7.3. SR 06-20-2005
Item# 7 . 3 .
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner *
June 20, 2005
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Northstar Corridor Update
Councilmember Motin is the City's representative on the NCDA. He is scheduled to provide
an update at the June 20th Council meeting. Attached are the agenda and the packet from the
NCDA meeting held on June 2nd.
~
UNORTHSTAR JUN/)82005 UPDATE
The NcflfJfl.ff!'!t(f'ulll11.~ supporters on new inronnation about the Northstar Commuter Rail project. For more information, go to _.mn-GetOnBoard.com.
June 2005
Legislative passage of the 2005 bonding bill marked a monumental step for
Northstar Commuter Rail. On April 11, 2005, Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the
$886 million bill into law, which includes $37.5 million in funding for Northstar,
marking the first time substantial state funding was approved by the
Minnesota Legislature.
Highlighting the importance of Northstar Commuter Rail, Gov. Pawlenty chose
to sign the bonding bill into law at the future site of the Coon Rapids Riverdale
commuter rail station. A large crowd of Northstar supporters, key legislative
leaders and local elected officials attended the event to commemorate this
milestone.
The bonding bill signing put an exclamation point on the overwhelming support for Northstar in the
Minnesota House and Senate. The actions by the Legislature and the Governor confirmed the strong
statewide and bipartisan support for Northstar Commuter Rail.
Thank You Northstar Supporters!
Because of the efforts of thousands of supporters, Northstar achieved this success.
Thanks to the many Minnesotans who have made their voices heard, the rail project is
now closer to becoming a reality in Minnesota. Many advocates wrote to their
legislators, signed petitions, formed advocacy groups, attended State Capitol events
. and rallied in their communities to show their support for Northstar.
You sent the message that Northstar Commuter Rail was important to you and
worthy of a state commitment! And, the message was heard.
As the Northstar Commuter Rail project progresses, the ongoing efforts from supporters
will continue to playa key role in gaining the final piece of state funding for construction
of the project in 2006.
The $37.5 million in state funding for Northstar Commuter Rail allows the project to move into the next
phase of development. The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and the Minnesota
Department of Transportation will apply to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for approval to begin
final design. Project planners will also work to regain a "Recommended" rating from the FTA to access
highly-competitive federal matching dollars.
Locally, the NCDA will proceed with key project elements:
./ Engineering, design and property acquisitions for commuter rail.
./ Detailed negotiations with the BNSF railroad on construction and operating agreements.
./ Engineering and design of the four block Hiawatha Light Rail Transit connection.
The next several months will see important progress on the Northstar project in preparation for the 2006
legislative session, when the NCDA will seek approval for the final state funding commitment needed to
construct the Northstar line (approximately $51 million). Most importantly, state funding keeps the
Northstar project on track for beginning service to commuters in the Northstar Corridor in late 2008.
Why is FTA Funding
Important to
Northstar?
Federal funding programs for U.S. transit
projects are administered by the Federal
Transit Administration (FT A). Because the
FT A will provide up to 50 percent of the
construction costs of qualifying projects,
competition for FT A funds is fierce
nationwide. Northstar Commuter Rail is
competing against numerous regional
transit projects throughout the country for
the funding provided by the FTA.
In evaluating
which projects to
support, the FT A
conducts a
rigorous review
process to assess
a project's merits
and cost-
effectiveness.
Transit projects
must demonstrate
that they will
improve the
efficiency of a
region's
transportation system in a cost-effective
manner. Northstar has previously met the
FT A's criteria, receiving a "Recommended"
rating three times. The rating was changed
to "Not Recommended" pending the
commitment of state funding.
The action by the 2005 Legislature puts the
Northstar project in significantly better
standing with the FT A. By securing the
$37.5 million in state funding this year, along
with the $44 million in local funding already
approved, Northstar can now move ahead to
compete with other transit projects for
federal dollars. Northstar project backers
will submit the required information to the
FTA to regain a "Recommended" rating.
Once this has been achieved, the state will
be able to access federal matching dollars
covering half of Northstar's construction
costs.
For more information about the FT A go to:
www.fta.dot.gov
How's the View from the Road?
According to the Texas
Transportation Institute's
2005 Urban Mobility
Report, the Twin Cities
ranks 5th worst in traffic
congestion (determined
by the cost of delay and
excess fuel consumption)
among 26 large size
metropolitan areas
throughout the country.
Minnesotans spend an average of 43 hours stuck in
rush-hour traffic and consume 37 million gallons of
excess fuel. Additionally, the cost of congestion rose
from $937 million to $975 million over the last year, or
$722 per rush hour driver.
According to the same
study, to simply maintain
the current levels of
congestion, Minnesota will
need to build at least 48
miles of new lanes
annually (at a cost
between $10 million to $40
million per highway mile) and have 83,000 people
using public transportation or carpooling. The level of
demand on our system underscores the need for
projects like Northstar Commuter Rail.
www.mn-GetOnBoard.com
4. .
5.
6.
NCDA
Meeting Agenda
June 2, 2005
4:30 P.M.
NOTE LOCATION:
Anoka County Government Center
Anoka, MN
1.
Minutes of the May 5, 2005 Meeting*
Action Requested
Approval
Approval
Approval
Approval
Approval
Information
Information
Discussion
Information
2. Executive Committee Report:
a) Commuter Coach Funding*
b) Northstar Project Office: Approval of Expenditures*
c) BNSF Rail Passenger Capital Improvements Engineering
Agreement*
d) Selection of Broker/Insurance Consultant*
3.
Technical Reports:
a) Advanced and Final Design of Commuter Rail
i) Commuter Rail Rolling Stock Evaluation
ii) PE Validation
b) Advanced and Final Design of LRT Connection
FT A Issues
a) New Starts Submittals
b) Monthly Report*
Legislative Issues:
a) 2005 State Legislative Session Wrap-up
b) Federal
Public Information Update
7.
Other
a) Next Meeting: July 7, 2005
b) Meeting Location
* Documentation enclosed
Discussion
If you are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Peggy Aho at 651-222-7227.
Agenda Item #1
NORTHST AR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2005
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met on May 5,2005, in regular session at the
Anoka County Government Center, Anoka, Minnesota.
