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4.2. SR 06-19-2000~ity of ver MEMORANDUM Item # 4.2 TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Scott Harlicker, Senior Plann~ June 19, g000 Northstar Corridor Update At the Northstar Corridor Development Authority meeting held on June Ist, the Authority received an update on the legislative session, a conceptual design report on equipment and the maintenance facility, and an update on station area planning. The state legislature approved $100,000 for commuter rail and approved funding for the Hiawatha Corridor. At the federal level the appropriation request is still proceeding through the FTA. There is federal dollars available through June 2001. Elk River is still being looked at as a possible site for a maintenance facility. The facility will require about 20 acres of land. The area receiving the most attention is south of the proposed station. On Wednesday June 7th City staff met with the consultants hired to assist communities with station area planning. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the consultants to the communities and allow time for some initial discussion regarding land development around the stations. On July 12th , there will be a follow up meeting at which the consultants will address the issues raised at the first meeting. There will also be opportunities for several public meetings during this planning process. There has also been a second commuter rail demonstration scheduled for August 10th with a stop at the proposed Elk River station site. 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 Northstar Corridor Development Authority Thursday, June 1, 2000 4:30 p.m. Sherburne County Government Center Elk River, MN Action Requested Minutes of May 4, 2000 Meeting* Approval 2. Exec.9.utive Committee Report ,~. Terminus Station Selection/' Resolution 2000-4* .,,~b~. Shandwick Contract Amendment* c. Appointment to Central Corridor Coordinating Committee* .~....~~Legislative Wrap-up Approval. Approval Information Information Conceptual Design Report a. Overview b. Vehicles c. Maintenance facility d. Fare collection Information Station Area Planning: Upcoming Activities Updates a. FTA Approval of PE b. Mn/DOT Agreement c. Multi-modal Stations d. Public Information Demonstration Project 7. Other Information Next Meeting: July 6, 2000 *Attached DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 'Regular Meeting Minutes May 4, 2000 The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met in regular session on May 4, 2000, in the Board Room at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota. Present were: Mark Stenglein, Paul Ostrow, Steve Billings, Paul McCarron, Lynn George, Ken Paulson, Dave Saunders, Peter Beberg, John Weaver, Lewis Stark, Walt Fehst, John Hunter, Patrick Cairns, Duane Cekalla, Carl Yilek, Art Daniels, Jerry Leese, Jerry Goebel, Duane Grandy, John Norgren, Terry Nagorski, Paul Goenner, Tom Cruikshank, Tom Gamec, Jean Keely, Dick Wolsfeld, Biz Colburn, Dan Meyers, Rick Nau, Gabe Guevara, Rick Speak, Jim Barton, Jim Dickinson, Cartrell Lipscomb, Elliott Perovich, Scott Harlicker, Vic Oviatt, John Blaha, Barb Winfield, Robert Kirchner, David Loch, Yvonne Chaillet, Anita Rasmuson, Jim Norman, Tim Houle, Terry Hendrickson, Susan Anderson, Ken Stevens, Gary Hammer, Bob Erdich, Paul Nieman, Dan Erhart, Noel Shughart 1. The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. A motion was made by Mark Stenglein, seconded by Bob Erdrich and carried unanimously to approve the agenda of April 6, 2000, with the addition of discussion on recent correspondence and the minutes of April 6, 2000, as presented. 3. Paul McCarron presented an update on current legislative issues. Tom Gamec, Mayor, and Jim Norman, Administrator, City of Ramsey, reviewed the Ramsey station rationale in support of a commuter rail station in Ramsey and requested that the NCDA include the City of Ramsey on its list of proposed stations for further development. Peter Beberg, Mayor, City of Anoka, reviewed the Anoka 4th Avenue station rationale requesting that the proposed Anoka 4th Avenue station be kept on the list of proposed stations for further development. A motion was made by Steve Billings, Seconded by John Norgren and carried (Steve Billings abstained) to include the City of Ramsey as a future station site in the Northstar Corridor commuter rail system. A motion was made by Steve Billings, seconded by Peter Beberg and carried (Tom Gamec voting nay) to include the Anoka 44 Avenue station site in the proposed station sites for further development. o Noel Shughart, Mn/DOT, and Dan Meyers, BRW, Inc., presented a summary of findings of the