioner McLaughlin noted that the LRTJPB had been partners with the NCDA in their effort to develop the Northstar Project. He further noted that he had testified in Washington on the Twin Cities Transitways Project which the Northstar Project is a part of and that he continues to lobby in Washington and at the Minnesota Legislature to get funding. Commissioner McLaughlin noted that the LRTJPB had at its October meeting passed a resolution requesting that the Northstar Corridor receive funding for the project all the way to St. Cloud/Rice. He also noted that the NCDA's funding problem is less in Washington D.C. than in Minnesota and that the NCDA needs to keep its Greater Minnesota support with Paul McCarron as its chief. Patrick Wuzzo noted that by no means did the town of Big Lake ever plan to be an end. He further noted that the City does not have the space necessary for a larger parking lot, etc. John Ellenbecker asked what assurance the NCDA has that the Governor will include funding to the City of Rice in his transportatior, package. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that there are no quarantees, but it will be in Mn/DOTs request for funding to the Legislature. Commissioner Tinklenberg also noted that the Governor is supportive of funding for the whole Corridor. John Ellenbecker noted that it makes him nervous that the request for funding is only for the Project to Big Lake. Chair Wergin noted that the Project is operating on a three legged stool: Congress, FTA and Minnesota Legislature and that if we lose one of the legs, the project would be halted. Chair Wergin stated her belief that we need to go forward with the project as a whole. Ewald Peterson asked how the relation to the IRC and Hwy 10 studies that gives the NCDA tools to go to Congress and the Minnesota Legislature for addition funding for the Northstar Project. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that they have people help bring all the pieces together into the process so things are considered together and that the IRC and Hwy 10 witl be a central area. Commissioner Tinklenberg also noted that Hwy 10 is an alternate defense route. Lewis Stark asked how if Commissioner Tinklenberg sees the northern end of the project getting split from the southern end and being delayed. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that Mn/DOT is going to do the project as one package. Commissioner McCarron accepted the amendment to the Resolution 2001-08 with the addition of the fourth whereas and the Resolution passed unanimously on a voice vote. Duane Cekalla noted that in May, the NCDA had talked about maintaining an open line of communication with Mn/DOT. He cautioned that Mn/DOT's staff needs to keep the lines of communication flowing with the NCDA. Mr. Cekalla further noted that the further north you go along the Corridor, the more people know about commuter rail. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that he respects the advice of the NCDA members and that the reaction of the NCDA to Mn/DOT's submittal to the FTA represents a serious challenge to public credibility and that public support is critical. Commissioner Tinklenberg asked that if there is a question, please contact him. He further noted that he as committed to this project as the members are. John Norgren noted that the commuter bus is receiving great participation, and shows how important commuter rail is to the Corridor. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the commuter bus project shows Mn/DOT's commitment to this project. Ewald Petersen asked if the project will be pushed back again in the Legislature. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the priority in the next legislative session will be transportation. John Ellenbecker noted that he did not expect that the NCDA would have a voice in all decisions, but would hope that the NCDA would have some input in all decisions, and not simply being told after decisions have been finalized. Patrick Cairns asked how the Minnesota workers strike had an impact on Mn/DOT not being able to inform the NCDA prior to the submittal to the FTA. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that Mn/DOT had to have the submittal done before Mn/DOT staff went on strike and were pressed for time. He also noted that he had had a conversation with Congressman Oberstar and Dan Erhart and that they were putting final pieces together before the meeting Paul McCarron noted that the NCDA needs to talk about what it is going to do now. Bob Johnson noted his concern that a communications plan needs to be developed and outlining the resolve of this group. He further noted that his plan needs to be perfectly clear and that communication with others on funding needs for the Northstar project be continued. Paul Ostrow noted that it is necessary that the NCDA share its concerns with the Commissioner of Transportation about plans being finalized by Mn/DOT without NCDA being updated or given a chance to comment. Paul ©strow noted that there should have been an opportunity for input from the NCDA prior to the submittal to the FTA. Next Meeting: Chair Wergin noted that the NCDA will have a November meeting and an Executive Committee and CRCCC meetings, and that Mn/DOT is always welcome at these meeting. Chair Wergin asked if Mn/DOT could better spell out the funding scenarios at the November 1 NCDA meeting. Consideration of Establishment of an Inter-Governmental Coordinating Committee: Chair Wergin at Paul McCarron's request regarding the need for the NCDA to speak out at the Legislature, gave an overview of Paul McCarron's suggestion that the NCDA form an Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee. Chair Wergin asked who should be on the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee. Steve Billings made a motion that an Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee be established by the NCDA and that Paul McCarron, Betsy Wergin, and Rick Speak be named to serve as members. Mr. Billings further moved that membership of this committee shall be reviewed annually beginning at the NCDA Executive Committee meeting in January 2002. Renee Zeleny questioned why a nonelected person was on this committee. Paul McCarron noted that Rick Speak will bring the flavor of professional administration to this policy making body. Tom Gamec asked what this committee would be doing and whether a fourth person could be added to the committee, someone from St. Cloud perhaps. Chair Wergin noted that the committee will be forming strategies, the strategies will then go out to NCDA members for them to use in notifying their respective legislators. Mark Stenglein noted that this will be a valuable committee. Steve Billings asked if it was the consensus of the body, that a fourth person from St. Cloud be added to the committee. Renee Zeleny noted that she is not questioning Mr. Speak's commitment to serve the NCDA, but that she would rather there be an elected official named to the committee. Paul McCarron noted that Mr. Speak has been around the political arena a long time and that in January the NCDA can review its decision about who should be on the committee. Ewald Petersen made a motion to add John Ellenbecker as the fourth member of the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee. The motion passed on a voice vote, with one member voting nay. Steve Novak, Anoka County Lobbyist, noted that he had teamed with Mn/DOT over the last few years and that Mn/DOT's new plan is going to make lobbying at the State Legislature harder. He noted that the Northstar project is seeking federal/state and local funding. Mr. Novak asked Commissioner Tinklenberg if, as he worked through this project with Congressman Oberstar to create MOS funding areas, do the other pots of funds have a 50% funding match. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that it is his assumption that it is going to be the same match that is currently proposed. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that in the June report, the analysis included the terminus of Rice and that everything is premised on the project as a whole. Margo LaBau noted that the application to the FTA is a request for a grant not the project. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the Northstar Project needs a FTA recommended rating. Steve Novak suggested and hopes that Governor Ventura fully understands what is going on. Mr. Novak further noted that the NCDA needs to get out in front on the funding issue. He also asked that the Legislature be made aware of that fact that the Commissioner Tinklenberg made the decision to change the funding request for the Project Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the FTA told Mn/DOT that if they had to make a decision on the whole corridor, we would probably not get a recommended rating. Mr. Novak noted that the NCDA needs fact and needs them soon. Peter McLaughlin asked if Congressman Oberstar should be asked to talk to FTA and issue a statement to them recommending that they give a recommended rating for the project from Minneapolis to Rice. Commissioner McLaughlin further noted that if the State funding were in place, a recommended rating would probably be achieved. Steve Billings and Chair Wergin thanked Commissioners Tinklenberg and McLaughlin for being at the meeting. There being no further business, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m. 00T-I9-2001 F~] Ot ;25 ?~ ?~O~:A$8T COM~ ~ gOT 296 6135 Agenda Item ~%3a Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project Fund2ng Source Ta!~ug Points It is the Minn~ota Deparmaem of Transportatlon's (Ma/DOT) intention to construct thc entire North_~mr Corrldor commuter rail l{n¢ fi-om Minn~.apnlis to Ric~. Thc Northstar Corridor commuter rail line will t~ot be ¢ligibl0 for any f~clera/funds un,let any federal program unless the entire state match {$120 million) is committed this year. Funding for lhe Northstar Corridor is a critical el~mcnt, particularly federal funds. Simil~ to most major transportation projects, multiple fundlng sources are required to fund projects. The Northstar Corridor [:n, uject will 1:~ optimally positioned to receive fedexaI funds if . multipl, sources am pursued. The Ped~al Tr~si: Administration, through a Full Funding Grant Agreement proton, prioritize~ projecm based on its New Start~ Criteria. Based on the campetkivc re, quirem~ats of au FFGA, the Minncapolis to Big lake segment is a likely ctmdidalo for $ucc~s.s. Mn/DOT is pursuing additional and all po~siblo f~al fundiag options for the Northstar CorridaC for the rem~!ug portiort of thc corridor from Big Lake to Rice. These sources include bur are not limited to. the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration. other FI?A sources relating to other transit funding categories and/or sp~Afic earmarks. Mn/D~ haz engaged tho services of an expert coasultant to provide guidance ia leverag~g ~tz/O d0lllns, against federal programs tO bring the entire project to consu'ucfion. Mu/DOT is commit:ed m and confident that funding for thc full length of the Northstar Corridor from Minneapolis to Rice will be obtained. Agenda Item ~3b TO: Tim Yantos, Project Director NCDA From: Tim Kirchoff, Supervisor of Transit Operations and Planning RE: Northstar Commuter Coach Operations Update Date: October 17, 2001 At the most recent meeting of the Anoka County Regional Rail Authority, Commissioner Paul McCarron had requested that an operations update of the Northstar Commuter Coach (NCC) demonstration project be presented at the next meeting of the NCDA. I have spoken with Jolm Tocho, MnDOT's Project Director for the NCC and he has informed me that detailed operations data is not currently available since the service has just entered its third week of operation. I do anticipate that once the project has some history more detailed information will be available. You may recall that the NCC provides 8 inbound and 8 outbound trips each weekday. The service begins at 5:25 AM in Elk River stopping at the Coon Rapids/Riverdale park and ride lot and terminates at the 5th Street Transit Station in Downtown Minneapolis 55 minutes later. Each coach bus has 57 seats for a total capacity of 456 passengers each drive period. The following chart illustrates the number of inbound passenger boardings for the first thirteen days of operation: Northstar Commuter Coach 200- 150~ 100. 