In attendance: LeRoy Pauley, Jeanne Mason, Bruce Nawrocki, Bob Barnette, Carl Anderson,
David Elvig, Dan Erhart, Joe Voigt, Scott Schulte, Paul Motin, Elwood Bissett, Ewald Petersen,
Felix Schmiesing, Jon Riebel, John Norgren, Mark Limpert, Tim Yantos, Duane Grandy, Mary
Richardson, Ken Stevens, Jan Lucke, Mark Fuhrmann, Dave Peterson, James Saufel, Patrick
Wussow, Jay Mclinden, Scott Johnson, Jim Barton, Steve Novak, Margaret Langfeld, Linda
Jungwirth, Dee Guthman, Robert Kirchner, Todd Rapp, Jon Olson, Jill Brown, Dale Robinson,
JoAnn Robinson, Peg Aho, Paul McCarron, Sue Youngs, Dan Erhart, Dennis Berg, Paul Ostrow
1} Chair Grandy called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m.
2} Ken Stevens reported on the Value Engineering Study Report. There was a team of
experts who came into town and looked at ways to reduce costs and improve the
Project. The team was assisted by Northstar Project consultants and staff. A list of 60
ideas was developed which might improve the costs of the Project and the Project itself.
The team completed a report defining those issues and assigning cost estimates. The
PMT has reviewed the recommendations in the Report and placed them into one of
three different categories: reject, accept, or further study needed.
Paul Danielson gave an overview of the Value Engineering Process (a five part process)
which should be completed by May 21. The process includes information gathering,
creative brainstorming, judgment and evaluation, proposed development and a
presentation of results. The objective of the process is to: preserve the project scope;
maintain the CEI by saving capital costs and reducing O&M costs; identify ideas that
would improve project value; balance capital expenditures; address Project risks and
confirm the cost estimate.
Bruce Nawrocki asked why is there not a station sited in Columbia Heights when the rail
line runs adjacent to the City? Would putting a station in the City make it more
accessible to the people of Columbia Heights? Tim Yantos noted that there had been
an analysis done on a potential station site in Columbia Heights. The conclusion of the
analysis was that there are too many physical barriers.
Paul Motin made a motion that the NCDA accept receipt of the Value Engineering Study
Report as prepared by Kimley-Horn and Associates and DMJM Harris on behalf of the
NCDA. The motion was seconded by Woody Bissett and passed unanimously on a
voice vote.
3} Mary Richardson noted that Anoka County has been providing financial management
services to the NCDA since 1997 and that the Executive Committee is recommending
that the NCDA request Anoka County to continue in that role. Scott Schulte made a
motion that the NCDA authorize Chair to execute an amendment to the financial
management services agreement extending the term for the life time of the project
development or until such time as the Agreement is terminated by either of the parties.
The motion was seconded by Felix Schmiesing and passed unanimously on a voice
vote.
4) Mary Richardson noted that as the NCDA is moving further into final design, the NPO
needs a location to house staff and consultants working on the Project. The FT A has an
expectation that all documents and people will be housed together in one location.
Therefore, staff are recommending that the 2005 NCDA Budget be amended to provide
for the costs of the project office. Mary Richardson noted that the proposed budget
amendment shifts funds from Line Item #6 (Value Engineering) to Line #1
(Administrative Expenses) as shown in proposed 2005 Budget Amendment #2. Ms.
Richardson noted that the NCDA received grant funds from the Federal Government
which can be used for project office expenses.
Mary Richardson reviewed.a recommendation of the Executive Committee/ Capital
Budget Committee that the NCDA locate its Project Office (NPO) at the Ceresota
Building in downtown Minneapolis, on the 7th floor. Staff have been negotiating with the
Lessor and have agreed to the following basic terms of a lease agreement:
Term:
July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2009 with an exit without penalty clause that can
be exercised by the lessee if it is determined that the space is no longer
needed, after the first year
Assignability: Lease to include a clause that allows the NCDA to assign the lease to
another party (e.g., Minnesota Department of Transportation)
Square Feet: Approximately 4,800 with option to expand as needed
Rent: $4.50 per square foot
Operating Cost:
$9.05 per square foot
Parking:
$90 per space per month
(estimated need of 29 spaces at total cost of $31,320)
Jeanne Mason made a motion that the NCDA amend its 2005 budget by shifting
$114,000 from value engineering to administrative expenses including rent, operations,
equipment, and miscellaneous expenses for the NPO, as discussed above and that
NCDA select the ih floor of the Ceresota Building in Downtown Minneapolis as the new
location of the Northstar Project Office and authorize the chair to finalize negotiations
and execute a lease agreement with Ceresota Mill Limited Partnership with the terms
and conditions as detailed by staff. The motion was seconded by Scott Schulte and
passed on a voice vote, 4 members voted nay.
David Elvig from the City of Ramsey noted that there are buildings available around
Ramsey for a nominal cost. Bruce Nawrocki asked if staff had looked at the office space
that was available in Columbia Heights, as mentioned at the April NCDA meeting. Tim
Yantos noted that staff did look at the space Mr. Elvig and Mr. Nawrocki referred to
along with many others. Mr. Yantos noted that two important components of the Project
are the commuter rail piece and the LRT piece. The LRT connection piece of the Project
will involve more time and effort than the commuter rail portion of the Project. Various
issues were instrumental in staff reaching the recommendation of the Minneapolis
location: driving costs for staff and consultants, moving expenses, lease costs, misc.
communications issues and the ability to end the lease after one year. Frank Dunbar
has been handling lease negotiations on behalf of the NCDA with the Ceresota Building.
Scott Schulte asked where the determination that 29 parking spaces are needed for
NPO staff derived from. Mr. Yantos noted that the need for 29 parking spaces is based
on an estimate of how many staff will be working out of the NPO on a fulltime basis.
5) Jon Olson gave an update on the current financial status of the NCDA Special Project:
Commuter Coach Service. Mr. Olson discussed the implications of the operating
shortfall to date and the projected shortfall for 2006 and the revenue necessary to
continue the commuter coach service. Staff will ask for a recommendation, at the June
NCDA meeting, on funding for commuter coach services.
Bruce Nawrocki asked if there is updated ridership information available. Mr. Olson
noted that in March of this year there was an average of 16,666 riders for the month.
During off peak hours, the buses are running about 76 to 77% full, and during peak
hours full. Farebox recovery is high. Farebox covers approximately 60% of operation
costs. Bruce Nawrocki asked how many stops are made. Mr. Olson noted that 73% of
the rider's board at the Elk River stop and 27% at the Coon Rapids stop.
Mark Limpert asked if there are any projections of increased ridership for the commuter
coach service. Mr. Olson noted that the buses can't accommodate extra riders because
the buses are running near or at capacity now. Mr. Limpert asked if the service expects
to reach a point where there won't be enough room and people will be left behind, and if
so, are there any plans for adding buses. Mr. Olson noted that more subsidy would be
needed if more buses were added. He further noted that the Project would have to
come up with an additional $80,000 in local share assuming that there would be no more
federal subsidy dollars available. Mr. Olson reiterated that this is a demonstration
project which was started to get people interested in using public transportation and
once the train starts running there would be plenty of seats available and buses would
quit running.
