7.3. SR 08-16-2004City ~
l vQr
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
MEMORANDUM
Item#
7.3.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scoff Harlicker, Senior Planne~
August 16, 2004
Northstar Corridor Update
At the NCDA meeting held on August 5th the Authority received an update on the status of
state and federal funding. The Governor provided $2.5 million in interim funding to secure
$10 million in federal funding for land acquisition and to continue work with BNSF railroad.
Ridership on the Hiawatha light rail is exceeding expectations, which is good news for transit
development and the Northstar Corridor.
Phone: 763.635.1000
Fax: 763.635.1090
www. ci.elk-river, mn.us
AUG 03 '0~ 17:59 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON,RICHTER & ASSOCIATES T-24q P,02/~8 F-503
NCDA
Meeting Agenda
August 5, 2004
4:30 p.m.
Sherburne County Government Center
Elk River, MN
Action Requested
Minutes of the June 24, 2004 NCDA Meeting*
Executive Committee Report (to be foxed 8/3/04):
a) Final 2003-2004 Budget
b) Amendments to Professional Services Contracts for
Remainder of 2004
c) Proposed 2005 Budget and Work Plan
d) Options for Northstar Commuter Coach
Approval
Approval
3. Public Information Update
4. Project Update
5. Legislative Update
a) State
b) Federal
6. Other: Next meeting - September 2, 2004
infermation
Information
Information
Information
*Documentation enclosed
NOTE:
A 2/3's majority is needed for action on the
budgets and work plans.
Please attend this m..eetln~.
AUG 03 '04 17:59 T0-7636351090
FROH-RICHARDSON,RICHTER & ASSOCIATES
T-241 P,03/18 F-503
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2004
The No]thstar Corridor Development Authority met on June 24, 2004, in regular session at the
Anoka County Government Center, Anoka, Minnesota.
Members in attendance: Scott Harlicker, Louise Kuester, Amc Engstrom, Jeanne Mason,
Steve Billings, Bob Bamette, John Weaver, Paul Ostrow, D~m Erhart, Duane Grandy, Terry
Nagorski, Ewald Petersen. LeRoy Pauley. John Norgren, Dan Lieser, Woody Bi~ett, Robert
Kirchner, Felix Schmiesing, Brian Bensen, Montgomery Headly, Dennis Berg, Bjom
Skogquist, Gary Hammer, Gre§ Bru:stlc
Others in attendance: Mary Richardson, Elliott Perovich, Paul McCarron, Jay McLinden, John
Himl¢, .Ion Olson. JeffDehler, Ken Stevens, Jim Ranch, Sue Youngs, Dean Michalko, Tim
Ya. ntos, Peg Aho, Bill Schreiber, Lone Schreiber
The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. A motion was made by Ewald Petersen,
seconded by Felix Schmiesing and carried unanimously to approve the meeting minutes
of May 6, 2004, and the agenda of June 24, as presented.
2, Executive Committee Report:
a)
Three-month Budget Extension.
Tim Yantos noted that the NCDA typically adopts an annual administrative
budget for the following calendar year by July 1 of each year. Mr. Yantos noted
that the uncertainty of the future direction of Northstar makes it difficult at this
time to prepare a budget for the next 12 months. Therefore, staffare
recommending that the NCDA extend the term of the current budget through
September 30, 2004 with no additional contributions from members. Jeanne
Mason made a motion to approve the Executive Committee recommendation
that the NCDA extend the period oft. he current budget of July 1, 2003 to June
30, 2004 through to September 30, 2004 with no increase in spending nor any
additional contribution £rom members. The motion was seconded by Kobert
Bamette and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
b)
2004 Luter[m Prof=ssional Services Contract Amendments. Tim Yantos noted
that additional funding for the professional service contracts with Richardson,
Richter & Associates and Ken Stevens contracts is needed at this time due to the
high level of activity over the last 10 months on BNSF negotiations, advanced
preliminary engineering and preparation of the FTA submittals. Mr. Yantos
noted also that the Himle Homer public involvement contract is due to expire on
June 30. Staff are recommending that the NCDA enter into the following
contract amendments so that community involvement, public information and
BNSF negotiations, and project management work on the Northstar project may
continue:
i)
Amendment No. 1 with Ken Stevens increasing the contract amount by
$30,000 for work within the current scope of services;
AUG 03 '04 17:59 T0-7636351090 FROH-R]CHARD$ON, RICHTER& ASSOCIATES T-241 P, 04/18 F-503
o
ii)
Amendment No. I with Richardson, Richter ,q, Associates increasing the
contract amount by $55,000 for work within the current scope; and
Amendment No. 2 with Himle Homer Incorporated increasing the
contract amount by $90.000 and extending the term of the contract
through September 30, 2004.