50. 0. 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 Octobe r, 2001 Daily Inbound Passenger Boardings Between October 1 and October 17 the number of passengers has increased over 53%. It can be assumed that afternoon outbound trips are experiencing similar passenger loads. Minnesota Department of Transportation Agenda Item ~3c Office of Passenger Rail Transit Mail Stop 475 395 John Ireland Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: 651/215-6800 Fax: 651/284-4113 Date: October 12, 2001 To: Northstar Commuter Rail Corridor Coordinating Committee Regarding: Information Request Meeting Date: October 18, 2001 Subject: Proposed Source of Operating and Maintenance Funds The proposed source of Northstar commuter rail operating and maintenance funds is a combination of passenger revenues (fare box), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants, and the State of Minnesota General Fund. The estimated percentages and values for each for some of the early operating years are shown below. (Fiscal year 2007 will be the first full year of operation.) Each of the figures is in that year's dollars and is for service between Minneapolis and R.i~e, Minnesota. Sources of FY 2007 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY' 2009 Operating Funds $ Passenger $ 4.39 29.4 % $ 4.76 31.1% $ 4.90 31.2 % Revenue FTA Sect 5307 $ 5.39 36.1% $ 5.39 35.2 % $ 5.39 34.4 % Minnesota $ 5.15 34.5 % $ 5.16 33.7 % $ 5.40 34.4 % General Fund Total $14.93 I 100.0 % $15.31 100.0 % $15.69 100.0 % The FTA grants are proposed to come from Section 5307 urban formula grants. The formulae a_r_e_~?sed on demo?_ap_h_ic_,_ level of service, ridership, and operating costs v~f/a~l~s. Our plan aSsumes that the funding increment that results from the additional fixed guideway route miles and additional fixed guideway vehicle miles of service pertaining to Northstar Corridor commuter rail service will be made available to the project. This will require cooperation with among the corridors transit agencies, including the designated recipients: Met Council and St. Cloud MTC. FTA limits the application of these grants to capital purposes, but an exception i_s made. for maintenance expenses that protect the system's assets. We will have' to apply ail uf · these funds to preventative maintenance. Mike Schadauer Mn/DOT Northstar Corridor Rail Project Manager An equal opportunity employer Newsletter #2 October 2001 About the Project The Downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal Station Area Plan is a study of land use, traffic patterns, and transit and pedestrian facilities w/thin a V~mile radius of the proposed Multi-Modal Station between 5th and 7th Streets along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Raikoad tracks. Tiffs rail line is adjacent to the Hennepin Energy Resource Center and the Ford Centre. The Multi-Modal station is the terminal for the Northstar Conmauter Rail Line and will serve the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Line. In the future, tiffs station may serve other transit lines now under stud~Dan Patch and Central Corridor Commuter Rail Lines and Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) Corridor. Summary of Workshop 2 The second workshop for the multi- modal station area planning effort was held on September 24. Those in attendance represented area businesses, residents and public agency staff along with the consultant team. The intent of this meeting was to present alternative concepts for the study area and receive input from those who are most familiar -ith it: business and property owners ,nd residents. Framework Principles The consultant team articulated three principles--Connectivity, Activity, and Sustainability--that were used to frame development of alternatives for the study. Connectivity goals include pedestrian connections to Downtown and the River; accessibility to transit; and reconnecting the street grid across the freeway and the rail corridor. Activity goals are to use commuter rail for joint development; use light rail transit to reinforce mixed-use development patterns along the LRT route (mixed-use development with residential/employment/retail uses would increase activity and improve the perception of safety); and to extend the themes from projects and corridors west of the 1-94 freeway into the study area along Glenwood Ave. and Olson Highway. Sustainability goals for the natural environment include an expanded system of green places--a Downtown Greenway extension of the Cedar Lake Trail in the rail corridor and partial daylighting of Bassett Creek to create terraced ecological zones around restored water features. Alternatives Alternatives were developed for three focus areas in the four study districts that were defined at the first workshop. The focus areas are the Sunken Area in the Station Area Core District, that includes the rail corridor and the freeway trench, the Viaduct Area that runs along Third and Fourth Ave. to 1-94 in the North Loop District, and the Farmers Market Area between Royalston and Lyndale Ave. in the Far West District. Alternatives for the Sunken Area were organized around development of a two- level street system (see figure below) ' * Uppe Level ~~ Fourth Avenue J.,...,,...,,.~ Re~i d~ nt iai, ~=~ Greenway / t ~' ~ Comrmmia, / ~ Fletail at Street Northstar / Storage Tracks' Lower Level Comrn~er Under Building Four[' h Avenue Rail View of Fifth Street at Fourth Avenue The two-level system would reconnect the downtown street grid between Third Street (across the freeway trench) and Fifth Street along Fourth Ave. and would provide development opportunities along the rail corridor. Activity patterns were illustrated with mixed-use residential/ employment/retail buildings that would have space for commuter rail at the ground level. The two-level street system was used to develop an elevated greenway concept to bring the bikeway onto Upper Fourth Ave. between Seventh St. and Washington Ave. Variations were developed that provided for new streets at the lower level only (with the greenway also at the lower level) and for no new connections across the freeway trench. For the Viaduct Area, an alternative was developed that removed the freeway viaduct (see next page). It was replaced by making Third and Fourth Streets one way. Development potential was identified along Fourth St. The potential LRT extension to the Southwest Corridor (plans are currently preliminary and unfunded) was used to Hennepin County Department of Transit and Community Works 417 North Fifth Street, Suite 320 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1362 Workshop #3 October 30, 2001 PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MPLS MN PERMIT NO.3272 Alternatives - continued inform the design along FiPah St., Royalston Ave., and Olson Hwy to suggest liner buildings adjacent to the Hennepin Energy Recycling Center. For the Farmers Market Area, two mixed-use alternatives were developed to respond to initiatives happening west ofi-94. Along Glenwood Ave., designer services are expanding near International Market Square, and along Olson Hwy, the Near Northside project will bring new residential and mixed-use commercial. Activity would focus commercial/retail mixed-use along Glenwood and industrial/ commercial along Olson Hwy. An expanded Farmers Market was included at the furore Royalston LRT stop. Next Steps The project team will be refming the concepts presented at the workshop, preparing design guidelines, and developing implementation strategies. Farmers Market~ Mixed Use Cor~ Far West District ~ F~mem Market 'Daylighted BasseU: Ford Multim0dal Cen~e Station LRT placement Conoept - North Loop Workshop #3 Please Join Us! Date: October 30, 2001 Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Location: City of Minneapolis Public Works Curde Maintenance Facility 1200 Curde Avenue in Minneapolis Topics: Presentation of Final Concept Plan and Implementation Guidelines If you would like to have an interpreter present at this workshop or have special needs, please contact: Hennepin County Transit & Community Works at (612) 596-6985 by October 15, 2001 NCDA Additional Agenda Item Thursday, November 1,2001 4:30 P.M. Sherburne County Government Center Elk River, MN Action Requested Resolution #2001- Commuter Rail Train __ Sponsoring Exhibition of Approval NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2001- SPONSORING EXHIBITION OF COMMUTER RAIL TRAIN WHEREAS, Northstar Corridor Development Authority is undertaking a significant effort to increase public and public officials' awareness and support of the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail project; and WHEREAS, an opportunity may arise to exhibit Bombardier commuter rail cars because the cars will be in transit on their way to be delivered to the Seattle Sounder commuter rail system; and WHEREAS, it may be possible to obtain a commuter rail locomotive from the Sounder commuter rail system in Seattle; and WHEREAS, the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority ("ACRRA"), on behalf of the NCDA, is willing to contribute the necessary funds for NCDA agreements with Amtrak and others for the shipping; movement, security, storage and exhibition of the commuter rail cars; and ' ' WHEREAS, the County of Anoka, on behalf of the NCDA, is willing to provide any necessary property insurance for the train; and WHEREAS, the NCDA wishes to sponsor events displaying the commuter rail train and to provide an opportunity for legislators, local elected officials and invited supporters to tour the train. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority hereby accepts the contributions of the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority and the County of Anoka, and requests the ACRRA to finalize the necessary arrangements for the exhibition of the Bombardier commuter rail cars. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is authorized to enter into agreements with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation ("Amtrak"), Bombardier Transit Corporation, SoundTransit and/or other parties which are necessary or convenient for the commuter rail train exhibition; provided, however, that the amounts payable under these agreements shall not exceed the amounts that the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority contributes for this purpose. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority authorizes the addition of the SoundTransit, Bombardier Transit Corporation, the ACRRA and/or other necessary parties as additional insureds to its general liability policy for purposes of this event. Betsy Wergin, Chairperson Dated: Certification I'hereby certify that the foregoing resolUtion is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development · Authority at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 1st day of November, 2001 as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. . (Name) (Title) FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION PROJECT REVIEW MEETING NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT AGENDA Wednesday, October 31, 2001, 1:30 p.m. Minnesota Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Boulevard, Conference Room 461 Saint Paul, MN 55155 For those participants joining the meea'ng via conference call, the conference telephone number is (651) 284-3574. The . conference identification number is 1217. **Next Quarterly Review Meeting (Tentative) - Wednesday, January 23, 2002, 1:00 p.m.** I. Project Overview - Mike Schadauer A. Brief Summary of Project Status/Identification of Key Impact Issues B. Local Funding Status C. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company Negotiation D. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Status H. Project Issues Local Funding Status - Margo LaBau Current Status: The Minnesota State Legislature did not pass the requested funding in its last session. Mn/DOT will pursue funding with the legislature next legislative session. BNSF Negotiations - Cecil Selness Current Status: BNSF has been in continued communication with Mn/DOT. However, without the state portion of the funding, negotiations have slowed. Project Development - Mike Schadauer Current Status: In June 2001, the Project provided its Preliminary Engineering package to the FTA and its PMOC for review. In September 2001, the Project provided its New Starts Criteria update, identifying an MOS from Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minnesota. Now, the Project will submit a subsequent New Starts Criteria update by November 9, 2001, that will identifying a northwest terminus in Rice, Minnesota. Do Project Plan Forward -Mike Schadauer Current Status: The Project will continue to refine and complete the requirements in preparation for application for a Full Funding Grant Agreement. The Project's next steps are Value Engineering, final design, and the procurement of consultant contract to assist Mn/DOT with operations policy and strategy. E. New Firm - Margo LaBau III. IV. Current Status: Mn/DOT has procured a new contract with the firrn Holland & Knight LLP to assist the department with multi-modal transportation projects, including FTA New Starts projects. Other Items Next Quarterly Review Meetin,e V. Adjournment NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT QUARTERLY REPORT October 31, 2001 I. Introduction II. III. IV. Since the last Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), held on July 26, 2001, the Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) has continued making progress. The multi-modal connection preliminary design plan was approved by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Comments have been received on the draft Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and a finalized version is nearing completion. The Project submitted New Starts Criteria reflecting a Minimum Operable Segment (MOS) fi.om Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minnesota, including the multi-modal connection, on September 28, 2001. After discussions with the FTA, the New Starts Criteria is now being updated to cover the entire corridor fi.om Minneapolis to Rice, Minnesota, and will be resubmitted approximately November 9, 2001. Funding and the MOS As mentioned in the introduction, New Starts Criteria for a MOS from Minneapolis to Big Lake, including the multi-modal connection, was submitted to the FTA on September 28, 2001. There is, however, a great deal of local support for continuing to build the project through to the St. Cloud/Rice area. Based on discussions with the FTA, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) will resubmit the New Starts Criteria for the full Northstar Corridor from Minneapolis to Rice, including the multi-modal connection. This new submittal is expected on November 9, 2001. The top priority in the Mn/DOT capital budget'request is $ i20 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 will be evaluated within the Governor's budget request, which will be finalized around the end of this year and, if included, presented to the 2002 Minnesota legislature during the next session. Preliminary Engineering (PE) The PE package was submitted to FTA on June 1, 2001. Comments have been received fi.om the Project Management Oversight Consultant (PMOC) and several local jurisdictions. Most comments will be addressed during the £mal design phase of the project. The capital cost estimate, Project Management Plan, and Financial Plan were updated in the September 28 New Starts Criteria submittal. These will be revised again in the November 9 New Starts Criteria submittal. New Starts Criteria The Project's New Starts Criteria for the commuter rail MOS fi.om Minneapolis to Big Lake, including the multi-modal connection, was submitted to the Washington, DC, and the Chicago Region V offices of the FTA on September 28. Another copy Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report October 3 I, 2001 was sent to the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center at FTA's request on October 4, 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 Appendix D Annualization Factor Capital Cost Estimate Financial Plan Project Management Plan Volume 3 Land Use and Supporting Documentation As stated earlier, the Project's New Starts Criteria are now being revised to reflect the entire Northstar commuter rail corridor from Minneapolis to Rice, including the multi-modal connection. These will be delivered to FTA and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center' on approximately November 9, 2001. In both cases, the New Starts Criteria have been and will be 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. If you wish us to complete the new User Benefit Model in compliance with the changes to the final rule, we are prepared to work with our staff and consultants to comply with that request. 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 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 September 28. Minnesota statutes require public review of preliminary design plans for an LRT project. Mn/DOT and the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) co-hosted a public heating on the multi-modal connection preliminary Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report October 31,2001 VII. design plan on July 19, 2001. The City of Minneapolis hosted a similar public heating on August 2, 2001, which was continued to August 16, 2001. The city and county were required to provide approval or disapproval of the preliminary design plan wittfin 45 days after the Mn/DOT - HCRRA public hearing. If either entity disapproved, it must identify what must be changed to gain approval. The Hennepin County Board unanimously approved (with one absent) the multi-modal connection preliminary design plan on August 21, 2001. Similarly, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved (with one absent) the plan on August 24, 2001. With its approval, the city identified four traffic and pedestrian issues to be further resolved during final design. The city also identified the possibility of reevaluation of engineering components to allow for a baseball park that could potentially be located adjacent to the commuter rail/LRT station. Land Use Information describing land use along the corridor was also included in the September 28 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 near stations to private investments in station area development. An exciting exan~ple is the 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. This will place 475 housing units within walking distance of the proposed Elk River commuter rail station. The Elk River City Council has approved the zoning necessary for Elk River Station. An environmental assessment of the development is now underway. Community Involvement Since the Project's last quarterly report, there have been a number of community involvement opportunities: August 7, Meet with the Minneapolis Warehouse District Business Association 2001 for input on the multi-modal connection and multi-modal station; Fine Line Restaurant, Minneapolis August Meet with Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association (Minneapolis) 21, 2001 to describe Northstar Corridor Rail Project and Northeast Minneapolis commuter rail station; 601 - 13th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis September Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) Board meeting; 6, 2001 Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River September Big Lake Chamber of Commerce Panel Discussion; Big Lake High 25, 2001 School, Big Lake October 4, NCDA Board meeting; Sherburne County Government Center, Elk Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report October 31, 2001 2001 River October Booth at Northeast Conference and Exhibitor Fair; Minnesota 27, 2001 National Guard Annory, 1025 Broadway Street Northeast, Minneapolis VIII. Project Schedule Milestones for completion of the Northstar Corridor Rail Project are listed below: November Submit revised New Starts Criteria 2001 January Publish FEIS 2002 March Environmental Record of Decision 2002 June 2002 State financial commitment complete June 2002 Submit request to enter final design June 2002 Begin Value Engineering August Begin final design (includes vehicle specifications) 2002 September Submit New Starts Criteria 2002 November Complete Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) Company 2002 negotiations on track and signal capacity improvements May 2003 Be~n vehicle procurement January Full Funding Grant Agreement 2004 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 Legislative Session The next session of the Minnesota State Legislature will commence in February 2002. At the end of the last Special Session, the legislature did not allocate state funding to the Northstar Corridor Rail Project. Mn/DOT is continuing to work with the Administration to identify the Northstar Corridor Rail Project's priority in the capital budget. Northstar Corridor Quarterly Report October 31,2001 Ko XIo Contract for Guidance to Mn/DOT on Multi-modal Transportation Projects In August and September of this year, Mn/DOT underwent a procurement for professional services for a firm that would provide guidance to Mn/DOT on multi-modal transportation projects. 