A member of the audience asked if there might be another revenue source that might be
able to be tapped for this demo. David Elvig suggested perhaps charging people for
parking at the bus stops. Mr. Olson noted that these sites were built as park and rides
never intended to charge for parking. Bruce Nawrocki asked what the subsidy is per
passenger. Mr. Olson replied $1.63 per person. Bus fares are currently $2.50 from/to
Coon Rapids and $3.50 from/to Elk River. Mr. Olson noted that the Metropolitan Council
will be implementing an increase in public transportation fares as of July 1. The
increases are 50 cents for peak hours and 25 cents for nonpeak hours.
6) Paul Danielson reviewed advanced and final design issues for commuter rail. He noted
that Kimley-Horn is currently working on the issue of whether or not a tunnel should be
built at the Coon Rapids station for pedestrian use. He also noted that there is a chance
that the Big Lake station could be located next to the proposed maintenance facility
location in the SE corner of the site. Kimley-Horn is studying advantages and
disadvantages of various station locations for the Big Lake station. Mr. Danielson listed
various issues that are being reviewed pertaining to the maintenance facility: Some of
issues are: connection to the mainline (one connection may be able to be eliminated),
reduction of bailout sections, interior layouts, building size, and efficient layout space for
the workers. Mr. Danielson noted that there has also been some discussion about
putting together a Life Safety Committee as the Project develops. This Committee
would address permitting processes various communities along the Corridor have, and
federal ADA access requirements. Mr. Danielson noted that the FTA has been
tightening their literal interpretation of ADA rules.
7. On behalf of Steve Apanian, Mr. Stevens gave the update on Advanced and Final
Design of the LRT connection. He noted that some of the issues being addressed are
the Sth street alignment (north side or south side) and the proposed ball park. There is a
meeting scheduled for next Tuesday at Hennepin County with Hennepin County folks,
people from the City of Minneapolis and HOK (company from St. Louis that has been
retained to design the stadium). Staff will bring more information to the NCDA in the
coming months as this issue moves forward.
8) Paul Danielson gave an overview of the PE Validation Review Process. Part of the
process is to identify issues that need further consideration and any impacts to code
changes (building codes and sustainable design). Findings of the process will be
presented at the June meeting. Major issues are: vehicle type, ADA access, Big Lake
Station location, Coon Rapids track crossing, Fridley access configuration, downtown
station (stadium impacts), operator determination, systems design (operator/central
control location), BNSF communication and platform design changes.
9) Mark Fuhrmann reported on information from the FT A regarding the "Dear Colleague"
letter which reviewed suggested changes in the FT A New Starts process. The FT A
administrator, Jenna Dorn, has issued her decision regarding the FTA's New Starts
process. Ms. Dorn's letter noted that the FT A would be moving forwards with three
suggestions: an inflation adjustor to adjust the cost effectiveness thresholds that
currently exist in their rating process; allowance for projects to use 2030 policy
decisions; and instituting standardized cost categories which will be more prescriptive of
what can or cannot be included in a cost category.
10) Mark Fuhrmann gave an update on the Project Schedule and its key milestones. He
noted that the Project Management Plan has been completed and will be a part of the
submittal to the FT A.
11) Mary Richardson gave an update on State legislative action. She noted that there has
been a lot of discussion on the transportation bill, nothing firm to report.
12) Jon Olson gave an update on federal legislative activities. He noted that he and others
had visited Washington in April and that support for the Northstar Project is very strong.
13) Todd Rapp gave an update on public information activities. He noted that Governor
Pawlenty had signed the transportation bonding bill. Four things need to be done: make
sure that supporters and others understand that more funding will be. needed in 2006,
communicate progress the Project makes over the next several months, make sure
there are no surprises, keep legislators and others informed, and continue to engage
new residents in this fast growing corridor.
Jill Brown noted that the Commuter Coach demo project had its SOO,OOOth rider in April.
A survey of people riding the bus was completed: 7S% of riders responded and only one
person noted their dissatisfaction that the bus was too crowded.
14) There being no further business, John Norgren made a motion that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion was seconded by Ewald Peterson and passed unanimously on a
voice vote.
U [l]@[%jiJ[}{]@iJ&J/JJ
@@[%j!l3DW@!l3
Executive Committee Agenda Item #3
NCDA Agenda Item #2a
May 27, 2005
MEMO TO: NCDA Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee
NCDA
FROM: Staff
RE: Commuter Coach Funding
Based on our analysis of the current funding for the Northstar Commuter Coach, a fare increase
of an additional $0.75 from the Elk River station is recommended. As you will recall, last
October we held a public hearing regarding the probability of increasing the fares an additional
dollar to a total cost of $4.50 per ride. At that point in time, the NCDA voted to delay action until
this June on that fare increase. Since October, our ridership has continued to be strong and
consistent with our projections, and we continue to fall behind in paying for the service as we
go. In the meantime, Metro Transit has raised fares systemwide, and this fare increase is
anticipated to go into effect July 1, 2005.
Consequently, staff believes that we have no other choice than to make this additional $0.75
increase from the Elk River station. This will result in fares from the Coon Rapids-Riverdale
station of $2.75 per ride, and the fares from the Elk River station of $4.50 per ride. Even with
the fare increase indicated above, we are projecting a $104,000.00 shortfall for NCDA budget
year 2005 and an approximate $150,000.00 shortfall for NCDA budget year 2006. Jon Olson
will be at the meeting in case there are any questions.
Action Reauested:
That the Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee make a
recommendation that the NCDA approve a fare increase of an
additional $0.75 from the Elk River station.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
21003" Avenue. Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (63) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.northstartruin.org
Executive Committee Agenda Item #4
NCDA Agenda Item #2b
NPO MEMO
Northstar Project Office
Ceresota Building
155 Fifth Avenue South
Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
'~
~ ~
~'IIDIITHSTJUI
~U'L
Phone: 612-215-8200
Fax: 612-215-8210
DMC Number:
File Code1:
File Code 2:
File Code 3:
To:
NCDA Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee
NCDA
FROM:
Mike Schadauer, Deputy Director of Budget, Grants, and Project Controls
DATE:
May 27, 2005
SUBJECT:
Northstar Project Office: Approval of Move Expenditures
Copy:
DMC
In the topic covering the lease for the Northstar Project Office at the April NCDA Board meeting,
an estimate of $70,000 in space preparation and related moving costs was discussed. These
costs include the following:
· Existing wall demolition and space preparation
· Modular furniture takedown, re-installation, and move of contents
. Move of phone system
. Data and phone wiring
· Network server room infrastructure
. Electrical wiring
· Design services and move coordination
Early lease negotiations included this $70,000 amount as an amortized cost to be paid back
over the life of the lease with interest. As lease negotiations progressed, however, this
amortized amount was reduced to approximately $47,000, thereby reducing the amount subject
to future interest. The amount over $47,000, or up to $23,000 in move costs, will have to be
paid in full as they occur. The project management team will keep these costs as low as
practical.