Mr. Yantos noted that these contract amendments are within the approved 2004
budget and work plan and require no additional monetary contributions by the
members.
John Norgren m-de a motion that thc NCDA ,~pprove thc proposed 2004
contract amendments as reconunended by thc Executive Conunittee and
authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute contract amendments
with Richardson, Richter & Associates, Ken Stevens and Himle Homer
Incorporated. The motion was seconded by LeRoy Pauley and passed
unanimously on a voice vote.
Future of Northstar. Staff handed out a memo from Mike Schadauer and Mary
Richardson to Bob McFarlin and Tim Yantos on the implications to the Northstar
Cmru'nuter Rail Proj oct if bonding for Northstar is not approved by the State
Legislature. The memo outlined the financial implications (loss of funds appropriated
by Congress, New Starts Process, inflation, construction delays, and right-of-way
acquisition costs) and jeopardy to future negotiations with BNSF.
Dan Erhart noted that the Governor has said that he continues to be supportive of
Northstar project. Commissioner Erhart is working on setting up a meeting with Jcrma
Dom, FTA, and Governor Pawlenty. Commissioner Erhart noted that he is having
nonstop phone conversations with Dean Johnson, Steve Sviggum and many other
legislators regarding the need for a special session. Chair Grand>, thanked
Commissioner Erhart for his persistent efforts on this issue.
Ewald Petersen asked if there are any local partners that the Project could partner with.
Dan Erhart noted that logical partners are out there, and that the members need to
communicate with the local legislators and tell them what the attitude of public will be
if there is no speciaI session.
Legislative Update:
a)
State: Bill Schrciber noted that there is a possibility that a special session witl
take place, could be later in the year. Bill noted that Governor Pawlenty and
Jcrma Dom will both attend the Grand Opening of' the Hiawatha Line this
weekend.
b)
Federal: Ell[ott Perovich gave an update on transportation funding and
circulated a letter from Senator Norm Coleman.
Pubtic Information Activities: Tim Yantos noted that the Hiawatha Grand Opening
event is to be held on June 26. Northstar will have 100 people out there wearing yellow
tee-shirts congratulating the l--[iawatha Project.
AUG 03 '04 t8:00 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON, RICHTER& ASSOCIATES T-241 P,05/18 F-503
Northstar Commuter Coach Update: Jon Olson gave an update on the commuter coach
and passed out a draft survey being conducted with commuter coach riders. Mr. Olson
noted that funding from the gtate for the corrm~uter coach project ends September 30.
He presented to the NCDA the projected costs and revenues for running the commuter
coach for October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005. Elliott Perovich asked what
MnJDOT's rational is for not continuing funding for the Commuter Coach project, ion
Olson noted that there are no funds in the budget for this Project and won't be unless
there is a special session and it were to get added.
Other: Next meeting: Chair Grandy set the next NCDA meeting for July 22, 2004 at
4:30 p.m. to be held at the Sherbume County Government Center.
John Norgren made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded
by ~eanne Mason and unanimously approved. Chair Grandy adjourned the meeting at
6:00 p.m.
Duane Grandy, Chairperson
Date
\~[server\cornpany\NCD^'~linutcs\NCDAMin J u,-n 24, 04.floc
AU~ 03 '04 18:00 T0-7636351090
FROH-RICHARDSON, RICHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241
P, 06 18 F-503
MEMORANDUM
August 3, 2004
TO:
FROM:
RE:
NCDA Members
NCDA Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Members
Tim Yantos, Executive Director
Final 2003-2004 NCDA Budget
Attached for your consideration is the Final 2003-2004 Budget. Over the last several years,
the NCDA's budgets have reflected the State's fiscal year (from July to June) and not the
calendar year, because of the uncertainty of action by the State Legislature and of the
availability of grant funds.
At the July 2004 meeting, the NCDA extended the first half of the 2004 budget to cover
expenditures through September 30, 2004. On the attached budget sheet, Column A reflects
the 2003 Budget (January to December). Column B shows the approved 2004 budget
(January to September). Column C combines the two bucigets to sl3ow the total approvecl
budget from January 2003 through September 2004. Column D shows the proposed final
budget for the two-year period (2003 to 2004). This approach of aggregating budgets was
necessary to appropriately account for expenditures and shift the NCDA back to a calendar
year budget.
Note that the final budget includes an extension of the current budget to cover the period of
September to December, 2004, but no additional contributions for 2004 are requested.