'The scope of this contract includes FTA New Starts projects, as well as highway, freight, and air service projects. The firm will assist in guiding Mn/DOT through the New Starts processes; seeking federal funding for transportation projects, including the reauthorization process; and negotiating with railroads. Three firms submitted proposals for this contract. The successful finn is Holland & Knight LLP, whose team is lead by Jeffrey Boothe. 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 6 October 31,2001 PROJECT: MnfDOT OFFICE OF PASSENGER RAIL PROJECT SUMMARY Updated October 31, 2001 Northstar Corridor Rail Project DATA: An 82 mile corridor from Downtown Minneapolis to St. Cloud/Rice along Trunk Highways 10 and 47. The proposed Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail line would use existing rail tracks owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway and include 11 stations. The commuter line is expected to carry 9340 passengers per day upon opening in December 2005 and 10,829 by the year 2020. The rail line would have intermodal connections to bus transit and to the planned 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. HISTORY: At the request of the 1997 Minnesota Legislature, Mn/DOT initiated the Twin Cities Metropolitan Commuter Rail Feasibility Study. In January 1998, Phase I of the study identified the Northstar Corridor as one of the seven corridors with potential for success. In January 1999, Phase II recommended the Northstar Corridor as the priority corridor. In the Commuter Rail System Plan, completed in January 2000, the Northstar Corridor was identified as the Stage 1 Corridor in Tier 1 staging. ESTIMATED PROJECT CAPITAL COSTS: $294 million in fiscal year 2006 dollars; $270 million for the commuter rail portion and $24 million for the Multi-modal Connection. Funding for the commuter rail capital costs will be split 50% Federal, 40% State, and 10% Local (county~_~_ Multi-modal Connection (LRT extension) capital costs will be split evenly between the Federal- govermnent and State of Minnesota. ESTIMATED PROJECT OPERATING COSTS: Annual operating and maintenance costs are proposed to be split as follows: approximately 30% ($4.4 million in fiscal year 2007 dollars, the first full year of operation) from passenger fares, 35% ($5.4 million) from FTA Section 5307 Preventative Maintenance grants, and 35% ($5.2 million) from the State of Minnesota General Fund. MILESTONES / PROPOSED SCHEDULE: June 2001 March 2002 June 2002 Summer 2002 Early 2004 Spring 2004 End of 2005 Preliminary Engineering & New Starts submitted to FTA Environmental Record of Decision State funding Begin Final Design Full Funding Grant Agreement executed & approved Construction begins Service opens PRIMARY CONTACT: Mike Schadauer 651/282-5366 WEBSITE: http ://www.northstartrain.org The Northstar Corridor Development Authority created this website. ice S~ation & Layover Facility ~. st St.& Division St.) St. Cloud East Station (15th Ave.) Big I.alu Bed(er Station on Coon Rapids ,; Northstar ! Commuiet Rail - MUlti-h~dal Connection to be constructed by Northstar Corridor 5th SI. Fr IIIIIlllll I IIII I Legend Station Location Northstar Rail Hiawatha LRT Station & Maintenance Facility north of TH 1Oat 171st Ave~ Anoka Station south of Johnson St.) Station Central Ave_) MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: [NAME] [TITLE] [ORGANIZATION] Jeff Dehler Northstar Corridor Development Authority 763-323-5705 October XXXX, 2001 Supporting Northstar commuter rail Many people have asked, "What can we do to support the NorthStar commuter rail project?" One of the most important things people can do is to make it clear to their legislators that Northstar is vital to the continued growth and development of the corridor and to the St. Cloud area. Phone calls, meetings and original letters from constituents are still the best way to get a legislator's attention. The attached has been developed to give supporters some of the information they need to make those contacts with legislators. Attached please find: · Three reasons to support Northstar · Northstar fact sheet · Activities to take in support of Northstar · List of Northstar Corridor legislators and whether they support, are neutral on, or don't support Northstar I hope these materials will be of use to you. Please contact me if you have additional questions or needs. There are many good reasons to support the Northstar project. Here are three. Growing area / growing congestion · Who believes our area will stop growing? · Our area continues to be the fastest-growing area in the state. That means we will also see growing traffic and growing congestion. Demand for rail · The public is supportive - and is demanding - more transportation options. · Who isn't spending more time in their car? · Despite rapid population growth, there are no plans to build, expand or increase capacity on the highways in the area. · Northstar residents want a commuter rail system that will link them to their jobs and to their families, friends, the airport, shopping districts, schools, etc. Rail helps highways · Northstar will take the equivalent of roughly 11/2 lanes of automobiles off the roads at times of peak congestion (like morning and afternoon rush hour). · Even if you don't use Northstar yourself, the people that do will help reduce congestion on the roads you are taking. Rail is more dependable · Regardless of rain, snow or traffic conditions, commuter rail will get you to your destination on time. For example, in Chicago, which has a similar climate to ours, the Metra service is on time 98 percent of the time. · People will know they can get to work on time regardless of the weather- or whether someone ahead of you has had a flat tire or got into a fender-bender. We all benefit from commuter rail · Commuter rail passengers will benefit from a reliable, affordable transportation option: - Thousands of commuters will be able to get to work on time every day. Veterans in Elk River or Anoka who need medical services provided only at facilities in St. Cloud and Minneapolis, will be able to take the Northstar rail instead of having to rely on volunteers and family members. Students will be able to commute to either St. Cloud State or the U of M. Business visitors will be able to travel from the airport to St. Cloud easily. With up to 10,000 fewer vehicles on the road each day, highway users will benefit from slower congestion growth: Freight and express packages will be able to get to their destination more quickly. - The economies of the Twin Cities and Minnesota continue to grow with infrastructure improvements. 80- 20- 10- 0' New urban Light rail ($50- Exclusive buswayUpgrade to 4-1aneHwy 10 upgrade Northstar ($3.2) freeway ($40-$75) $60) ($10) ($3-$4) from Anoka to Elk River ($10- $~2) Lower capital costs · As the chart above shows, commuter rail costs less (and is quicker to build) than other forms of transportation. · As needs change and increased capacity is needed, additional cars can very quickly easily be added where needed. · Northstar is needed now. Waiting means costs will only grow higher- for rail and for other options. Efficient to operate · It would take approximately 200 buses to carry as many passengers as the Northstar commuter rail service. · Commuter rail tends to serve those who own a car (sometimes two) but choose to use the rail to reduce their drive time - and reduce congestion. (One study showed that, among bus riders, 70% said they used the bus because they did not drive or had no car available. For train riders, the figure was 17%.) Good for north metro and central Minnesota region · Counties in the Northstar corridor are predicted to continue to grow at double- digit rates for the next two decades. · With Northstar in place, we will be able to control where that growth occurs and provide additional incentives for businesses and residents to locate in our region. · We can't grow and create jobs if traffic is so bad people can't get to them. · Northstar gives central Minnesota and the northern metro a competitive economic development tool to successfully compete against other regions of the state. · In other cities, residential, commercial and industrial development occurs where there is access to a transit rail line. Those areas continue to grow and prosper. We want to be a part of that success. NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR COST VS. OTHER OPTIONS OPENING DATE PROJECTED RIDERSHIP STATIONS TRAINS FARES DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES According to the Minnesota State Demographer, the area along the Northstar Corridor (stretching from the St. Cloud/Rice area to Minneapolis) is the single fastest growing in Minnesota. In addition, by 2020, the Twin City metro area could add about 400,000 jobs and grow in population by roughly 650,000 people. New urban freeway Light rail Exclusive busway Upgrade to 4-lane highway Upgrade Hwy 10 (from Anoka to Elk River) Northstar Corridor $40-75 million per mile $50-60 million per mile $10 million per mile $3-4 million per mile $10-$12 million per mile $3.3 million per mile December 2005 Approximately 10,000 riders per day (3 million annually) 11 planned, most with park and ride lots and feeder bus service -Weekday service: 8 morning, 8 evening, 1 midday -Limited weekend and special event service -150 seats per car -Fully ADA compliant -Amenities include: work tables, restrooms, power outlets Distance based, cost to be determined by operator, will be comparable to bus service fare structure and transferable Mn/DOT, Northstar Corridor Development Agency (NCDA), Met Council, Metro Transit of the Twin Cities, St. Cloud Area Planning Organization, St. Cloud Metro Transit Commission Chamber members, especially those on the government affairs committee, can get involved and help make Northstar a reality by contacting their legislators and letting them they support commuter rail. 0 0 Send letters and schedule meetings with legislators in your area who support the project to thank them and encourage them to continue their leadership through the 2002 session. Send letters and schedule face to face meetings with legislators in your area to discuss the urgency surrounding the issue and explain how it will affect their business directly. Contact House and Senate leadership to let them know why Northstar is important to your employees, your business and your community. Write letters to the editor of your local papers explaining why your area should support Northstar and encouraging others to get involved. O Contact your local cable access and/or radio stations and see if they will do a show on transportation and the need and benefit of commuter rail. 0 Include