Action Requested: That the Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee recommends
that the NCDA authorize the Executive Director to spend up to $23,000 for
Northstar Project Office move expenses.
U [J:!]@[ff3'[]OO@'[]!JJm
@@!13f1]O{ffJ@[ff3
Executive Committee Agenda Item # 7
NCDA Agenda Item #2c
May 27,2005
MEMO TO: NCDA Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee
NCDA
FROM: Staff
RE: Rail Passenger Capital Improvements Engineering Agreement with BNSF
The third element of the advanced and final design of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project is the
engineering of the track and signal improvements to the BNSF railway. (The NCDA has already
entered into contracts for the advanced and final design of the commuter rail station and facilities
and for the LRT connection.)
Because the railroad is owned by BNSF, BNSF will conduct the engineering pursuant to an
agreement with the NCDA. BNSF will retain engineering consultants to perform engineering
services, provide oversight and necessary flagging services, prepare and complete the advanced
and final designs, prepare cost estimates, and prepare all bid packages. BNSF will absorb the first
$50,000 of its overhead costs, without request for reimbursement. The contract will specify the
capacity improvements that will be included in advanced and final design. Note that BNSF will
allow NCDA's technical staff to review the work prepared by the railroad. The proposed contract
includes the engineering of the track improvements. Once preliminary engineering is complete on
track improvements, the Agreement will need to be amended to include services and costs relating
to the signal improvements. It is also contemplated that a budget amendments will be necessary
for the engineering of several supplementary track improvements.
The budget for the proposed contract is $993,288 and is within the NCDA's budget for advanced
and final design. As required by the FTA, staff are preparing an independent cost estimate. The
Agreement will terminate on October 10, 2006. Note that the FTA will also review the Agreement
for consistency with federal requirements.
At the March 2005 meeting, the NCDA delegated to the Executive Committee the authority to
approve the negotiated agreement with BNSF in order to act in an expeditious manner to meet
schedule constraints. Due to unanticipated delays in the project schedule, it was not necessary to
use the delegated authority and it is recommended that the NCDA approve the agreement as
described above.
Action Requested:
That the Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee recommends
that the NCDA authorize the chair to finalize negotiations and execute the
Rail Passenger Capital Improvements Engineering Agreement with BNSF,
as described above.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2]003" Avenue. Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 \vw\v.northstartrain.org
U []')@[ff3uDO~u!JJ[ff3
@@[ff3[1]O@@[ff3
Executive Committee Agenda Item #8
NCDA Agenda Item #2d
May 27,2005
MEMO TO:
Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee
NCDA
FROM:
Staff
RE:
Selection of Broker/lnsurance Consultant
The NCDA issued a Request for Proposals for Broker/Insurance Consulting Services for the
Northstar Commuter Rail Project on April 18, 2005. The NCDA wishes to engage a qualified
property and casualty insurance consultant/broker with successful experience in commuter rail
projects to perform professional services in connection with the Project, to possess the
expertise and specialized knowledge required to provide professional advice and counsel in
developing the risk management program for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project, and to
specifically advise the NCDA and Mn/DOT in negotiating insurance terms and conditions with
the BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) for both the construction and operational phases of the
Northstar Commuter Rail Project.
Two firms responded to the RFP: Willis of Minnesota, Inc. and Marsh USA, Inc.. Both firms will
be interviewed on June 1, 2005.
The Evaluation Team consisted of: Phillip Blue, Marlys Williamson, Phil Walljasper, John
Sullivan, Mary Richardson, Tim Yantos, Colleen Herrmann and Jan Lucke.
Staff will rank the proposals based on the following criteria: inclusion of required certificates/
statements, good faith efforts to meet DBE goal, the consultant's understanding of the work,
qualifications of the Proposer and the project team, the cost or price of the work, availability of
key personnel and ability to complete work on schedule, consultant's past record of
performance, and the com prehensiveness of the proposal.
The Evaluation Team will submit its evaluation and recommendation at the June 2,2005
meeting. The Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee will be asked to recommend to
the NCDA a consultant to provide Broker/Insurance consulting services, and authorize the Chair
to negotiate and execute a contract.
Action Requested: That the Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee recommend
to the NCDA a Consultant to provide Broker/Insurance Consulting
services.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
21003 ' Avenue. Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (63) 323-56~2 WW\v.n0l1hstartrain.org:
NCDA Agenda Item #4b
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT
MONTHLY REPORT
May 2005
Minnesota Department of Transportation
in Cooperation with the
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
and the
Metropolitan Council
The Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Phase 2
(P~ Futltn Routt)
Phase 1
(Z004 Minnesota IkmdiDg ~
River
~
..
MtlItlAlMtm.
lisISt. Paul
International Airport
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
2
I. Introduction
The proposed Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) will provide commuter
rail service along a 40-mile corridor from Downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake,
Minnesota parallel to Trunk Highways 47 and 10. It will use existing rail tracks
owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and
include 6 stations. The commuter line is expected to carry 5,600 passengers per
day by the year 2025. The rail line will have inter-modal connections to bus
transit and to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The Northstar
connection to LRT consists of a four-block extension on the north end of the
Hiawatha LR T to reach the Downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station.
With the exception of the Downtown Minneapolis station, all of the stations will
have park and ride facilities.
Since the last written report to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), dated
April 2005, the following occurred:
· Project staffing changes
· PE validation packages submitted for comment
· Twins baseball stadium coordination meeting
· The Project is submitting a series of materials to FTA to seek a
"recommended" rating and approval for entry into final design
· Project staff met with a new BNSF negotiating team to continue drafting
the design agreement
· The Project issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Risk Management
· Community and public meetings have been held regarding Northstar
II. Project Milestones
The following table lists the major milestones in the development and ongoing
implementation of the Northstar project.