Action Requested:
That the NCDA Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee
approve the Final 2003-2004 NCDA Budget and recommend that
the NCDA approve the Final 2003-2004 NCDA Budget,
Northstar Corridor Develop.tent Authority
2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 ¢763) 323-5700 Fax: {763.~ 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org
AUG 03 '04 18:00 T0-7636351090 FROM-RICHARDSON, RICHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241 P,07/18 F-503
NCDA 200312004 Budget
^ I
2003 Budget
i- . I I c
Approvea
1Iliad througl~ Total 111103-
9/3{3104 Budget 6130104 ~gdget
DA T~:
Flna[Buclget *
2003-2004
1) Administrative Ez~panses Grant go $0 $0 S0
2) Aemlntstrattve/Pmject Management ~iranf $165,800 $183,830 $380,630 S350,630
3) Insurance (Sept-Sept) G~nt
~) LoBi~lattv~ Actlvl~le~
$100,000 $107,500 S207,5o0 S223,500
6) Communlly and public Involvement Grant $122,6.50 St22,E~O $245,300 $80,D00
~CD~ Se001000 $2So,ooo $e5o,ooo $I ,osn,~qq
6) BNSF Negotiations / Legal Services Grant $110,370 $257,530 S367,g00 $296.570
NCD~ $0 SO ~0 $120,Ooo
7) Update Rider~hlp Foreoaet G~ant S184,000
$154,000 $184.000
Value Englnee~ng Grant $0 $1a4,000 $184,000 g0
NODA $o $o so $o
Transit Oriented Development Grant
NCDA
$46,000 $46.000 $92.00G $1B,~OO
$0 $o $o $o
10} Station Studies Gmn! $98,100
NCDA $0
Right of Way Acquisition Grant $715,319
12) Preparation for Final Design
13) Vahl~telEq ulpmen~-Prac~ rement
and Specifications
~0 $6e,100 agB.lOO
~o go so
S2.766,050 $3,471.36g $1,700,000
S0 $o So
Grant $0 $127,680 $127,660 $127,e60
NCDA SD. $0 $0 $0
Grant $0 $63.630 $63,S30 S63.g30
NCD~ $o $o go $o
Totals Gram $1,443.23g
NCDA ,,, 9900.000
$3.741.~50 SS,~ea,Ta;
S427,500 $1r327~S0q,'
Ameuntte be osrej4O~ard to aa0&
$3,glg,7go
NOLO: Grant amounts Include local malol~ino ~unds al~ 20%.
14) Special Demonstration Project:
Northstar Commuter Bus NCDA
$1.B3g,500
$1031608
$103.6~8
Breakout of Reva~uo$
Total
Fedarel Fun¢~$
NCDA Match
NCDA
Note: No additional cont~,butions ere requested for the remainder of 2nD4.
$4,098,100
$1,327,500
$103,BOB
$6,615,B§7
NCDA 2003 andaOO4 final bu~aget atari for board 0204.x15
AU6 03 '04 18:01 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON, RIOHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241 P,08/18 F-503
CantrlbuOons
Coun~/RRA
C2) As in Drev~o~ y93~, fha Mof~s~ ,'"o(,Int¥ ¢ontf~buli~n ~ IImKea to a Dolllon of II~a aaminis~lk~ cn~ts of the N~DA,
r~C~x. ~oc~- anc2¢C''~ J',r. al C. uCSe~ ara~ (or Dcarc ~20-' ,is
AUG 03 '04 18:01 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON, R[CHTER& ASSOCIATES T-241 P,09/18 F-503
MEMORANDUM
August 3, 2004
TO:
FROM:
RE:
NCDA Members
NCDA Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Members
Tim Yantos, Executive Director
Proposed 2005 NCDA Budget
Over the last several weeks, the NCDA funding partners (the county regional railroad
authorities) have worked with Governor Pawlenty, Mn/DOT, the Metropolitan Council and the
Federal Transit Administration to determine how best to advance the Northstar Commuter Rail
Project. On Tuesday, August 3, 2004, the Governor announced a plan to keep Northstar on
schedule, and proposed that the Metropolitan Council contribute $2,500,000 to match
$10,000,000 in federal funds to be used for property acquisition and BNSF negotiations (see
attached press releases).
The attached proposed 2005 buclget reflects federal and regional contributions, as well as the
local expenditures necessary to keep Northstar moving. At the NCDA meeting on Thursday.
additional information regarding the proposed approach will be available for your
consideration.
Action Rec~uested:
That the NCDA Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee
approve the proposed 2005 NCDA Budget and recommend that the
NCDA approve the proposed 2005 NCDA budget,
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3'" Avenue. Anok:.., Minnesota 55303-2265 t763) 323-5700 Fax:/763~ 323-5682 www. norths~artrain.org
AUG 03 '04 18:01 T0-7636351090 FROH-RIOHARDSON, RICHTER& ASSOCIATES T-241 P,10/18 F-503
OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TnvI PAWLENTY
x3o State Capitol, Saint Paul, MN 55155, (65x) 296-ooox
NEWS
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 3, 2004
Contact:
Daniel Wolter
(651) 296-0001
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY KEEPS NORTHSTAR COMMUTER LINE
MOVING FORWARD
-Action by Governor will secure federal funding ~
Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty and members of the Northstar Corridor Development
Authority ('NCDA) today announced plans to provide inmrim funding that will allow the Northstar
Corridor commuter rail line to proceed. Thc actions by the Governor will secure $10 million in
federal funding for the next phase of the project.