information on Northstar in the newsletters you send out to your employees; post information where appropriate and publicize the Northstar web site: www. NorthstarTrain.org. With any written communication to legislators, please copy the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at the address below. Jeff Dehler Public Information 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303 KEY LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR COMMUTER RAIL PROJECT GOVERNOR Gov. Jesse Ventura 130 State Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155 SENATE MAJORITY LEADER Sen. Roger Moe 208 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Rep. Steve Sviggum 463 State Office BuiLding 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 SEN. TRANSPORTATION COMM. Sen. Randy Kelly 323 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Claire Robling 143 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Sen. Dick Day 147 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Sen. Dean Johnson 124B Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Keith Langseth 122 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Steve Murphy 306 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Satveer Chaudhary 325 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Sen. Bill Belanger 113 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Sen. David Johnson 124 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Sen. Debbie Johnson 149 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Sen. James Metzen 322 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul. MN 55155-1606 Sen. Mark Ourada 145 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 November 1,2001 Sen. Sandra Pappas 120 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Julie Sabo 317 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Grace Schwab 151 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Mady Reiter 132D State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Don Samuelson 121 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Roy Terwilliger 115 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 SEN. TRANS FINANCE COMM. Sen. Dean Johnson 124B Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Satveer Chaudhary 325 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Dick Day 147 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Sen. Keith Langseth 122 :Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Roy Terwilliger 115 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen, Mark OUrada 145state 0ffib~ B~ilding Sen, Claire Robling Saint Paul, MN 55155-1:206 Sen, RandY Kel!y 323 Capitol 75 Constitution Ave~be Sen, Julie Sab° 317 Capitol 75 Constituti°n AvenUe saint paul; MN '55155,1606 SEN. CAPITAL INVEST. COMM. sen, Keith Langseth 122 Capitol saint :Paul, M N 551:55~ i 606 Sen. Cai Larson 153 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Charles Wiger 301 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Michele Bachmann 125 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Linda Berglin 309 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Steve Dille 103 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Bob Kierlin 127 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Leonard Price 235 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Deanna Wiener 303 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Richard Cohen 317 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Douglas Johnson 205 Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Sheila Kiscaden 135 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Sen. Don Samuelson 121 capitol 75 ConstitUtion Avenue saint PaUl, MN 55155-1606 HOUSE TRANS. POLICY COMM. Rep. Tom Workman 537 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Alice Hausman 245 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Mary Liz Holberg 433 State Office Building 100 Constitution AVenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Al Juhnke 371 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. William Kuisle 565 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Bernie Lieder 323 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. James Clark 551 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. D. Scott Dibble 369 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Larry Howes 431 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Henry Kalis 317 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Dan Larson 221 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Sharon Marko 279 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Carol Molnau 443 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Ray Vandeveer 529 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Torrey Westrom 557 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Connie Ruth 415 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Andrew Westerberg 523 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Ted Winter 247 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 HOUSE TRANS. FINANCE COMM. Rep. Carol Molnau 443 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep, Ray Vandeveer 529 State Office BUildihg 100 Constitution A~enue Saint Pauli MN 55155-1606 Rep. Bernie Lieder 323 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Alice Hausman 245 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Al Juhnke 371 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep: William Kuisle 565 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. James Clark 551 State Office Buildihg 100 C°n stitution A~en~e Saint paUL MN;55155-1606 , Liz HOlberg 433 state Office BUilding 100 conStitution Avenu~ saint paul, MN 55155;1606 Rep. Henry Kalis 317 State office BUildin~ 100 constituti0n A~enue Saint Paul; MN 55i 55-1;606 221 = state Office BUildi~g 100 constitution A~n~ saint paull M N 5~5~606 Rep. Sharon Marko 279 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Andrew Westerberg 523 State Office BUilding 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155,1606 Rep. Dave Bishop 453 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. :Connie Ruth 415 state Office BUildi~ 100 C°nstituti0n A~n~e Saint Paul MN 55155~:i606 Rep .Tom WOrkman 537 state Office BUilding 100 constituti6n Ave%~ saint paul, MN 55155:1606 HOUSE CAPITAL INVEST. COMM. Rep. Jim Knoblach 451 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep..Henry Kalis 317 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. James Clark 551 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Jerry Dempsey 575 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Mindy Greiling 253 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul. MN 55155-1606 Rep. Mike Jaros 291 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Peggy Leppik 485 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Darlene Luther 349 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Doug Fuller 525 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Dave;Bishop 453 State Office BUilding 100 ConStitution AvenUe Saint paul MN 55155~1606 Rep. Roxann Daggett 439 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Geri Evans 211 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Rep. Mark Holsten 381 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Phyllis Kahn 255 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Rep. Eric Lipman 567 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 NCDA LegislatOrs in Support of Project Sen. Michelle Fischbach G-15 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.2084 Rep. Steve Dehler 491 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.7808 Sen. Dave Kleis 107 State Office Building Saint Paul. MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.6455 Sen. Mark Ourada 145 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.5981 Rep. Darlene Luther 349 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.3751 Sen. Linda Higgins 328 Capitol Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.9246 Sen. Myron Orfield 227 Capitol Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.4191 Sen. Don Samuelson 121 Capitol Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.4875 Rep. Leslie Schumacher 217 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.5377 Rep. Tom Hackbarth 577 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.2439 Sen. Leo Foley G-24 Capitol Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.4154 Rep. Luanne Koskinen 301 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4231 Sen. Don Betzold G-9 Capitol Saint Paul. MN 55155-1606 Phone: 763.571.0098 Rep. Joe Opatz 277 State Office Building Saint Paul. MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.6612 Sen. Linda Scheid 303 Capitol Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.8869 Rep. Debra Hilstrom 227 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.3709 Rep. Joe Mullery 387 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4262 Rep, Margaret Anderson Kelliher 231 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.0171 Sen. Dan Stevens 105 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.8075 Sen. Debbie Johnson 149 State Office Building Saint Paul. MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.3219 Rep. Kathy Tingelstad 507 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.5369 Rep. Jim Abeler 581 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.1729 Sen. Jane Krentz 111 Capitol Saint Paul MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.7061 Rep. Bill Haas 569 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.5513 Rep. Connie Bernardy 329 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.5510 Rep. Barb Goodwin 353 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4331 Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller 235 Capitol Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.7809 Rep. Phyllis Kahn 255 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4257 Sen. Satveer Chaudhary 325 Capitol Saint Paul, MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651.296.4334 Rep. Geri Evans 211 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.0141 Rep. Len Biernat 303 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4219 NCDA Legislators Undecided or Opposed Rep. Doug Stang 597 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4373 Rep. Mark Olson 501 State Office Building Saint Paul. MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4237 Sen. Warren Limmer 121 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.2159 Rep. Andrew Westerberg 523 State Office Building Saint Paul. MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4226 Sen. Mady Reiter 132D State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.297.8061 Rep. Carl Jacobson 429 State Office Building Saint Paul MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.7153 Rep. Jim Knoblach 451 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.6316 Rep. Bruce Anderson 411 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.5063 Rep. Arlon Lindner 417 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.7806 Rep. Ray Vandeveer 529 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.4124 Rep. Philip Krinkie 365 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: 651.296.2907 ~ Commuter Bus ......" Commuter Rail Alwlul ~ ltm~y TM 242 ......... ~" / ~ of Am. ic~ P~ul lnternlfional Airport L Conues~ is Ge~ Wlrs8 According to a recent national study from the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), Minnesota is the 15'" most congested area in the nation, up from 18~ in 1998 and 34'" just a decade ago. Minnesotans have noticed. In a recent statewide survey of Minnesotans, 90 percent believe traffic has gotten worse in the last 5 years. 