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17, 2005
3
Date
March 2000
June 2000
October 2000
January 2001
March 2002
December 2002
April 2005
August 2005
May 2006
July 2006
Late 2006 /
Early 2007
Spring 2007
Late 2008 /
Early 2009
Northstar Pro' ect Milestones
Activi
Major Investment Study completed-Commuter rail
recommended
FT A a proved entry into Preliminary Engineerin
Draft Environmental 1m act Statement (DEIS) ublished
Su lemental Information to the DEIS ublished
Final Environmental Impact Statement ublished
FT A issued Record of Decision
Minnesota Legislature commits $37.5 million in bonding for
Northstar
FT A ap roves entry into Final Design
Minnesota Legislature commits remaining state funding for
N orthstar
FTA issues Letter of No Prejudice enabling utility relocation
FTA enters into Full Funding Grant Agreement for Northstar
Construction begins
Revenue service begins
III. Project Finances
Project Budget
The following table lists the existing Northstar Project budget by FTA Standard
Cost Category.
No. Cate or
10 Guideway & Track Elements
20 Stations, Sto s, Terminals, Intermodal
30 Support Facilities: Yards, Shops, Admin. Bldgs
40 Sitework & Special Conditions
50 S stems
Construction Subtotal Cate ories 10-50
60 ROW, Land, Existing Improvements
70 Vehicles
80 Professional Services
90 Unallocated Contin enc
Subtotal Cate ories 10-90
100 Finance Char es
C]Total Project Cost
et
Amount (FY 2008 $)
$32,920,00
$22,302,00
$20,927,00
$9,439,00
$23,964,00
$109,552,00
$7,959,00
$69,152,00
$40,929,00
$37,408,00
$265,000,00
Not determined
$265.000.0001
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
4
Funding Sources
The following table summarizes the sources of funding to date for the Northstar
Project. The NCDA member counties have passed resolutions committing their
full share ofthe Northstar Project. Their commitment to date totals
approximately $44 million or $26 million in addition to that shown below.
Northstar Proiect Fundin. Sources to Date
Source Federal State Met Council NCDA
1998 Twin Cities Transitway Projects $ 350,000 $ 287,5~
Section 5309 (Grant MN-03-0056)
1999 STP Grant Section 5307 (MN-90 $ 3,999,981 $ 1,000,000
X110)
1999 STP Grant Section 5307 (MN-90 $ 2,000,000 $ 500,000
X138)
2000 CMAQ Grant Section 5307 $ 960,000 $ 69,885 $ 170,1 fe
(Amendment to MN-90-X138)
2000 & 2001 Twin Cities Transitway $ 4,346,669 $ 1,086,667
Proiects Section 5309 (MN-03-0088)
2002 New Starts Section 5309 (MN- $ 9,900,131 $ 2,475,033
03-0111 )
NCDA -- Advanced & Final Desion $ 10,000,00C
NCDA (Hennepin County) -- LRV $ 6,300,00C
Procurement
2003 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 4,917,912
grant yet)
2004 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 5,659,028
grant yet)
2005 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 4,960,000
grant vet)
2005 Minnesota Bonding $ 37,500,000
ITotal I $ 37,093,7211 $ 39,069,8851 $ 2,475,0331 $17,844,34~
Project Obligations
The following table lists the contracts and obligations that have been incurred
by the Northstar project, including the amount expended to date. All funds
expensed to date have been for professional services.
Northstar ProiectObliaations and Exp enses
PurDose Contractor Obliaated EXDended Balance
Total throuah Preliminarv Enoineering $ 8,477,121.30 $ 8,477,121.30 $ -
Advanced Preliminary Engineering Kimlev Horn & Assoc $ 428,900.00 $ 325,678.04 $ 103,221.96
Project Mana~ ement Kenneth Stevens (2004) $ 150,000.00 $ 146,491.92 $ 3,508.08
Proiect Manac ement Kenneth Stevens (2005) $ 150,000.00 $ - $ 150,000.00
Project Manac ement Richardson, Richter & Associates (2004) $ 322,000.00 $ 308,788.66 $ 13,211.34
Proiect Manac ement Richardson, Richter & Associates (2005) $ 347,000.00 $ - $ 347,000.00
Proiect Manaoement Loch & Associates $ 50,000.00 $ 2,123.05 $ 47,876.95
Project Management MnlDOT (under MN-Q3-0088) $ 248,569.00 $ 200,887.59 $ 47,681.41
Project Management MnlDOTlimder MN-03-0111) $ 320,000.00 $ 17,233.62 $ 302,766.38
Host Railroad Neootiations Greene-Esoel (2004) $ 100,000.00 $ 37,860.44 $ 62,139.56
Host Railroad Neootiations Greene-Esoel (2005) $ 300,000.00 $ - $ 300,000.00
Tech Suooort for Railroad Negotiations Mainline Manaaement $ 158,000.00 $ 74,905.89 $ 83,094.11
Public Information Northwoods Advertisina $ 245,285.00 $ - $ 245,285.00
Station and Maintenance Facility
Advanced & Final Desion Kimlev Hom & Assoc $ 4,173,632.00 $ 407,380.74 $ 3,766,251.26
LRT Advanced & Final Design &
Commuter Rail Oversiaht L TK Enaineerina $ 3,098,927.00 $ 151,866.39 $ 2,947,060.61
Liaht Rail Vehicle Procurement Bombardier $ 6,300,000.00 $ - $ 6,300,000.00
IG rand T atal
1$ 24,869,434.30 i $10,150,337.64 i $ 14,719,096.661
Based on invoices received by MnlDOT to date.
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
5
IV. Project Staffing
The Deputy Director of Design position within the Northstar Project Office has
been filled on an interim basis by a combination of Jon Olson, the Anoka
County Public Services Division Manager and registered engineer, and Ken
Stevens, a long time consultant to the Northstar Corridor Development
Authority and former director of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad
Authority. Metro Transit has begun a national search to fill the position.
A senior engineer from Mn/DOT, Bryan Dodds, accepted the Environmental
Engineer position in the Northstar Project Office and began work on May 9,
2005. He will direct the preparation of any required environmental
documentation and ensure that all promised mitigation measures are fulfilled.
Mn/DOT also plans to post another engineer position in the near future.
V. Advanced Design
Advanced design is underway, with the assistance of two teams of consultants.
A team led by Kimley Horn and Associates (KHA) is responsible for the six
commuter rail stations and the maintenance facility including the central control
facility. A team led by L TK Engineering (L TK) is responsible for the LR T
Connection and providing technical support for KHA's work on the commuter
rail stations and maintenance facility. The entire project design team meets on a
weekly basis.
Both teams submitted draft preliminary engineering validation reports for most
of their areas of responsibility. These reports validate the original preliminary
engineering completed in 200 I, provide replacement preliminary engineering
plans reflecting changes in the conditions or project since 2001, or identify
issues to be addressed as the design advances. These reports will be carefully
reviewed by Mn/DOT, NCDA, and Metro Transit to ensure they fulfill project
requirements.