north and west extension studies (from the City of Rice to Camp Ripley and from downtown St. Cloud to the City of St. Joseph ). Both studies were conducted by BRW pursuant to a contract with Mn/DOT. The recommendation of the West Extension Study participants and a preliminary evaluation of the characteristics of the projected service moderately suggest that a west extension commuter rail service is a feasible transportation solution. The recommendation of the North Extension Study participants and a preliminary evaluation of the characteristics of the projected service strongly suggest that the North Extension commuter rail service is a feasible transportation solution. Given the strong support for an extension to the North by the study Page 1 o o 10. 11. 12. 13. participants, Mn/DOT will be recommending continuing further study of the North Extension of the Northstar Corridor commuter rail system. Summaries of the findings and the results of the respective Advisory Committee meetings were distributed to the NCDA members. No action taken. A motion was made by Paul Nieman and seconded by Duane Grandy to approve Resolution #2000-4 requesting MnDOT and NCDA staff and contractors to continue planning efforts for only the North Extension of the Northstar Corridor commuter rail line from St. Cloud to Camp Ripley. The Resolution was introduced by Morrison County. A motion was made by Steve Billings, seconded by John Ellenbacher and carried unanimously to refer Resolution #2000-4 to the Northstar Corridor Executive Committee. The Authority reviewed the Second and Third Quarter 2000 Schedule for the NCDA dated May 4, 2000. No action taken. Tim Yantos updated the Authority on the proposed commuter rail demonstration, which is tentatively set for Tuesday, August 15, 2000. More information to follow. Tim Yantos updated the Authority on the application to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter preliminary engineering and the Memorandum of Understanding with Mn/DOT. The Chicago office of the FTA has said the Northstar Corridor project is looking favorable and will be forwarding their recommendations next week to the Washington, D.C. office. The FTA expects to complete its review of the preliminary engineering application by the end of May. Per the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, the Memorandum of Understanding is now an Agreement and should be referred to as such. Mn/DOT has been reviewing the Agreement and is currently working out the details regarding administrative oversight. The NCDA can expect to receive the latest draft of the Agreement within the next month. The Conceptual Design Report will be discussed at the June 1, 2000, meeting. A motion was made by Duane Grandy, seconded by John Norgren, and carried unanimously to appoint Tim Yantos to serve on the Project Management Team of the Red Rock Corridor. The next meeting of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2000, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherbume County Government Center. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Betsy Wergin Chairperson Date Page 2 NORTH TAR Agenda Item #2a MEMORANDUM May 25, 2000 To: From: Subject: NCDA Executive Committee Terminus Station Selection/Resolution 2000-4 As requested by the NCDA at its last meeting, the Executive Committee considered proposed Resolution #2000-4 relating to the north extension of the Northstar Corridor. The Committee determined that the decision on the extension should be made in light of the criteria set forth in the NCDA's Policy on Extensi.ons of the Northstar Corridor, adopted September 27, 1999. This policy also applies to the decision on the terminus station (downtown St. Cloud or Rice). Thus, the Executive Committee directed the Project Management Team to prepare a technical analysis evaluating both the terminus station and the potential extension of the Northstar Corridor. The PMT will present its analysis and a draft resolution based on the findings of the evaluation at the June 1 NCDA meeting. Also attached please find correspondence from Stearns County regarding the downtown St. Cloud station. Action Requested: Consideration of terminus station and future extension of the Northstar Corridor. Attachment A. Attachment B. Attachment C. Draft Resolution #2000-4 Policy on Extension Stearns County Correspondence Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3® Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 RESOLUTION ~ TO CONTINUE PLANNING EFFORTS FOR A NORTH EXTENSION OF THE NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHERF. AS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEI~AS, the Minnesota Legislature authorized