2. Northstar Clrrkkr Residents Sulqxrt / WlB Use Rail 61 percent of Northstar corridor residents intend on using the commuter rail for various purposes if the project is built. If 9,300 riders use commuter rail every day as projected, it will reduce the number of cars on the roads by 11/'2 lanes of traffic. 3. Mmese~ ~ ~ R~ Northstar corridor residents - and Minnesotans.throughout the state - support commuter rail as a viable transportation option. According to a recent survey of residents along the Northstar corridor, 68 percent think the Northstar commuter rail project is a "good" or "very good" idea. In another recent survey, 57 percent of Minnesotans statewide think that commuter rail or light rail should be a priority for fixing transportation problems long;term. Tim Track8 Are Ah'omly Tlmm It just makes sense - an infrastructure for carrying freight traffic can also carry people. The cost will only be $3 million a mile compared to a conservative estimate of $5 million a mile to add a lane to Highway 10. 5. Limited Federal Match Dollars Avaflalde To keep within the federal funding cycle, a state commitment must be made by the 2001 legislature. Money provided by the State of Minnesota will be matched by federal transit dollars. These transit dollars are limited, highly competitive and would be allocated to another state if not requested by the State of Minnesota. -- over, please -- 6. State App'ep"latleo Needed for I mai Deslipl / ef Way Phase I and Phase II Major Investment Studies, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, public hearings, .and approval from the Federal Transit Administration to complete Preliminary Engineering have occurred on the project. The Federal Transit Administration has analyzed the project and ranked Northstar as "recommended". Final design and purchase of right of way are the next step in the process. Rep. K~thy Tingelstad (R-Andover) "Government has - and will always have - a role in helping communities provide quick and efficient means to bring goods and services to market. Commuter rail is a cost-effective, popular and quick solution.' St. Cloud Times, editorial board "...crucial to Central Minnesota's growing links with the Twin Cities is providing enough funding to the Northstar commuter rail project..." Paul Weyrich, President, Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, natiohally known conservative political commentator "The federal share of the money to get [Northstar] up and running is sitting there, waiting. Chicago's Metra covers more than 50% of its operating expenses from the farebox ... and Northstar should be able to do the same. Expanding Highway 10 will cost more than Northstar. From every perspective, commuter rail transit is the right way to go.' Betsy Wergin, Chair, Northstar Corridor Development Authority "The Northstar corridor is the fastest growing area in the state. Commuter rail will help ease congestion by transferdng the equivalent of 1~ lanes of rush hour traffic from the highways to rail. It can move a lot of people quickly and provides a welcomed option for many. It is also good for economic development in the areas in which it operates." Sam Grabarski, President and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council "The Northstar line would have substantial economic benefits for any community west of Minneapolis to St. Cloud. Some legislators fear the cost of the Northstar line as an expenditure... By comparison, the Northstar corridor in 2004 dollars would cost $2.9 million per mile to create. A new freeway in the metro area, which requires the creation of a new roadbed, costs $50 million per mile." Bernard Brommer, President, Minnesota AFL-CIO Duane Grandy, Benton County Commissioner 'l/Vhy should Greater Minnesota residents care about the growing traffic problems in the metro area ? The answer is simple: if the money from a limited state transportation budget is spent primarily on more metro highways, there will be less money for transportation needs in Greater Minnesota." 'We expect Northstar will provide jobs to Minnesotans for construction of the stations and operation of the train service. But we also expect a healthy, vibrant economy in the state to be maintained by a transportation infrastructure that provides options for commuters. A healthy economy translates to more jobs." Transportation Construction Cost Comparison New Urban Freeway Light Rail Upgrade to 4-Lane Hwy Northstar Commuter Rail 10 2O 30 40 50 60 70 (millions of dollars) 10/8/O1 80 > 0 U 0 o~ -0.~- 0 Typical Station Elements Typical Station Elements-24 person Shelter Elevations ~7~'i '~ ~:'.=.--'~,,'.-~L'-'~-~"~T:'''?'- -77',::~% ._':.-L~.'J.: ::~7~T .: ,, '->', :', ~~L~'~ -.,~-~'" ~:~-': '~ ~.~:~" ::-; ~ ........ Station Amenities Tactile Warning Strip II ADA Accessible Ramps Platform and Canopy of Trinity Commuter Railway Dallas, TX Platform Seating Platform and Canopy with Intertrack Safety Fencing Intermodal Transfer between Commuter Rail and Bus Canopy and Ticket Vending Machine :~t'..~';-'-"i ~1 /.:: -. ~ ]~ ~,' t~ ,.,, . ': . .~= ;-. ;-':" "~:,1/ '~'L-' i~ . ~t[ ~r~_.-. ~. ~' .,~~ , Pla~orm Seatins, Litter Receptacles and System Lish~in~ -Trinity Railway Service Schedule- Weekday & Weekend/Holiday 'Weekda~ schedule schedule ILegend: 9:00 Avl 9:40 AM l:00 A.'vl 1:40 PM 5.00 PM 5:40 PM Trains could continue to Rice or Downtown St. Cloud Train originates ~ Train destination ~ [ (May 30, 2001) SURVEY FINDINGS OF RESIDENTS ALONG NORTHSTAR COMMUTER RAIL CORRIDOR -KEY FINDINGS: Residents in Area Concerned about Transportation Problems In an open-end question, residents surveyed cited traffic as the third most important issue facing their area behind education funding and taxes. Perhaps due to the growth in the Northwest metro area to St. Cloud, 76% said that highway congestion in the area had become worse in the last five years while only 4% said better. Looking ahead, only 9% felt the current highway and transit system in the region will be sufficient to support growth over the next ten years. Solution Requires More than Just Highway Improvements 67% said that both highways and transit will need to be improved over the next ten years and 5% said to focus only on the transit system. Only 17% said that highways, alone, should be the focus of transportation system improvements. Strong Local Support for Northstar Commuter Rail 80% said the Northstar Commuter Rail project was a good idea while only 15% said it Was a bad idea. 77% of those surveyed said they had some level of awareness of the Northstar Commuter Rail project. Strong Support Among Ail Political Party Affiliations Support for the Northstar Commuter Rail service was very strong regardless of a respondent's political affiliation. 82% of DFL, 72% of Republican and 83% of Independent respondents thought the Northstar Commuter Rail lines thought it was a "good" or "very good" idea. Residents Perceive Multiple Uses for Northstar 70% of those surveyed said they were very likely (31%) or somewhat likely (39%) to-use the Northstar Commuter Rail service if it becomes operational. Only 15% said they were not at all likely to use the service. 23% indicated they might use Northstar to commute to and from work (which is significantly greater than what is required for project to be successful). 72% said they might use the rail system to go to the MSP airport; 18% may use it to commute to school or college; 32% to visits friends or relatives. 66% said their most frequent destination on Northstar would be Minneapolis, while 11% cited St. Cloud, followed by Fridley (4%), Anoka (4%), Elk River (3%) and Coon Rapids (2%). Survey Methodology: 600 randomly selected households within a five-mile radius of the proposed Northstar Commuter Rail Line were interviewed by telephone between May 18'h and 24", 2001. The survey was conducted by Decision Resources Ltd. of Minneapolis. The average interview time was nine minutes. The results of this survey are projectable to the universe of all adult residents living in the designated area within +/- 4.1% in 95 out of 100 cases. Summer Issue Anek. Cemnty Veteran Ser~lees Office VETERANS._ ADVOCATE NorthStar orridor Bail would Benefit Veterans Special points of interest: · Medal of Honk Agent Ornge nd INSIDETHIS ISSUE: Medat of H~or Recipient Count your Blessings 2 Agent Orange/Diabetes 3 Senior Uflkage Une 4 Q & A Column 4 Many of the 170,000 It is easy to predict that in State, and Federal elected veterans in a ten county the not to distant future, office holders, as well as area, from the Twin the demand for volunteer citizens and Veterans of Cities to St. Cloud use the drivers will far exceed the .Anoka, Benton, Hennepin, VA hospitals at Minnea- systems ability to meet Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, polis and St. Cloud for those needs. Additionally, Morrison, Sherburne, Steams, their medical care. an underlying factor and Wright counties who further complicating would greatly benefit from A serious concern facing matters is energy/fuel this commuter rail service. our aging Veteran popu- shortages. lation is the ability to A NorthStar Commuter Rail physically access the There is a plan to service would provide an medical servicesprovided develop and operate a economical, and efficient at the VA Medical commuter rail line, way to reach these medical Centers in Minaeapolis. known as the NorthStar facilities for the Veteran and St. Cloud. The needs Corridor, which would population in these and of the Veterans for trans- help to address the surrounding counties. portation to receive' veterans needs. required medical care at these facilities is an ever- The NorthStar Corridor increasing one. rail line has a broad base of support among Local, Many counties currently providea volunteer trans- '~---' ~ i~~~dR portation program for Veterans. Statistics clearly show that the ': number of "volunteers" A in general is shrinking ~~ ' with each passing year. ~P~RRI~BR" Commemorative Stamp to Honor Veterans The Sioux Fails Department of It also honors veterans' photograph of the United Veterans Affairs and the Sioux service organizations such as States flag. The phrase, Falls Post Office unveiled a the Disabled American "Honoring Veterans" commemorative stamp to honor Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans appears at the top of the veterans on May 23, 2001. of America, American stamp, and the phrase, The stamp honors and Legion, Veterans of Foreign "Continuing to Serve" celebrates the service of Wars, etc. appears at the bottom. veterans to the United States The stamp was designed by both in uniform and when they Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, returned to civilian life. CA and features a ~OHHIBOIg RAIL Linking the two'largest V.A. Hospitals in the State Br~nerd Aitkin Wing Stearns VA. ~1 of St. Cloud~ Sherbul Chisago Wright Renville I ~ Northstar Commuter Rail ~ Hiawatha LRT · Commuter Rail Stations O 50 Mile Radius Carver Newsletter #2 October 2001 ~:R.