An issue that is currently being addressed is the best location for the grade
separated pedestrian crossings at the Coon Rapids and Fridley stations. Project
staff are working with the host cities to determine locations that will best serve
transit patrons while fitting into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Project staff and consultants meet bi-weekly with the City of Minneapolis on
design issues of the LR T Connection and inter-modal station. Periodic
meetings are also held with the State Historic Preservation Office and
Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission to get their input and
concurrence on the proposed plans because of the adjacent Warehouse Historic
District. Project staffwill continue to work with these organizations to fulfill
the programmatic agreement regarding cultural resources that was included in
the Project's Record of Decision.
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
6
BNSF will manage advanced and final design of track and signal improvements
on their infrastructure with oversight by the Northstar Project Office with the
assistance of the L TK team. See section IX of this report for more details on the
progress of this contract.
VI. Twins Baseball Stadium Coordination Meeting
Chuck Ballentine of Northstar member Hennepin County chaired a preliminary
discussion at the Northstar Project Office on Tuesday, May 10 with staff from
HOK, Twins Management, the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Met
Council, and the Northstar Project Office. The purpose of the meeting entailed
preliminary discussion of the location of the potential new baseball stadium and
the coordination of the LRT alignment and platform where it would meet at the
future location of the Inter-modal Station.
The Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County have agreed to a funding plan for a
new baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The plan for the $478 million
facility will include private funding from Twins owner Carl Pohlad and public
money from the county in the form of a 0.15 % sales-tax increase.
On Monday, April 25 the Twins chose to hold the official announcement of the
stadium deal outdoors near the Metrodome's light-rail station. Team officials
say they wanted to highlight how light rail and the proposed Northstar
commuter rail lines will help bring fans to the new park.
The Twins' ballpark plan took another step forward on Tuesday, May 10th with
its first significant victory in the State Legislature. The House Governmental
Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee approved by a vote of 17-5 the bill
to authorize Hennepin County to levy a 0.15 percent countywide sales tax to
construct a new ballpark. The bill now advances to the Local Government
committee, which will meet to discuss the bill further.
VII. Value Engineering
The Project conducted a Value Engineering (VE) study on March 21-25,2005.
The VE team identified 60 ideas of which 53 were developed into proposals.
The collective impact of the proposals would total $19.6 million if all could be
accepted. Proposals were grouped into four categories: Rail stations (17
proposals), Maintenance/operations facility (24), Track/signa1s/fleet/genera1 (5),
and LR T (7).
The Northstar Project Office reviewed the 53 proposals and made a
recommendation to the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) that
15 of these, totaling a potential savings of $7.4 million, be carried forward for
further analysis. On May 5, 2005 the NCDA Board approved that
recommendation.
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
7
Copies of the VE study and NPO response will be provided to the FT A Region
V office and Project Management Oversight Consultant.
VIII. New Starts Criteria and Request to Enter Final Design
With $37.5 million in state bonding for Northstar approved by the 2005
Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Pawlenty, the Project is
in the process of submitting material needed to gain a "Recommended" rating
and to request to enter Final Design. The Project began this process with the
early submittal of two chapters ofthe Project Management Plan (PMP). The
remaining chapters of the PMP were submitted on March 31.
New Starts Criteria and a revised Financial Plan, containing more specific
information about the bonding passed by the legislature, will be submitted as
quickly as they can be assembled. The timing for submitting the New Starts
Criteria and revised Financial Plan depend on the time it will take to produce a
ridership forecast from the Twin Cities travel demand model. FTA's
Washington office gave verbal approval to use the recently revised model in late
March. Project consultants are working carefully with the model to ensure the
forecast will meet all FT A requirements and expectations. They have
encountered some setbacks and do not have a ridership forecast as of the
publication of this report.
Time
Feb 25
Mar 4
Mar 31
Apr 11
mid June
May - July
July
June - July
July
August
Northstar Schedule for Request for Project Rating
and Request to Enter Final Design
(all months are in year 2005)
Activity
Northstar submitted to FTA Chapter 2, Project Organization, of the
Project Management Plan (PMP)
Northstar submitted to FTA Cha ter 10, Real Estate Plan, ofthe PMP
Northstar submitted to FTA full PMP
Minnesota Legislature committed $37.5 million in bonding for
Northstar and Governor Pawlenty signed into law
Northstar submits to FTA request to re-rate project and draft request
to enter final design containing New Starts Criteria and Financial Plan
FT A review of above. N orthstar revises material based on comments
from FT A.
Northstar submits to FTA final request to enter final design containing
revised documents as necessary
FT A review of above. N orthstar revises material based on comments
from FT A.
FTA re-rates the Project and submits final design recommendation to
Congress
FT A issues approval to enter Final Design
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17, 2005
8
The target date for submittal of the New Starts Criteria and Financial Plan to
FTA has been delayed to June 17,2005. This will be accompanied by a request
for FTA to re-rate the Northstar project and a draft request to enter Final
Design. Project staff understands there is a new requirement for FTA to submit
recommendations for a project to enter final design to Congress and that
Congress has a 3D-day period to act on the recommendation. If Congress does
not act, the recommendation is accepted.
IX. BNSF Negotiations
During the past month, discussions with BNSF regarding Northstar design,
constructions and operations have focused on informing the new BNSF
negotiating team about the Northstar project. As noted in the last report, BNSF
has appointed a new team lead by Rick Weicher, BNSF Vice President and
Senior Regulatory Counsel.
Key issues for discussion have included:
1. Funding for N orthstar (sources and uses)
2. Proposed Capacity Improvements
3. Liability and Indemnification, and
4. The consistency of operating parameters with freight operations.
The Northstar negotiating team has had several conference calls and meetings
with the BNSF team to discuss these issues and to create a better understanding
of Northstar needs and the associated costs.
On Friday, May 13, the Northstar team met in Chicago with BNSF
representatives. Mr. Weicher expressed BNSF's willingness to move forward
with advanced and final design, but noted that BNSF management is reviewing
the draft Design Agreement with its engineering staff. It is anticipated that
BNSF will conclude its review and approve the agreement within the next
week. Once the engineering work is under way, discussions will resume on the
construction and operating agreements.
x. Risk Management
On April 18, 2005, the NCDA issued an RFP for Broker/Insurance Consulting
Services for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. Notice was published in the
State Register on April 18, 2005. Twelve firms requested a copy of the RFP. A
pre-proposal conference was held on Tuesday, May 3, and approximately five
firms attended the meeting. On May 6, the NCDA issued an addendum to the
RFP notifying potential vendors that the DBE goal for the project is race and
gender neutral and there is no percentage participation goal established by
MnlDOT. Proposals are due on May 20. The services requested will assist the
project in addressing the risks arising out of the construction and operations of
the Northstar commuter rail project. In order to better understand the associated
risk management issues from an agency perspective, the NCDA has authorized
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
9
the Anoka County risk manager and the risk manager of the State of Minnesota
to attend the APT A Risk Management Conference that is occurring the week of
May 23, 2005.