MnDOT to conduct two studies to determine the feasibility of extending the Northstar commuter rail service. The first study, referred to as the North Extension study, studied extending the Northstar Corridor from its originally planned terminus in Rice/East St. Cloud to Camp Riptey. '['he second study, referred to as the West Extension study, studied extendhag the Northstar Corridor through St. Cloud to St. Joseph; and, the Northstar Corridor hits received and reviewed the feasibility reports, prepared by MnDOT, for both the North Extension and the West Extension to the Northstar Corridor; and, the feasibility reports indicate that ridership forecasts are higher for the North Extension; and, the feasibility reports indicate that capital cost estimates are lower for the North Extension; and, a screening level analysis of environmental and social factors shows that there would be no major impacts within the North Extension Study area; and, the projected per-mile capital and operating costs, ridership Ievels, and per passenger operating costs which have been calculated to date indicate that the North Extension commuter rail service would fall well within the cost and pertbrmance range of other, comparable new commuter rail services nationwide; and, preliminary evaluation of these characteristics of the projected service by BRW "strongly suggests that the North Extension commuter rail service is a feasible transportation solution" while the West Extension is determined by BRW to be only "moderately feasible;" and, Community support for the extension of the Northstar Corridor within the North Extension service area is substantially higher than within the West Extension service area as evidenced by vastly different levels of community participation in the Public Involvement portion of the feasibility study in the two Extension areas; and, funding to begin an Alternatives Analysis for the North Extension continues to move tot-ward at both the state mad federal level, while there is no legislation even proposed to continue studying the West Extension, indicating legislative intent to MAY- 8-00 M0N 1'36 PM SHERBURNE COUNTY FAX NO. 6122412707 Po continue studying the North Extension, but not the West Extension; and, WIIEREA$, in order for the Northstar Corridor Development Authority. to continue the engineering process for the originally designated corridor from Minneapolis to St. Cloud, a decision needs to be made soon as to in which direction the terminus must be planned; and, ~3fI--IE~AS, Mordson and Benton County, along with the Morrison County Regional Rail Authority have consistently shown their determined support for extending the Northstar Corridor along the North Extension not only by their membership in the Norfl-mtar Corridor Development Authority, but also by their tireless efforts publicly and legislatively in support of the entire project; and, WtlEREAS, Congressman Oberstar has indicated his support for extending the service to Camp Ripley and while the current feasibility report indicates the capital and operating costs of doing ~o, the ridership estimates do not yet include any estimates of potential riders due to military or civilian training activities which routinely take place at Camp Ripley and, which when properly accounted for, could substantially incre~e the ridership and revenue within the North Extension area, especially on weekends when the entire line is underutilized; and, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Northstar Corridor Development Authority hereby requests MnDOT continue pl~hming efforts for ~ the North Extension of the Northstar Corridor commuter rail line from St. Cloud to Camp Ripley. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Staff and contractors to the Northstar Corridor Development Authorit,j are hereby instructed to continue planning efforts ~ on ~e North Extension of the Northstar Corridor commuter rail line from' St. Cloud to Camp Ripley. Adopted this _..~ dayof .~c~ ,2000: NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Betsy Wergin. Chair Date: To: From: Subject: Agenda Item #3a September 24, 1998 Northstar Corridor Development Authority Executive Committee Executive Committee Policy on Extensions of the Northstar Corridor Backqround The Northstar Corridor is defined in State and federal legislation as linking downtown Minneapolis to the St. Cloud area. In response to a request from Benton County, the NCDA agreed to include the City of Rice as a part of the study area for the Major Investment Study. The NCDA further agreed, at its last meeting, to include in its current study the assessment of the feasibility of commuter rail in St. Cloud. Mn/DOT has offered to