"We need to move forward with efforts to relieve traffic congestion," said Governor Pawlenty.
"Our efforts to build roads and bridges are a big part of the plan, but we also must pursue effective
transit options along priority commuter corridorz. The Northstar cornmmer rail line tlt~ thc bill."
The Northstar commuter line utilizes mostly existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
(BNSF) lines, connecting downtown Minneapolis to communities along a stretch to Big Lake and
is predicted to save over 890,000 commuter hours per year.
The Governor's plan includes using $2.5 million dollars of money ~krough the Metropolitan
Council to leverage an additional $10 million in federal matching funds for land acquisition along
the corridor and continued work with the BNSF railroad. The federal funds were slated to be lost
,/tnot utilized by the state before September 30, 2004. The NCDA has also expressed a
willingness to provide an additional $10 million to be used for design efforts for the rail project.
The combined $22.5 million will go toward the project's expected $265 million total cost and
allow it to continue according to plans. The Met Council is expected to vote on the proposal as
early as next week.
Metropolita~n Council Chairman Peter Bell said, "Northstar represents an important part of the
region's transportation infrastructure. This is an important step to keep the project on schedule and
I look forward to working with the Legislature as we seek final funding."
"Progress on this project today is crucial to dealing with the citizen needs of the future," said Dan
Erhart, Chairman of the Anoka County Board and a member of NCDA. "Once again, Oovemor
Pawlenty has shown the vision and leadership needed to advance this important project."
Earlier this year Pawlenty had included funding Northstar in his bonding package but the
legislature was unable to reach agreement on a bonding bill.
--30-
www.governor.state.rnn.us , (651) 296-0001, (651) 296-0056 fax
AUG 03 '04 18:01 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON, R[CHTER& ASSOCIATES T-241 P,11/18 F-503
i~ONNUTER IMIL
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
AuguGt 3, 2004
Contact: Tim Yantos
7~3-32.~-5§92
Northstar Corridor Development Authority Applauds Governor
Pawlenty's Plan to Move Forward on Northstar
ELK RIVER, Minn. - Leaders of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority
(NCDA) voiced strong enthusiasm today for Governor Pawlenty's plan to
continue work on the Northstar Commuter Rail project.
"Governor Pawlenty is showing very positive leadership with this proposal," said
Dan Erhart, Chair of the Anoka County Board and member of tt~e NCDA. "His
plan will allow us to keep moving Northstar forward on schedule while we also
work to secure legislative funding in a state bonding bill later this year or in
2005."
The Northstar project was a critical element of the Governor's Capital Investment
recommendations to the 2004 Minnesota Legislature. State funding is necessary
to supplement local government funds already committed to Northstar. Together
these funds will be used to access a 50 percent federal match under the New
Starts process for transit funding. When the legislative session adjourned
without action on the Capital investment bill, Nortl~star Commuter Rail was one of
many projects left without state funding.
Under the Governor's plan, using both Met CouncR funds and a portion of the
local government funds already committed for the Northstar project, the NCDA
can move forward with critical project design, property acquisition and work with
the BNSF railroad needed to stay on schedule for a 2008 start date for commuter
rail.
"The funding will be used for additional engineering, design and some right-of-
way acquisition for the Northstar project, as well as continuing negotiations with
Burlington Northern Santa Fe on a capital improvement agreement," explained
Tim Yantos, project director for Northstar Commuter Rail and the NCDA. "By
keeping this work moving, we can hopefully prevent a year's delay and avoid
higher project costs due to inflation - this plan is a win-win for taxpayers and
future users of the Northstar Commuter Rail service."
- more -
AUG 03 '04 18:02 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARD$ON, R]OHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241 P,12/18 F-503
Erhad: concluded. "The NCDA Board will meet Thursday to review Governor
Pawlenty's plan and consider a budget to proceed with the project. ] am hopeful
we will accept the Governor's plan ~nd move Northstar another step forward on
The path to making this needed proiect a reality for the Fesidents and employees
of our region."
About the Northstar commuter rail project
The first phase of the Northstar commuter rail proposal is for service on the 40-
mile segment along Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to Minneapolis. The
Governor and the NCDA are seeking $37.5 million in Iow-interest bonding from
the Minnesota Legislature.