XI. Property Acquisition
Based on feedback from Andrea Orr ofFTA Region V, the Project is
developing a stand-alone Real Estate Plan. This will supplement the
information in Chapter 10 of the Project Management Plan and be changed
more frequently. It will contain a description of the Project's property
acquisition process and the roles and responsibilities of the participating
counties and Mn/DOT personnel.
The Real Estate Plan will contain a Parcel Status List with summary
information that categorizes the number of parcels in defmed value ranges. This
will offer a quick method to understand the magnitude of real estate work. The
Parcel Status List will be maintained and updated throughout the property
acquisition process to ensure property rights are acquired in the time-frame
necessary for construction and operations. It will also be included in this
monthly report.
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
10
t
::c'"
.. Q)
~~
~
'5
f8"
'5<
erg
~~an'i
~ .e OJ E
".."Z '"
Ff ~ ~:~
<Z::Ew
-
II)
:;
II)
.a
(tf
li)
";;
V
:e
A.
'-
S
II)
€
o
z
. ,~
~~
~ g
.0..
l:aIl
::J-",
U ~
Il.
~ .
:ei
.! .
::J.r.
tr"
~(I)
~ ~ .!2.;!
";:: uu U
fII '" ~ 9J
".b.l:l.l:>
~rr.rrD:::
ee:~~-
.. 000
C Z (j) if)
..
~
('l') ("f) tl"}
'<T""~
rrrriY.
VU0
000
~~s:
..
.
C
;r;
o
2:
.
l::
::J
U
'E~
~Q
row
I-({)",
O"'~
Q) ro
o E't:'
C ~ ,'lJ
~...,:r
.. ..
. .
.. ..
<~
Z
o
S
lI)
w
::c
<
,.j
~
iii
e
.N...-O
f~~b
:d~:"
N N 0)
CO teJ
.;, J"h
CO co- ~
~
'-'
~
ro
.E?
c
~
t
'"
;'ti
'"
Qi",
Ul.>
(ijtu
.. E
.. 0
;~~
E ({)
E{lc:
o ,- 0
Q ~.~
~(()
'0....
;:>!l
.l:>'"
:q.~
3z
Ells
",,-
",'1:l
.. ~
c: ,-
;:>
Q)
.. ,'"
"" .. (j)
c: ::I Q)
'" ~ '"
"" n:
i .
.. all
...
:I ,;:
U '"
II>1l.
~c:
.~~
:J::::Ii
lDU
C .. C
<:> o.!
:e :; :eO;
'o:J
~ .. ~.
:I - :I.r.
V~ tr"
~lI) ~lI)
'"
~
..
..
C
3:
o
~
..
...
!;
u
>
...
:i
u
::..
w"
u-i
i
ffi
...
Z
i
W
~
,.j
~
iii
e
c
.g
..
..
o
,.j
e VLV)
.XX
C l.> l.>
.. ~ 1:'
~--
0::0::
0::0::
00
~~
..
..
C
~ '"
..
:e
..
e
0-
"'I-
~O
-t~
..J::E
:z
o
~
....
(1)
a:
W
~
a:
::c
...I
W
'"
~
ffi
;,')
~
o
:c
u
2
52
:5
'-'
..
..
::I
~
..
I:
:I
V
,~~~
'" '" on
u u u
'EEE
u u <.J
.. .. .,
[jj[jj[ij
1ij(ij"iij
c ..
0_
~i~~-~~~b~b~
:;.!~~R~~~~~~
"'''
~lI)
c
<:>
-;:::
..
"
o
...I
;;;
..
. ~ t>tlliU(w
; 'mlVOJmE_~ef!
e^~"O.i:::.'t::.1::t u; a; gJ ~
~g~~~~~<~
o~ooo.c-5fifi
~ E 'i ~ ~ tt),M") :.n 4')
................ --,...... ..............
W 0 ~ 00 ~ 00 0 0
ZW({)({)</)WLUUJW
..
..
i
o
1::
o
(:l..
~
>.
~
I:
o
~
oouo
[E[E[EfE
z
o
i=
~
(I)
<
::c
o
i
r- 0. ("'<; fTJ tt:) 0
...- r- l.O ~ t..~ r---
0000000
OOC}CJC:;.)D
Mm~..q~~
~~r.;~0jr;
o;;r"'::f'7o::;t-~~
~ry:1~~~
(T)t"'t)ry~C?v:)
c6cb(,Cct:J:;Ow
a 0 00 0 0
v (.C~
.- '"
Qgg
1~~
::.<tft
A. . ,
{;jC?
~~
...
.g
.6 tr)
00
UO
N
S r-"
1!-
t:~
~~
f!
'S
eff
,- <:
>- 5'.13....
~ 'O~~~
...'0 ~ .s Q) E
o(D'5uZ!l)
-~<:'''lU~C1
~o.'i~::i:W
...
{I)
:;
{I)
a
~
'it
~
...
~
A.
...
~
...
{I)
€
o
z:
c c c ~ '" C
~! '" n, OJ ~ '"
E E E E
- w '" '" '"
.. ~;':J ,. '" ~ll .,-, if>
'" ro '" '" ~ '"
.. ", '" lU 'lJ aI Q)
r::
- 2l !!l c c c: <:::
E ({i ({i 0 (:; 0 0 - '"
"" .... ::.;:::0 "" "" "'"
E c: c: >..) " 1:.,.1 ~... <.)
0 c '" S ? .s ;;J .s .s
~ :p ~ '" b
JS i.~ c, if> <J> $:1 if>
c: C. c. c.
CJ) CJ) 0 Ci 0 0 '"
v u w U t>
: ,~,~
::.J ., lU
~tftEtti~~D~
~~cata1ID~~~
=-c.c~~~~~~
(,.)~~eE:e!~Ef:~
cccc;gccc
~ ~ 'v:-tt.~ tA 7j ~
8 eLfl ;TI ~l.) ~D JLi'l
r:: _
.g:;'O-O
.. "'_ !Q) ~ b b b B.:; 88
- J:ocoooo
5-i 'ONNNNNN
:(\1)
c
o
;:
..
..
o
...J
...
-
c
3:
o
-<~.~~
Wo>-.J
g~~tj
W::r;w""''''-
ill Sd (I) '~5 ~
Z5W::i'-'
~;:;u!i2fb
o~<liY.z0
rYo~W<a)
mo"'zOj::
:'5oWOon::
a)~i3~i'Sa
~.<:'Y~"-W({'
a:o::ttJg(j\O?~
55G~5- '3
<<O:$:o LL
N r-
i.ri~
.. ..