~'!Cent~r;a~dth~ Ford CenlreJ:'_ThC'Multi-Mi statica is'the imminal for;; · ~the ~o~.~~]Rail Line and wffi ser~-.~he?Hiawaltm Light?ail Transit`:, I ~¢ai/d ce~r~ ~aor~Commuter ~U une~'~a ~~ Ligh[Rail Tr~, .it-j! I Summary of Workshop 2 The second workshop for the multi- modal station area planning effort was held on September 24. Those in attendance represented area businesses, residents and public agency staff along with the consultant team. The intent of this meeting was to present alternative concepts for the study area and receive input from those who are most familiar with it: business and property owners ~1 residents. ~ramework Principles The consultant team articulated three principles--Connectivity, Activity, and Sustainability~that were used to flame development of alternatives for the study. Connectivity goals include pedestrian connections to Downtown and the River; accessibility to transit; and reconnecting the street grid across the freeway and the rail corridor. Activity goals are to use commuter rail for joint development; use light rail transit to reinforce mixed-use development patterns along the LRT route (mixed-use development with residential/employment/retail uses No~hstar/ ~Commuter. Rail would increase activity and improve the perception of safety); and to extend the themes from projects and corridors west of the 1-94 freeway into the study area along Glenwood Ave. and Olson Highway. Sustainability goals for the natural environment include an expanded system of green places--a Downtown Greenway extension of the Cedar Lake Trail in the rail corridor and partial daylighting of Bassett Creek to create terraced ecological zones around restored water features. Altematives Alternatives were developed for three focus areas in the four study districts that were defined at the first workshop. The focus areas are the Sunken Area in the Station Area Core District, that includes the rail corridor and the f~eeway trench, the Viaduct Area that runs along Third and Fourth Ave. to 1-94 in the North Loop District, and the Farmers Market Area between Royalston and Lyndale Ave. in the Far West Distn'cL Alternatives for the Sunken Area were organized around development of a two- level street system (see figure below) Third Avenue. No~h Under Buildin~j: rough Avenue. View of Fifth Street at Fourth Avenue The two-level system would reconnect the downtown street grid between Third Street (across the freeway trench) and Fifth Street along Fourth Ave. and would provide development oppommifies along the rail corridor. Activity pattems were illustrated with mixed-use residential/ employment/retail buildings that would have space for commuter rail at the ground level. The two-level street system was used to develop an elevated greenway concept to bring the bikeway onto Upper Fourth Ave. between Seventh St. and Washington Ave. Variations were developed that provided for new streets at the lower level only (with the greenway also at the lower level) and for no new connections across the freeway trench. For the Viaduct Area, an altemative was developed that removed the freeway viaduct (see next page). It was replaced by making Third and Fourth Streets one way. Development potential was identified along Fourth St. The potential LRT extension to the Southwest Corridor (plans are currently preliminary and unfimded) was used to Hennepin County Department of Transit and Community Works 417 North Fifth Street, Suite 320 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1362 Workshop #3 October 30, 2001 PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MPLS MN PERMIT NO.3272 Alternatives - continued inform thc design along Fifth St., Royalston Ave., and Olson Hwy to suggest liner buildings adjacent to the Hennepin Energy Recycling Center. For the Farmers Market /lrea, two mixed-use alternatives were developed to respond to initiatives happening west ofi-94. Along Glenwood Ave., designer services are expanding near International Market Square, and along Olson Hwy, the Near Northside project will bring new residential and mixed-use commercial. Activity would focus commercial/retail mixed-use along Glenwood and industrial/ commercial along Olson Hwy. An expanded Farmers Market was included at the future Royalston LRT stop. Next Steps The project team will be refuting the concepts presented at the workshop, preparing design guidelines, and developing implementation strategies. Mix~d Use ?F..armeiS Market Workshop #3 Please Join Us/. Date: October 30, 2001 Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Location: City of Minneapolis Public Works Curde Maintenance Facility 1200 Currie Avenue in Minneapolis Topics: Presentation of Final Concept Plan and Implementation Guidelines If you would like to have an interpreter present at this workshop or have special needs, please contact: Hennepin County Transit & Community Works at (612) 596-6985 by October 15, 2001 ~CLARA CITY HERALD CLARA CITY~ MN · EEKLY 1~475 BAY 16 2001 ' 61 ](T Northstar Corridor Commentary: Commuter Rail Good for State By Duane Grandy, Benton County Commissioner As a Benton County Commissioner and someone who drives thousands of.miles On Minnesota roads and high- ways every year, I have become aware of the increasing traffic congestion in thc metro area. And I am not alone. A lot of us don't like to drive to the Twin Cities because of thc congestion and thc stress that comes with it. · · A reccn~ survey' by thc Minnesota Department of Transportation found that more than 90 percent of respon- dents believed traffic volume is growing and congestion is getting worse. In fact, congestion-related traffic delays have grown faster in the Twin Cities metropolitan area than anywhere else in the country except Atlanta. That makes thc Twin Cities thc 15th most congested traffic are~ in the country,' up from 19th, according to the Texas Transportation Institute's Urban Mgbility study. But why should those of us in Greater Minnesota care about thc growing traffic problems in thc metro area? The answer is simple: If the money from a limited state trans- portation budget is spent primarily on more metro high- ways, there will be less money fo?.. transportation* needs in Greater Minnesota. ~ It is for this reason that I am encouraged to see a com- muter rail system being proposed here in Minnesota: When · all the lines' are up and running, commuter rail. will make it easier for people in all corners of thc. state to. get to and. from thc Twin Cities. This year thc first step in creating an integrated commuter rail system, the Northstar corridor rail project, is before thc legislature and should be supported by both the metro area and Greater Minnesota... Commuter rail, specifically the Northstar project, .should be supported for three reasons: !. It is flexible and will help our region's economy. 2. Commuter rail is truly a "state" project. 3. Funding Northstar will help ease the pressure to build more roads in the Twin ~ities,.making more funds avail- able for rural transportation needs. Commuter rail: flexible and good for economic develop- ment. For the last few years, the fastest growing area in Minnesota has been thc Northstar Corridor,*,.from down- town Minneapolis to just north of St. Cloud. To offer just one example, Sherburne County alone has nearly quadru- pled in size in the*last 30 years. If growth continues at the same pace for thc next 30 years as expected, i~ Will be the size of present day St. Paul. But severe highway congestion could threaten that growth by slowing down people and commerce. Thc Northstar corridor rail project would help alleviate some of that congestion by transferring the equivalent of one and one-half lanes of rush hour traffic from thc high- ways to rail. Best of.all, riders could count on reaching their destination on time and .in air-conditioned and heated comfort. Commuter rail can move a lot 0t~ people quickly and Provide a welcomed option for many. It is also good for economic development in the areas in which it operates. Another key argument for commuter .rail. and thc Northstar corridor rail project is its flexibility. Because the track~ already exist and are ~being used today, construction costs arc limited to building the statiohs and purchasing the passenger cars. Should our .future needs grow, commuter trains can be scheduled to mn more frequently or new trains can be added to meet capacity needs, solving the problem very quickly. Commuter rail is a state project. The Northstar corridor rail project will be part of a larger, integrated statewide commuter rail system..While one'.terminus for thc Northstar line is downtown Minneapolis, th,e other termi- nus is Rice, a town just north of St. Cloud in central Minnesoia. St. Cloud is seen as a destination by 4,600 stu- dents and nearly 400 faculty and staff of St. Cloud State University that live in the Twin cities. In. addition, Morris0n County, to the north of St. Cloud, has procured funding for a study of a possible extension of the Northstar Corridor to Little Falls, and possibly as far as C,~hn p Ripley. - · Funding Northstar frees transporta6on fun&; for Other projects. The transportation needs of the Twin Cities are great and must be resolved, but the- needs of rural Minnesota are important as well. Building or upgrading transportation systems is extremely expensive and there is a limit to the resources available. A~-more resources are funneled into projects in 'the Twin Cities area, there are fewer resources available for Greater Minnesota. The Northstar 'corridor rail. project will help reduce some of the congestion pressure in the metro area, thereby reduc- ing the demand .to' build more roads. By spending less money on commuter rail (vs. higher cost highways) to reduce congestion in the Twin Cities, more funds are freed up for the unmet needs in other areas of the state. The Legislature is debating what transportation systems make sense and how much we should be spending on them. I would encourage everyone who is concerned about trans- portation to talk to his or her legislators. Tell them you sup- port Northstar and that commuter rail is good for people in the metro area and Greater Minnesota. It just makes sense. Duane Grandy is a Bergon Coumy Commissioner and a mem- ber of the. Northstar Corridor Develop~nen~ Atahority. CITYBUSINESS MINNEAPOLIS, MN 53-TIlES/YEAR 17,600 AUG 31 2001 -4395 X lB exz'g.e kc...x Homes, co erce · plotted .on 'rail line Builders, Elk River anticipate commuter line By Scott D. Smith Staff reporter A commuter-_t_min_Jjll~rUll/fing between St. Cloud and Minneapolis is still 0nly a proposal struggling to