Stations are proposed for Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Frldley and
Minneapolis. The route was recently modified to meet the FTA's new, more
stringen[ cost-effectiveness standard. The NCDA is committed to gaining
approval in future years for a secc~nd phase to e~tend the line from Big Lake to
the St. Cloud area.
The NCDA is a joint powers board of 30 counties, ci[ies, townships and regional
railroad authorities along the corridor. For more information about the Northstar
Corridor commuter rail proj,,ct, please visit the Northstar web ~[te al www.mn-
GetOnBoard.com.
AUG 03 '04 18:02 TO-7636351090 FROM-RICHARDSON, RICHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241 P, 13/18 F-503
Proposed NCDA 2005 Budget
Propoaed 2005
BuagaT
NCDA $30,000
2) Administration I Project Management Grant
NCDA $445?00
3) Insurance Activities (Se~t, through Sept.) Grant
NCDA _ $,10,000
4) Legislative Activities Gran! $0
NCDA ~ 141.000
$) Community and Public involvement 2003 Grant $165,300
NCDA $500,000
6) Value Engineering 2003 Grant $184,000
NCaA
7) Advan¢ed Engineering Grant SD
NC, DA $9,500,000
8) BNSF Negotiations/Legal Services ~003 Grant $71,330
2005 Grant
9) Right al' Way AcQuisition 2003 Grant $1,771,36g
IVCDA $0
2005 Grant $12,000,000
10) Transit Oriented Development 2003 Grant $73,000
NCOA
Draft: 8/4'2004
Total 2003 Feeerat G~'nt
2005 Federal Grant
NCDA Fund~, $10,~26,000J
Total Budget
Note: Grant amounts include local malcl~lng ~unds of 20%.
$25,390,99g
Breakout of Revenuea 2003 Federal Funding $1,790,274
ZOO5 ?e~eral taunting $I 0,000,000
2003 Local Match $312,000
2005 Local Match $2,500,000
NCDA 2004 Carryforward $162,725
NCDA 2005 Contributiong $10,~26.000
Total $:~5,;~90,t)E)~
Breakout of Contributions by Members
Percent
Contribution
Based on 2000
County/RRA Census DaTa
Sherbume 16.1%
Hannepin 15.6%
Anoka 88.3%
Mort[son Nla
1oo.0%
Proposed
Contr|butlonl
2005
$0.~
$1,761,016,00
$1,706,32~,0~
$0.0~
$10.938,000.00
Note - propo~ed contributions by members cloe~ not inclucle lunas for the Special Demonstration Project: Nonhslar Commuler Coach
NC. DA 2005 budge[ lot approval August 2004.zls
AUG 03 '04 18:02
T0-7636351090
FROH-RIOHARDSON, RiOHTER & ASSOCIATES
T-241 P,14/18 F-503
COUNTY OF ANOKA
Office of Public S~rvic~s Division Ad~ninistrat~on
GOVERNMENT CENTER
2100 3rd Avenue · Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265
(763) 323-5700
JON G, OL$ON, P.E.
Division Manager
Direct #763-323-5789
Fax #763-323-5682
blot3ile #612-aE0-4106
Jori.olean @ca.anoka.rnn.us
DRAFT
MEMO TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
July 27, 2004
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Jon Olson, Division Manager, Public Services
Options for the Northstar Commuter Coach
The following options are for discussion purposes at the NCDA meeting August 5, 2004. We are
fast approaching a critical time in the service provided by the Northstar Commuter Coach
operation.
As you know, Mn/DOT turned the operation of the service to the NCDA on October 1,2003.
Along with the service the State provided $350,000 to assist in running the service through
September 30, 2004. The Legislature did not fund the Northstar Commuter Rail during the 2004
session nor aid tl~ey provide state funds to continue the Commuter Coach service past
September 30, 21304. That leaves us on our own.
Since our last meeting we have been in discussions with Mn/DOT and the Metropolitan Council
regarding funding. The outcome of those meetings produced the following options:
OPTION ONE
Terminate service on September 30, 2004. This is the "do nothing" option be(Jause unless action
i= taken to extend the service it will end September 30, 2004.
Considerations for this option are:
Service will end and current riders will have to seek alternate ways to work.
Opponents of Northstar Commuter Rail may say that the NCDA is not interested in
moving people, just in getting a train.
We will not have a ridership base when the Northstar Commuter Coach service begins.
The State, more directly, is the cauae for service ending.
OPTION TWO
Leave fares st the current levels and operate the service until all reserves are spent. This would
extend until December 31, 2004, or about three months.
FAX: 763-323-5682 Affirmative Action I Equal Opportunity Employer TDD/'rTY: 763-323-5289
AUG 03 '04 18:02 TO-TG36351090 FROM-RICHARDSON,RICHTER & ASSOCIATES
Options for the Northstar Commuter Coach
Page 2
T-241 P, 15/18
F-503
Considerations for this option are:
The service will end soon. Riders will seek other means of travel and may be difficult to
attract back to the Northstar Commuter train.