pay for the additional costs associated with the western extension of the Corridor. Morrison County has submitted a resolution requesting a station in Little Falls and supporting the station in Rice if such an extension is not feasible. At its meeting on September 17, the Executive Committee discussed elements of a draft policy on extensions of the Northstar Corridor and recommends that the NCDA adopt the following policy. Proposed Policy The NCDA will evaluate the initial terminus and future extensions of the Northstar Corridor using the following criteria: · Estimated Ridership · Capital Cost · Operating Cost · Environmental Impact · Station Site Availability · Station Area Access · Economic Development Potential · Railway Operating Impact · Community and Governmental Support · Future Expansion Potential Given the limited resources of the NCDA, the governmental unit requesting the evaluation should secure the funding needed to conduct the evaluation. The NCDA will conduct the evaluation of the extension as soon as the NCDA deems it feasible and appropriate in light of its work on the initial segment of the Corridor. Action Requested: ApprOval. STEARNS COU'NTY ADMIN./HUMAN RES, NO. 572 P. 2 COUNTY OF STEARNS Administration Center Rm 121 · 7135 Courthouse Square St. Cloud, MN 56303 320-656-3601-Fax 320-656-6393 May 18, 2000 Mr. David Loch 6834 Majesta Lane Lake Shore, MN 56468 Dear Dave: At their most recent Board meeting on May 16, Stearns Conmy Commi~ioncrs discussed published reports of polL~wfial St. Cloud train station sites for the Northstar Corridor Project. Although our Board took no form_al action, several key members expressed the/.r concern regarding a proposed downtown site un_'_l!~ng property currendy owned by Stearns County. The follovoxg is a mrmmary of a few of these concerns. The location sited on the map published in the St. Cloud Times is configured iu a way that is not conducive to locating both a station and a parking facflLry. Alternatively, locating a station on the site and a parking facility across the street conflicts with the. City aM county's future ma.qter plans for Law Enforcemeat Center building expansion. Several comssioners questioned the wisdom of locating a parking facility so far north and west of the heart of downtown. Such a facility would be almost useless to downtown customers as well as County customers. Downtown employees would also likely find the site to be less than d~sirable. The location of a downtown station with adjacent downtown ramp parking appears to be less des[table to Stearns Connty residents th, g the east side alternative. Given a choice between fighting downtown traffic or crossing the Mississippi bridge to a surface lot adjacent to the train station, our commissioners sense that its constituents would prefer r_he latmr. Given Board members comments, I suspect the Steams County Board would be a more active supporter of the entire Northstar Corridor Project should a suitable stat/on site be locamd on the east side of the river. They would likely become active opponents should a station be loca~d downtown. "Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer" ,,,ay ,~, ~.~ ~ ~ :;,.o ~a:: ,rom: ..;ave a ~o ,,ocn I-ax ~: 21~:~bt~/U Page 3 of 3 MAY. 19. 2000 7:56AM STEARNS COUNTY ADM[N,/HUMAN RES. N0.572 P, 3 Mr. David Loch May 18, 2000 Page 2 It should be noted that Steams County Board members agree with those who recogni?e the major problems associated with a lack of customer artrl employee parking downtown. They coxxeur wi~ · e view tlmt intergovernmental cooperation is needed to address the problem. However, they do not agree that ble~d~ng a train station with an additional parkiJag ramp, suitably addresses either the location or parldng issue. The location of a train station should emourage citizens to ride the Northstar commuter trairt, not create obstacles to its use. Sincerely, George M. Rindelaub Connty Admflfislxator NO T TAR Agenda Item 2b MEMORANDUM May 25, 2000 To: From: Subject: Northstar Corridor Development Authority Executive Committee Amendment No. 2 to the Shandwick Contract At the May 18, 2000 Executive Committee meeting, the Administrative Team requested a contract amendment for Shandwick, the public information/public involvement contractor to the NCDA, in the amount of $131,128.65. The purpose of the amendment is two-fold. First, $31,128.65 will be used to cover the excess costs relating to the direct mailing. Of this amount, the 2000 budget provides for $15,000. Consequently, the Administrative Team is requesting a budget amendment of $16,128.65, the difference between the budgeted amount ($85,000) and the a(}tual cost ($101,128.65). Direct Mail