get state funding. But that isn't stopping developers and thc city of Elk River from designing a large mixed-use development around the proposed train ~ta- tion. Elk River Station is a miked-~se'proj~ct some say will be a "showcase" for building transit-oriented devclopmcnts in Minnesota. Thc proposed 3- to 5-year project, expected to cost more than '$70 million, includes hundreds of town homc~ and apart. -. merits as well as senior housing and com- mercial uses. Th~ site is adjacent to an express-bus park-and-ride lot and thc site of one o[. th~ 14 stations proposed for thc Northstfir Corridor commuter rail project that would connect St. Cloud to Minneapolis. "I think that if [Elk River Station] goes through in Elk River ... it will be a show-' case. in Minnesota for other areas," said "David Loch, a Northstar Developmeht Authority staff member and community liai- son. "In 'terms of' transit-orient, ed develop- ELK RIVER to ~>age 32 RIVER from page I · mentl it is a really . project." Thc dcqclopment .adheres t6 transit-' · dCvcl0pmcm principles by trying to create a mix of workplaces,, retail space, and hom- ing. It's designed to be a vital area around · thc train station, Loch .said, adding that anothcr key element is that nearby residents could walk to the station.' Michele McPherson, Elk River planning' director, said. !he development has more of an urban scale and a greater population den- sity. than the cityrs previous projects. Whether residents of the d~vclopment would use the transit options -- the park- and-ride 0r the train, if it becomes a reality -- is unknown becpuse 'usage depends so heavily on individual commutii/g choices, she said. The lead developers, Oakw°°d 'Land Development, Elk Rix(er, and Pratt Investment' Co., .Vadnais Heights, have already tmrchascd thc 62 acres by the park- and-ride, where bm service is expected to start in October. Thc developers, who plan to ~nd the iprojcct .without public assistance, hope to break ground next spring on the residential part of the project, which includes: · 208 apartments in four buildings over- looking a large wedand; . · 191 townhomes starting:at $150,000; · 60 to 80 condo units'of senior housing; and · 7 A 5,400-square-foot children's daycarc center:. The lead developers would sell the land for. 'thc townhomes .to Orrin Thompsoil Home~, a division of Houston-based U.S. Homes Corp., and arc considering joining in a partnership with Plymouth-based Dominium Management Services Inc. to build-the apartments, said Le.n Pratt, presi: · ' The project is close to receiving $10 mil- lot is ~n0ugh bf an attraction for now.: lion in-federal seed money, but that depends McPherson said there is definitely a need on raising a $2.5 million local~ncatch from' for new apartments in Elk River.' the state and counties, The propOSed funding The Northstar conunuter rail is expected formula for the rail line is 50 percent feder- to be open in late 2004 and have 2.8: million al, 40 percent state and 10 percent local dol' riders annually by 2005. The project i$ lam expected to cost $261 million: lent of Pratt Investment Co. After about half the housing' is complet- ed, the developers .hope to buildretail space and'69,500 square feet of office space in a couple of two-story buildings. Ideally, the retail components would complement a tram .sit community and could include a coffee shop, convenience store, dryclcaner and so forth. "This is' not only good for the city of Elk .River, it happeps to deal with an issue :important to the region and the state," Pratt ~said. · The residential development can succeed i even ~ithout the transit piece because of the 'area's population growth and lack of go6d- !quality apartments, Pratt said. However, his. ;personal and professional experience leads him to believe that the park and ride and the train station will attract residents who would like an_..altemative to driving. "The idea of a station is just ici_ng on the cake," he said, adding that the pMk~and-ride The . Minnesota Department TranspOrtation has requested $120 million be inclUded in the governor's bondir~g pro- posal' for the 2002 legislative session. Legislators didn't include funding for the line in the budget approved in the 2001 ses- sion. [] Scott O. Smith can be reached at (6!2) 288- 2 ! 07 or ssmith~bizjournals.com. ST. CLOUD TIMES ST. CLOUD, DAZLY 28,780 THURSDAY MAY 10 2001 304 Il .lZWCO IX .... ~~ t~:~/:Our view i Letgslature must keep commuter rail rolling The legislative conference~'ommittee as- signed to chomp its way through House and Senate transportation pac~kages has many chal- leng,e~.b~f, ore'it.:--. .' . , Chief a~'0ng them -- and crucial to centi-~l Minnesota's growing links with 'the Twin Cities -- is providing enough funding to the North- star commuter rail project so it moves forward. Failure to do this will not onlY sl0w momen- tum, but it could jeopardize federal funding of the $283 million project· The House's transportation $3.6 billion bill contains no money for N. orthxtar._The Senate's bill, also totalling about $3·6 billion, sets aside $10 million, which would be matched by feder- al dollars to pay for final project design and some land acquisitions:' Conference committee members must side with the Senate and keep the project moving.. Why? Simply look at three recent news re- ports that, taken collectively, reiterate the need to do this project. ....................... · .Project popularity:.' A week showed 68,percen~p!%~0 live · )': along the:82-mfle roUte~.~eapolis: and.Rice rated it a "go0cl~6~ :. . Sixty percent Said. they .. the Mall ofAifi'e~-~r th~'Citi~rt....-. .'.~ "Gro .wth.,~ .~Tl~%?~2.0.0..0.Ce~ showed Central' ~ ..... .....,~.. ~ ..... ~...~h.,., - ..t~s ~s UP a~0~ ~d.'Senton and':' · ~ Steams ~:6Uhtibs'~" .%~u,.! ~f~:4':~n~ and 12'1. e " ..... ' ~ ..... ~;' " ' 'aT':'': ~ " ' p reent ~~ [~'.~npo~tly, that.- . growth is ~xpect&l ~ [i~tinue f6~"~t least 20 , years. In.fact, by ~02~'. SK[i'burnes population al6fi~ is'exped~jo'inc~,.aSe 92Percent com- pared x¥ith~.1990:~>:-,,.',.~,: .;.. . .. ,' .' '"." "v~G .:". :'::'.i:;',]:.'.: · Gndl0ck: The TeXas ~Sporta.tion Insti- tute on Monda~r released a ~tudy that showed motorists driving in the Twin Cities spent an average of 38 hours stuck in traffic in 1999, up 4,3 percent from 18 hours in 1992. OnlyAt-' lanta saw its congestion rate grow faster. Don't b/~ fooliecl'Cefiiaml Mini~SiJta.' This area is not immune to such problems. Yet the Northstar project offers a great alter- ' ', native to this congestion. By carrying approxi- .., mately 9,300.riders a q~..~0 .rthstar officials sayit could fre~u~2t 1.1/~l~ines of highway "' .congestion. So why isn~[:.th~!~ ~isl~e ~i.o, in~ more this session. ' ' ' .' .:-.-'.;~".'[ :. ~.'~.. ' In the Housel th.,e.~i ~..~___$~,..pOlitics. Republi- cans, especially:~i ~¢';~ Cities, vehe- mently oPPo~ [.'-.7':?-"-.-i.'.' '-.':' ',:.'. '. :. - g:g~, rail. Yet even , though that is~i-t~fffl It t~'~'f'~/fimuter rail, politicians hclon't ~m to care. They simply see the two systems ~being linked, which results in a lack of support for Northstar aid as votes break doWn along party lines.' Even the Senate's $10 million appropriation had to fend off efforts to kill it via floor amend- ments. All of that -- and the. lack of a bonding l~il! this session -- reduces ~he N0rtl~star proj;ct s -~xpectations to only ~tl.n~ enoiigh funds to · ."T ), " . ., · , ' keep the project rolling uh-tal riext year. Maybe by then, when bonding projects are >n'the agenda, legislators will have realized the 2alue of a commuter rail system and be more .~elPful in ereatingilon~.between Central Min- .aes0ta and th~ ~,:~}~es;?¢..' .,eib' !"~:-:¥:,< ', ,,.,..x:.. -'";? '~ ..... '5 .?' '.?; .i : .. , ,~: ?:'. :'. : ',"' ":'-" ' PAGE Al2 ° STAR TRIBUNE ..~/o,*'c~/~ [ Editor~ah. labded 'Our perspective. ' repr~ent the bu~mtional ~oice of ~he Star T~bun~ They are prepared by the Editorial Department u~hich i~ independent of the neu~$roorn. StarTribur Our perspective Northstar Commuter rail deserves support As the Legislature makes deci- hours in 2004 and cos~ less than sions over the' next several weeks adding new lanes and in- on a mix of transportation pr0j- terchanges. ects, it shouldn't forget one of the Would that erase auto conges: most important: the Northstar tion as the corridor continues to commuter rail corridor. To qualify grow? No, but think how much for federal funding next October, worse rush hour would be without legislators this'session must make the Northstar trains. Transporta- a commitment to the Minneapolis- tion investments axe best made in St. Cloud line. anticipation of growth, not after With' Reps. Jim Oberstar and it's too late. Martin Sabo in influential trans- ' Commuter trains are a proven portation posts in Congress, and success. They operate on 6,000 with Minnesota lagging fax behind miles of track in 10 states. Rider- in federal dollars returned to the ship has risen by one-third since · state, the Legislature would be 1980, with the most extensive sys- wise to leverage federal assistance terns operating from New York, on this and other transit projects. Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, For Northstar, the Ventura ad- Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose ministration has asked for $115 and SanFrancisco. million to cover the state's portion · Northstar Would operate eight of the $231 million line. That in- morning and eight evening trains dudes a much-needed connection each weekday on existing freight. that would put Northstar trains a tracks. Initial stations would be short walk across the platform east St. Cloud, Becket, Big Lake, from Hiawatha light-rail cars. The Elk River, Anoka, Riverdale, Coon Northstar Corridor Development' Rapids, Fridley, northeast Minne- Authority, meanwhile, has said it apolis and downtown IVtinneapolis, would settle for $92 million irt with possible future stations in some combination of working cap- Ramsey, Clear Lake, St. Cloud and ital and future bonding. Rice. Whatever the shape and scope When joined to Hiawatha and a of the state's commitment, it's ira- future network of IRT and com- portant that Northstar stay on muter rail lines, it will be possible track. The next census will prove for St. Cloud residents to leave what weary commuters in the their cars behind when going to the northwestern suburbs already airport, the Mall of Ame.rica, the know: Sherburne and Wright are University of Minnesota, the among the nation's fastest-growing Capitol, a baseball ga~. ,e -- or even counties. Their main commuting to Chicago via Amtrak s new high- arteries ~ Interstate Hwy. 94 and speed alternative to the airplanb. Hwy. 10 ~ are stretched to the These are not blue-sky fantasies max. The best way to meliorate 'but the guts'of a competitive infra- auto congestion is not to add lanes structure that any metropolitan re- that quicldy fill up with more cars, gion needs when it grows up. Min- but to offer the freedom of choice.' nesotans will be left behind if leg- Commuter trains will pull 9,300 islators continue to 'pretend oth- cars off the freeways during peak erwise.