Contracts with Mn/DOT, Metropolitan Council and Laidlaw will need to be extended for
three months.
The NCDA may be seen as responsible for service ending.
OPTION THREE
Continue the service through September 30, 2005, or one year with no fare increase. For this
option to work the NCDA would need to double its financial contribution and all reserves would
be used as well. The NCDA contribution would be $200,000 for the year, beginning October 1,
2004. Since all projected reserves would be used up, an additional $100,000 would be needed
for the year beginning October 1,2005, and each year thereafter. The NCDA would be paying
about $300,000 per year starting October of 2005.
Considerations for this option are:
The further from October 1, 2003, we extend service, the herder it will be to tie the State
into the termination of service and the NCDA may receive more public criticism.
We retain ridership until the Northstar Commuter train is put into service.
This option, if selected, should be thought of as a permanent commitment to commuter
bus service as long as the commuter train is a possibility.
Other considerations:
The Metropolitan Council has agreed to work with the NCDA to identify areas where we
could use NTD funds. This would bring about $57,000 to the program in July of each
year beginning July 2005. In addition, the Metropolitan Council will add $20,000 to help
pay for the system. Option three is based on receiving these funds.
A $1.00 Increase In the fare/rom FIK River would raise about $1o0,o00. Tills would, of
course, decrease the NCDA participation in option three. If a $1.00 fare increase were
used with option two, the service could run until January
JO:kr
AUG 03 '04 18:03 T0-7636351090 FROH-R]OHARD$ON, RZCHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241 P,16/18 F-503
NORTHSTAR C. OMMUTI=R BUS
OPF__.P. ATING C;OST8 AND IRF--VENUE$
FOR
SENERIO$ PRESENTED TO THE NCDA ON
AUGUST 5,2004
JULY 27,2004
OPTION TWO - RUN SERVICE UNTIL ENDING BALANCE IS ZERO, NO FARE INCREASE
COSTS:
LEASE SEVEN BUSES $5,666.14 X 7 BUSES X 3 MONTHS
TRIP CHARGES $142,04 X 16 TRIPS PER DAY X 64 DAYS
ADMINISTRATION $11,074 PER MONTH X 3
SUB-TOTAL
REVENUE FOR OPTION TWO WITH NO FARE INCREASE
CARRY FORWARD BALANCE
FEDERAL CAPITAL LEASE AT 80%
FAREBOX RECOVERY AT $2.50 FROM RIVERDALE
AND $3.50 FROM ELK RIVER
NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE (5309)
MET COUNCIL FUNDS
NCDA OPERATING YEAR FOUR CAPITAL MATCH
SUBTOTAL
E~TIMATI=D END BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2004
LOCAL FUNDS (NCDA) REQUIRED
$118,989
$145,449
$33,222
$297,660
$93,489
sgs,lgl
$109,250
$o
$o
$o
$297,930
$27O
AUG 03 '04 18:03 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON, RIOHTER & ASSOCIATES T-241 P,17/18 F-503
OPTION TWO WITH FARE INCREASE OF $1 FROM ELK RIVER
COSTS:
LEASE SEVEN BUSES $5,666.14 X 7 BUSES X 4 MONTHS
TRIP CHARGES $142.04 X 16 TRIPS PER DAYX 85 DAYS
ADMINISTRATION $11,074 PER MONTH X 4
SUB-TOTAL
REVENUE FOR OPTION TWO WITH $1.00 FARE INCREASE FROM ELK RIVER
CARRY FORWARD BALANCE
FEDERAL CAPITAL LEASE AT 80%
FAREBOX RECOVERY AT $2.50 FROM RIVERDALE AND $4.50 FROM ELK RIVER
NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE (5309)
MET COUNCIL FUNDS
NCDA OPERATING YEAR FOUR CAPITAL MATCH
SUBTOTAL
ESTIMATED END BALANCE DECEMBER 31,2004
LOCAL FUNDS (NCDA) REQUIRED
$158,652
$193,174
$44,296
$396,122
$93,489
S126,921
$181,951
$0
$0
$402,361
$6,239
$0
AUG 03 '04 18:03 T0-7636351090 FROH-RICHARDSON, RICHTER& ASSOCIATES T-241 P,18/18 F-503
OPTION THREE WITH $1.00 FARE INC;REASE FROM ELK RIVER
COSTS:
LEASE SEVEN BUSES $5,666.14 X 7 BUSES X 12 MONTHS
TRIP CHARGES $142.04 X 16 TRIPS PER DAY X 255 DAYS
ADMINISTRATION $11,074 PER MONTH X 12
SUB-TOTAL
REVENUE FOR OPTION THREE WITH $1.00 FARE INCREASE FROM ELK RIVER
CARRY FORWARD BALANCE
FEDERAL CAPITAL LEA~E AT 80%
FAREBOX RECOVERY AT $2.50 FROM RIVERDALE
AND $4.50 FROM ELK RIVER
NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE (5309)
MET COUNCIL FUNDS
NC:DA OPERATING YEAR FOUR CAPITAL MATCH
SUBTOTAL
ESTIMATED BALANCE SEPTEMBER 30, 200
LOCAL FUNDS (NCDA) REQUIRED
CURRENT LOCAL SHARE OF OPERATING COSTS BASED ON CURRENT SPLIT ARE:
PERCENT MEMBER NCDA o./,, TOTAL % LOCAL
OF TOTAL % OF OF TOTAL BY COUNTY COSTAT
NCDA BY $4.60 FARE
COUNTY ELK RIVER
NCDA 33.33%
ANOKA 33.33% 63.50% 21.17% 54.50%
SHERBURNE 33.33% 15.00% 5,00% 38.33%
HENNEPIN 14.50% 4.83% 4.83%
BENTON 7.00% 2.33% 2.33%
$51,840
$36,463
$4,594
$2,216
$475,956
$579,523
$132,595
$1,188,374
$93,489
$380,7§5
$542,000
$57,000
$20,000
$05,120
$1,188,374
$0
$95,120
The Northstar Commuter Coach Survey was conducted on June 29, 2004. A total of
240 persons rode from Elk River that day and 212 surveys were completed. The results
of the survey are detailed below.
The Northstar Commuter Coach provides a valued transportation option to
area commuters.
All of respondents said they are either very satisfied or satisfied with the coach
bus service.
- There was unanimous support for continuing the bus service as a needed
alternative to driving to jobs downtown.
The majority of respondents said they are willing to pay slightly higher fares to be
able to continue using bus service. The median fare that riders said they would
be willing to pay from Elk River to Minneapolis is $4.00, compared to the current
fare of $3.50.
Without a transit alternative, a significant percentage of commuters will resort
to driving on area roads.
When asked what travel option they would choose if bus service were
unavailable, 51 percent said they would use a car to travel to work - 43 percent
using a single-person car and the remainder saying they would carpool.
Anecdotally, some respondents who said they would use another transit option
still said they would need to drive some distance to link up to a different service.
Riders strongly support and will use the Northstar Commuter Rail service.
More than 90 percent of respondents said they favor the proposed Northstar
Commuter Rail service.
When given a choice between bus service and Northstar Commuter Rail, 63
percent said they would be more likely to use Northstar Commuter Rail.
Even when given the alternative of Northstar Commuter Rail at an estimated
$5.00 one-way fare, which is higher than both the existing bus service fare
($3.50) and the fare respondents were willing to pay ($4.00), riders still preferred
Northstar Commuter Rail.
1. Overall, please rate your level of satisfaction with the Northstar Commuter
Coach Bus service:
Answer Options. # of Responses % of Responses
Very Satisfied 186 87.7%
Satisfied 26 12.3%
Dissatisfied 0 0.0%
Very Dissatisfied 0 0.0%
No opinion 0 0.0%
2. Would you like to see the Northstar Commuter Coach Bus service continue?
Answer Options # of Responses % of Responses
Yes/Strongly 205 97.2%
Yes 6 2.8%
No 0 0.0%
No/Strongly 0 0.0%
No opinion 0 0.0%
What is the maximum one-way fare you would be willing to pay to keep the
Commuter Coach Bus service operating from Elk River to Downtown
Minneapolis?
Answer Options # of Responses % of Responses
Less than $5.00 102 64.2%
$5.00 - $7.00 39 24.5%
$8.00 and over 12 7.5%
No Opinion 6 3.8%
Mean: 4.61
Mode: 4.0
Median: 4.0
If the Commuter Coach Bus service were terminated or the fares were
increased higher than what you are willing to pay, what option would you
pursue instead of using the bus service?
Answer Options
Travel to Minneapolis by single-person car
Travel to Minneapolis by carpool
Travel to Minneapolis by another transit
option
Negotiate a reduced work schedule and/or
telecommute from home
Find employment closer to home
Quit working
Other (please specify):
# of Responses % of Responses
89 42.6%
18 8.6%
83 39.7%
3 1.4%
9 4.3%
1 O.5%
6 2.9%
o
Do you favor or oppose the proposed Northstar Commuter rail service that
would run on existing railroad tracks with six station stops from Big Lake to
Downtown Minneapolis?