. !
z.:c:(
o
j::
~
(Il
III
Q
~
0:
Z
o
o
(,)
o-c."<<
(T)MC"'>l
e~q9
."""7''''1"
f~:J:+
~ ry r:--: r:-;~
t?M~
<:ocbcb
00,0
~() to.r-
<''iC'''iN
ooe:>
9Cf9
::t~~
11~
(ry (""?.cry:
6roro
ooa
~. ~i--~--
~~~~ g~~~~~~~s~e ~~~
c~~~ =~~~~*~~~~~~~~~
. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ro ~ C C ~ W > ro ~ 0 ~ w 0
E~~~ ~~~~~g~~~~~~~~~
gcccc~ccc~gcc0cc~ccc
v~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~&~~~
III~AIII~~IIAII~III
u u wig '0 U U!..)i:: ~ u Uw: U u lTI u U u
.Q ..9..2 ro Q) B..9 .91 b C .2 .E !l-~..9 .9 uJ,g .Q .E
rom~-~wwmEE~~~w~5~~~
~DD~~~Q~CC~D~~~-~~D
~~~I~E~~~i~~~l~~~~~~~
~~~~3~~~~~~~8~~0::~~~
w ~ ~ w w ~ ~ w ~ w ~ ~ m ~ w E~ ~ ~
~ 6 6 ~ ~ 5 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 5 ~ 5 S ~ a a 5
~~s~~~~~?>~~lg~~~~~~
mmmi~mmmilm~~mmfmmm
-
..
::.J
!:
-
I::
=
(,)
'"
'"
.,
c:.
';;;
'"
.0
C
.,
u
I~
ro
~~~o ~.~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
~~~i~~~~~g~~~~~g~~~
> > > a.. n:: > > > >-> > > 0:. > > >- > > >
= -
0_
Ei~m~w~~~~~rM~~~=~~~~~
~.8888g8g88gggggg8ggg
iiNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
:(\1)
c
o
i
..
o
...J
e~~~~~~~~E~~~~~~~~~~
. w ~ w ~ w ~ ~ ~ ~0 ~ w ~ ~ ~ w ~ ~ ~
; c ~ c 5 g g 6 gag 5 s g g 5 5 5 5 5
G~~~~$!~~~~~~~SS~~5B
u!I~~~~w0m~U0~0~U~~
~~~~~~.~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~ '~ 'w ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~ ~ w ~ w m ~ ~ ~
WWWS~SSSS~SS5SSSSSS
(J)lf!CJ)
www
~~~ ~::i:::i: ~~::i:~ ~::i'~
www www ww ww www
a..a..a..u zzz zz zz zzz
~~~6 ~~3 33?33 333
a..a..a..(J) www ww<ww www
...~~~Wu~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~
_~~~~~~<:~ ::i'<:~ <:<:~
iQggW~0005~ 800 000
ofr[fr~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
$llilli~~~~~g~ ~~~~~~~
~n::o::~~zzz~z wzz zzz
~FF ~www~~ rnww~www
(J)mCJ) V'~m'~~~ ,~~V~(J)m
zzzW0~~~o~ s~~~~~~
<~~~~~~~w~ a..~~~~W~
~~~~(J)zzz::r;~ ::i'ZZ0ZZZ
f"-CD<o;;;tN --.vv qrl.,.,")
f'J.0'MMM--: ci6c:::i 6
! ;
<$
ffi
'"':om<=< CI:\'"':[5
Q- C,
o
00
~~
z
o
~
I-
\I)
>-
W
...J
Q
a:
...
~ro~~~NM~~N~!I~~l~W~O_N
ggoog~~88~~ 828~~~
eooooocoo~...,.oo OOC.'.OOC
_ , . I t I I I ~ : I I I I '. I I t
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
~~~~~~~N~~~~~~NN~~~~
0006666066666666666
~~~~~~MM~~Mry~~m~~ry~
"N~NN~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NNNN(~ _..,-..--..,.-.
r:: ..
0_
:e =
..'"
- -
="c
v..
:(\1)
,5,:;,:;Z
~~lt>~
"'" - - <(.
000-0
t:. tV Q.) Cll c.
o.:g~:g~
_tn(.llVJ"O
:<bZZ16
~.2.2JQZ
_UUU.....;
e:g:CJ)
!l..L.lL.lL~
. <b<b<{)_
(!)ZZZO
CDLDLD...
---(1)
'" '" 0 E
G..'l Q.) G.J 0
"O"O"Cu
"(ii '00 'fij w
WWWz
g,
J:
<()
ll::
W
i ~~
o ~
==0.::1
S
z
o
j::
<
I-
\I)
(I) fS "'!'
- - -
S.:c~
~ <
z
z
:.E
z
~
I-
Z
~
Q
t
o
P-
C!)
~
>.
:s
s::
o
~
..
.g
'E
olrl
u8
S~
13-
t~
~~
1.0 ('t') co p.....
oq- 0) en J.t)
0000
QOOCQ
=~NNN
~~~~~
c.,z,,z,r:hr:h
NNNN
99'79
NNC'lN
NNNN
XII. Land Use
There was no land use activity since the April report.
XIII. Community Involvement
Since the April 2005 Northstar report the following public meetings and
presentations have been held:
Audience
S1. Cloud Chamber of Commerce
"Toward a Better Urbanism" at the U ofM for Students for
New Urbanism
The Rotary Club of Roseville
Northstar Corridor Development Authority Board Meeting
Dates
A ri115, 2005
April 29, 2005
May 2, 2005
May 5, 2005
XIV. Next Steps
Project staff continues work on the material FTA will need to change the
project's rating from "Not Recommended" to "Recommended" and to approve
entry into the final design phase. The target date for submittal of the New Starts
Criteria and Financial Plan is mid June. Project staffwill communicate with
FT A Region V staff throughout the submittal process to ensure timely review
and progress.
Mn/DOT, NCDA, and Metro Transit will review and comment on the draft
preliminary engineering validation report by late May. Work is beginning on
updating environmental documentation and on Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) issues at commuter rail platforms.
Project staffkeeps in contact with station cities and counties on design issues.
Meetings are being scheduled to address the best location for grade separated
pedestrian access to platforms at Coon Rapids and Fridley. In addition, the staff
will continue to work with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County on
issues surrounding the inter-modal station, including the proposed Minnesota
Twins stadium. The project takes advantage of public information
opportunities, giving presentations to civic groups and business organizations.
Northstar Corridor Monthly Report
May 17,2005
13