Budget 85,000 Actual Cost 101,128.65 IBudgetAmendment $16,128.65 Second, $100,000 will be used to provide additional services as described below. Of this amount, the 2000 budget provides for $75,000. Consequently, the Administrative Team is also requesting a budget amendment of $25,000 in addition to the approved budget of $75,000. The additional services to be provided by Shandwick include: Public Information Activities: Maintain Image Library Project Updates Newsletters (2) Web site Coordination/Maintenance Monitor News Coverage Information Kit Media Alerts/News Releases Media Relations Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 Public Involvement Activities: ;> Coordinate Business Plan > Promotion for Public Meetings 2000 Budget Budget Amendment Contract Amendment Direct Mail $85,000.00 $16,128.65 $ 31,128.65 Shandwick $75,000.00 $25,000.00 $100,000.00 Contract Amendment #2 Total $37,931.64 $131,128.65 Note: There are sufficient funds in the NCDA contingency fund to cover the proposed budget amendment. At its May 18, 2000 meeting, the Executive Committee voted to recommend to the NCDA that it approve the budget amendment of $16,128.65 and the contract amendment of $31,128.65 to cover the additional costs related to the direct mailing in February. The Executive Committee referred the decision on the $25,000 budget amendment and the $100,000 contract amendment to the NCDA. The Executive Committee also appointed a task force, comprising Steve Billings, Rick Speak, and Paul McCarron, to meet with Shandwick to discuss Committee concerns. Action Requested: That the NCDA approve a budget amendment of $16,128.65 and a contract amendment in the amount of $31,128.65 to cover excess costs related to the direct mailing in February 2000. The Executive Committee requests, with no recommendation, that the NCDA consider a budget amendment in the amount of $25,000 and an amendment to the Shandwick contract in the amount of $100,000 for the above described services. NORTH TAR Agenda Item 2b MEMORANDUM May 30, 2000 To: From: Subject: Northstar Corridor Development Authority Executive Committee, public information task force Amendment to the Shandwick Contract In consideration of the proposed contract amendment for Shandwick professional services for the remainder of 2000, the Executive Committee established a task force comprised of Paul McCarron, Steve Billings and Rick Speak to address performance issues with the Shandwick contract. The task force identified three areas of concern with regard to performance, including 1 ) project management, 2) quality assurance, 3) political sensitivity. The task force has directed staff to work with Shandwick to address its performance in these problem areas. The task force will review Shandwick's performance in early August, and recommend at the September meeting of the NCDA to either extend Shandwick's contract for the remainder of the year, or to procure a new public information/public involvement firm. Given these conditions, the task force recommends a contract amendment for Shandwick in the amount of $57,000 for additional services for the period of June through September, as described below. Public Information Activities: Maintain Image Library Project Updates Newsletter Website Coordination/Maintenance Monitor News Coverage Information Kit Media Alerts/News Releases Media Relations Public Involvement Activities: Coordinate Business Plan Promotion for Public Meetings Action Reo_uested: That the NCDA authorize the chair to execute the amendment to the Shandwick contract in the amount of $57,000 for the services described above. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'~' Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 Agenda Item 2c MEMORANDUM May 25, 2000 To: Northstar Corridor Development Authority From: Executive Committee Subject: Appointments to the Central Corridor Coordinating Committee (information item) The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority invited the NCDA to appoint a non- voting representative and an alternate to attend Central Corridor Coordinating Committee meetings of the Central Corridor Transit Study. The Coordinating Committee will be discussing and making recommendations on commuter rail and will serve as a policy group on light rail and bus decisions for the corridor work. The Executive Committee approved the appointments of Mark Stenglein to serve as the NCDA non-voting representative on the Coordinating Committee and Paul Ostrow to serve as the alternate. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority 665 Ramsey County Government Center-West, 50 West Kellogg Boulevard St. Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 266-2760 / FAX (651) 266-2761 April 25, 2000 Commissioner Betsy Wergin, Chair Northstar Corridor Development Authority Sherbume County Government Center 13880 Highway 10 Elk Kiver, M2q 55330 ,; ,APR27 20o0 ADi¥';ii,~.L ,'RATOR'S OFFIC[ Dear Chair Wergin: Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority is beginning work on the Central Corridor Transit Study. As part of that project, we will be considering commuter rail, buses and light rail transit for the corridor. Legislation enacted in 1999 requires establishment of a Commuter Rail Coordinating Committee to advise the Commissioner of Transportation on issues relating to alternatives analysis, environmental review, advanced corridor planning, preliminary engineering, final design, implementation method, construction of commuter rail, public involvement, land use, service and safety. The membership for the Central Corridor Coordinating Committee includes each significant funding panner, each county and city in the area where the line or lines are located, Metropolitan Council and the University of Minnesota. This group will be discussing and making recommendations on commuter rail and als6 will be a policy group on light rail and bus decisions for the corridor work. We invite the Northstar Corridor Development Authority to appoint a nonvoting representative and an alternate to attend Central Corridor Coordinating Committee meetings of the Central Corridor Transit .Study: We expect that appointments to this group will be elected and appointed officials. Tim Yantos has been invited to serve on the Project Management Team, a staffgroup that will assist with the study. We anticipate beginning meetings of the Cent-al Corridor Cc~rdinating Committee in May. Please let Kathy DeSpiegelaere know your choices. She can be reaChed at 651-266-2762. Sincerely, CC: Commissioner Paul McCarron Tim Yantos Primed on Recycled Paper Executive Committee: Betsy Wergin, NCDA Chaiz Sherburne County Paul Os[row, NCDA Vice Chair City of Mi~meapolis Paul NlcCarron Anoka County Mark Stenglein Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Steve Billings City of Fndley Lewis Staxk t laven Townslup June 1,2000 MEMO TO: Northstar Corridor Development Authority Board FROM: Northstar Corridor Development Authority Project Management Team SUBJECT: Northstar Northerly Terminus Evaluation Staff has reviewed the optional westerly (downtown St. Cloud) and northerly (Rice) terminus station locations. The evaluation used criteria adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority on September 24, 1998. The attached evaluation matrix strongly supports a northerly terminus at Rice. The Project Management Team therefore, recommends continued evaluation of a northerly terminus at the City of Rice and elimination of further consideration of a westerly extension to downtown St. Cloud. Further staff recommends that the NCDA support Morrison County and MnDOT's continued planning efforts for the north extension of the Northstar Corridor commuter rail service from Rice to Camp Ripley. Action Requested: Consideration of Resolution 2000-4. TY:sc Attachments Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3~d Avenue. Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Website: northstartrain.org Fax: (612) 323-5682 NORTH TAR MEMORANDUM May 25, 2000 To: From: Subject: Interested Parties Northstar Corridor Development Authority Station Area Planning The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA), in anticipation of its proposed commuter rail service between Minneapolis and Rice, Minnesota, recently solicited the services of a consulting team to look at station area planning opportunities, in particular, those regarding Transit-oriented Development (TOD), at the station stops along the corridor. The selected consulting team consists of IBI Group, Irvine, California (Transportation Planners and TOD specialists), Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota (Land Use Planners and Landscape Architects), and ZHA Inc., Annapolis, Maryland (Economic Feasibility and Market Analysts). Consistent with their submitted work program, the consultants have requested the first of two Corridor Workshops, regarding TOD initiatives, to be held at the Anoka County Government Center, on June 7, 2000, from 1:30 p'.m. to 4:30 p.m. We request your attendance to share TOD opportunities with you as they relate to your planning jurisdiction and to gain your knowledge and perspective regarding 'Issues and Opportunities' for this very exciting project. Please invite other staff members you feel would benefit from the discussion or may provide information to the consulting team, and please RSVP to Yvonne Chaillet, Richardson Richter & Associates, 651-222-7227. We look forward to seeing you on June 7, 2000. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 NORTHSTAR MEMORANDUM June 8,2000 To: From: Subject: Northstar Corridor Development·Authority Administrative Team Star Tdbune Editorial - Sunday, June 4, 2000 Enclosed for your information and reading pleasure is a copy of the editorial "Northstar commuter rail still on track," which appeared in the June 4, 2000 Sunday edition of the Star Tribune. The editorial portrays the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project as a worthy project that is proceeding as planned, despite the recent funding setback in the Legislature. "[It] holds the promise of expanding transportation and lifestyle choices for thousands of Min .nes. otans." Read and enjoy! Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'" Avenue. Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 Northstar .Commuter rail still on track "Weary commuters who frequent the metro area's northwestern reaches won't b~ surprised to learn that traffic has doubled since the early '90s along Interstate Hwy. 94 and Hwy. 10. ... Indeed, the number of trips, miles ariven and cars-per-household have far outpaced even the rapid popula- tion growth of Sherburne, Wright and Anoka counties-- a commentary, per- haps, 'on the behind-the-wheel life- style of modern suburbia People are driving more and enjoying it less. .. That's why it's good news that the Northstar commuter-rail project con- tinues to glide quietly toward its inau- gural run in late 2003. While the Hia,' watha light-rail line drew ferocious op- . position, Northstar has enjoyed a rela- · tively low profile. During the final days of the legisla- tive session, House Republicans did succeed in restricting the transporta- tion commissioner's flexibility to fur- ther advance Northstar without the ~.egislature's specific consent. State and local officials are still examining the implications of this change, but 'don't think it necessarily means a de- lay or an increase in the project's $223 million cost." :. Generally, Northstar has succeeded ~ building a broad constituency of gov- ernment and business leaders. Medtronic Inc., for. example, in a letter 'to the governor, cited the "tremendous benefit" of both Northstar and Hiawa- tha in its decision to stay in the region · and build a new headquarters in Fridley. The public, too, seems eager to give the rails a try -- or hope their neigh- bors do. A telephone survey by the Northstar Corridor Development Au- thority found three-quarters of those living within five miles of the Minne- ~.polis-St. Cloud corridor favoring the proposed Commuter trains. 0~ Such trains already operate on more '/hah 6,000 miles of [rack in 10 states. The most extensive systems are in and around New York, Boston, Philadel- phia, Washington-Baltimore, Chicago, San Francisco-San lose and Los Ange- les-San Diego. Ridership nationwide has risen by a third since 1980. These trains are substantially differ- ent [rom the light-rail version. Think of IRT as a souped-up electric street- car nmning every seven, minutes in an urban setting, stopping every six blocks. Think of commuter rail as a diesel-powered string of double-deck- er cars running only during rush hour, but extending 70 or 80 miles into the countryside on existing freight tracks -and stopping every five miles. Both versions have the potential to arrest sprawl by encouraging a mix of compact residential and commercial development around stations. Indeed, over the next decade, Northstar may considerably influence the flavor of towns like Clear Lake, Becket, Big Lake and Ramsey as they become gathering points for commuters. Initially, 9,300 riders are expected on eight morning and eight evening Northstar trains equipped with work tables and power outlets. Obviously, every new train rider takes another car off the freeways. While motorists may not notice the extra space, Northstar holds the po- tential of restraining the enormous de- mands [or expanding Hwys. 94, 10 and 101 in the coming decades. The cost o£ adding lanes on those roadways plus building 14 proposed new interchanges on 1-94 could run into the billions. "The great'advantage of commuter rail is that it uses existing irdrastruc- ture that's not being fully used," said Anoka County Commissioner Paul McCarron. He referred to the sharing of tracks owned by the freight-hauling Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Northstar is a worthy project. With similar lines planned to reach Has- tings and Northfield, commuter rail holds the promise of expanding trans- portation and lifes~le choices for thousands of Minnesotans.