Answer Options # of Responses % of Responses
Favor/Strongly 153 73.6%
Favor 37 17.8%
Oppose 2 1.0%
Oppose Strongly 6 2.9%
No opinion 10 4.8%
If the Northstar Rail service is approved and implemented, the ride on the train
from Elk River to Downtown Minneapolis would be 35 minutes with an
estimated one-way fare of $5.00. The Northstar Commuter Rail service would
also connect to the Hiawatha Light Rail Line, allowing Northstar passengers to
ride to other stops in Downtown Minneapolis and out to the airport and the
Mall of America. If you had the choice of using the Northstar Commuter
Coach Bus service or the Northstar Commuter Rail service, which would you
be more likely to use - the bus or the train?
Answer Options # of Responses
Northstar Commuter Coach Bus 48
Northstar Commuter Rail/Train 130
No Opinion 29
% of Responses
23.2%
62.8%
14.0%
Ridership
There are approximately 145,000 Commuter Coach Bus riders annually.
Approximately 106,000 people ride to and from Elk River, with an additional 39,000
people traveling to and from Riverdale in Coon Rapids.
These riders pay a total of $381,000 towards the operation of the buses.
Funding and Revenue
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority is meeting with state legislators to
identify funding options to continue the service after September 30, 2004. Currently,
neither the NCDA nor the state has committed the funds needed to operate the
commuter coach bus service from October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005.
A decision by the NCDA Board on next steps for the commuter coach service is
expected in the coming months.
Comments were welcomed as part of the Northstar Commuter Coach Survey. Below is a sampling
of some of the comments offered by riders.
Comments on Question 3 - Fare amount
- It should be the same as SW Transit's fare from downtown to Chanhassen.
- I think it is priced appropriately at the current time. Any increase may change my
mind in regard to riding the bus.
- I am willing to pay anything to keep the bus going.
- $3.50 - $7.00 whatever it takes--this bus is great.
On the bus it takes an hour to get to D T from Elk River. If the train takes its place
at $5.00 each way and it is only a 35-minute ride the train is a better deal
logically speaking.
Comments on Question 4 - Alternative travel without bus
Drive to Coon Rapids Park & Ride and take the bus from there.
Drive to where I could catch MTC bus.
Get to work @ 5:00 am by carpooling when I don't need to be there until 7:30.
Travel to St Paul by carpool.
I will drive to Maple Grove Transit.
- Drive to Anoka.
- Drive down Hwy l0 to CR P&R.
Comments on Question 6 - Choice between commuter rail or bus
(Chose train) only because it's cheaper.
Depends on schedules I may use both --prefer train over bus if maintained and
run as well as existing bus service.
Whichever one is more effective for my ride to work!
I would take whatever would be more cost effective.
I would choose bus or train based on the schedule, frequency ofbusesltrain vs.
my work schedule. All equal, I'd choose train-quicker.
I'd probably stick with the bus as I like the direct routes with no stops. Although
I'd surely give the train a try and continue to support it/.
RE: Train - Coming home would be great.
Comments on Question 7 - Other comments
- P/ease try very hard not to stop this bus service. It would create a severe
hardship for many people myseff included. Thank you.
- I'd very much like to see the service continue until the train becomes an option.
If the train were faster, I would take that.
I strongly favor a Northstar Commuter train. It is long overdue. I currently use
the Northstar bus then connect with light rail. A Northstar train with a connection
to the light rail would better enable me to get to work. Also mass transit is the
way to go because it will reduce congestion on the roads & air pollution from a
reduced amount of cars on the road.
We need Northstar--- whether it be the bus or train. Traffic congestion is already
unbearable on Hwy 10 & 242. Many days the buses are filled to capacity with
passengers standing! We need Northstar#
I will take the bus orrail. I do not wish to drive.../wi//pay any amount other than
driving.
Put more cars on the road? Not very smart in my opinion.
I have ridden since Day 3 of this service and love it. I hate driving "traffic" wasted
time when I have to drive.
I've been riding the bus since fl started on October 1, 2001. It is an excellent &
much appreciated service. I am a strong supporter of commuter bus/train &
would be terribly disappointed to see it end.
The last thing the Twin Cities should be considering is discontinuing any transit
systems of any kind.
This bus service was an integral factor in my decision to move from Champlain to
Zimmerman. We must find a way to keep this service running until Commuter rail
is a reality!
Bring the train - less traffic congestion & less pollution.
As more people move to the outer metro area I think it's imperative that a rail
system be implemented.
I'm glad that my tax dollars are finally going towards something that I can
honestly say benefits me directly.
I don't care if/take the bus or the train, I just don't want to have to drive
downtown/.
I moved to Elk River on May 29 and was excited by the opportunity of the NCC
Bus. What a nice altemative to get to work. I am very much in favor of the NC
Rail/Train to work as well and would love to see the CC Bus stay at least until the
Rail/Train gets on track.