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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-06 PACKET 08.A.COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Consider adopting a resolution supporting continued participation in the County Transportation Improvement Board (CTIB). STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the resolution. BUDGET IMPLICATION BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ® MEMO/LETTER: Memo from Ryan Schroeder. ® RESOLUTION: Draft. ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ❑ OTHER: ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: []APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Documentl City of Cotta Grave Minnesota To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members From: Ryan R. Schroeder, City Administrator Date: June 17, 2011 Subject: CTIB Support Resolution At the June 15, 2011 meeting Councilmember Peterson requested that a CTIB support resolution be brought to the next meeting of Council. Enclosed is a draft resolution for your consideration. Also enclosed is a similarly purposed resolution adopted by the City of Newport on February 3, 2011. Also enclosed are various letters and resolutions dating from 2003 forward within which Cottage Grove City Council's have expressed support for transit funding and initiatives. Finally, enclosed is the County Board CTIB workshop power point from February 2011 for background on the topic. The County has recent disagreement within the Board as to the wisdom of continued support of the CTIB program. At the June 14 meeting of the Board it was suggested that a result of the current disagreement funding toward projects within the southern portion of the County is at risk. As a result of this latest information Councilmember Peterson suggested that staff prepare a resolution informing the County that this City continues its support of transit funding generally and CTIB and CTIB projects specifically. There was discussion during the June 15 meeting that adoption of any such resolution might be premature given that the County is intending to meet with its legislative delegation on June 28. Options: 1. Adopt the resolution as presented 2. Amend the resolution 3. Delay action on the resolution Council Action: By motion consider adoption of resolution 2011 -xx in support of CTIB funding and projects 1*0 mill 1 111 WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has a long record of support of transportation and transit projects; and WHEREAS, Cottage Grove support of these projects has included support of projects within Cottage Grove but also for projects elsewhere within the County and also outside of the County in furtherance of a quality transportation and transit infrastructure toward the greater good of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area and the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, Washington County is currently a member of CTIB in recognition of the same broader transit vision for the County and the Metropolitan area; and WHEREAS, discussions at the County Board level have the potential to derail County participation in CTIB and County funding of CTIB eligible projects within the southern portion of Washington County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, WASHINGTON COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, that the County is urged to continue to support and maintain membership in CTIB and that transit projects within the southern portion of the County continue to receive funding support and authorization from the County. Passed this 24th day of June 2011 Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk i 1 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WASHINGTON COUNTY'S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTIES TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD (CTIB) QUARTER - PERCENT SALES TAX WHEREAS, the City of Newport has worked diligently with Washington County and the Red Rock Corridor Commission to procure property for a Light Rail Transit Station in Newport and neighboring cities along the Red Rock Corridor; and WHEREAS, Washington County has utilized CTIB funding to acquire the $2.55111 Light Rail Transit Station site in Newport in 2010; and WHEREAS, the City of Newport rezoned a portion of the City in its Comprehensive Land Use Plan based around the Light Rail Transit Station project; and WHEREAS, the City of Newport is depending heavily on redevelopment that would be stimulated by a Light Rail Transit Station in the City; and WHEREAS, the CITE funding would contribute $1,057,500 towards the design and construction of the Newport Transit Station Funding; and WHEREAS, CTIB funding was established in 200$ by the State Legislature as a solution for providing transit funding, along with controls of those funds, to Counties for transitways and park -n- rides, operations, and engineering for the metro area; and WHEREAS, CTIB has funded and will continue to fund S13m work of transit projects throughout Washington County; and WHEREAS, the City of Newport encourages its local County Commissioner to support the CTIB quarter - percent sales tax and to continue to work the cities within Washington County; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the Newport City Council HEREBY supports continued CTIB participation of collecting a quarter - percent sales tax for transit projects in Washington County. Adopted this 3` day of February 2011, by the Newport City Council, Vote: Geraghty Aye hrgemann Aye Sumner Aye Gallagher Aye Rahm Aye Signed: /// f) f Ti r Geraghty, yor Brian Ande drninist�ator RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -071 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING WASHINGTON COUNTY TO INCREASE ITS FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM BY INCREASING ITS FUNDING FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF ITS TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE WHEREAS, the Cities of Cottage Grove and Woodbury (the Cities) are concerned about the level of transportation funding by Washington County; and WHEREAS, transportation safety, mobility, and the movement of goods is fundamental and vital to the quality of life of residents and the vitality of businesses in Washington County; and WHEREAS, without good transportation facilities, the Cities and Washington County cannot sustain nor continue to compete with other areas to increase their population, employment, and tax base; and WHEREAS, Washington County highways are a major component of the transportation network necessary to meet these goals; and WHEREAS, it is imperative Washington County make the necessary financial commitment to ensure its highway system has the capacity and quality to meet travel demands. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, is requesting that Washington County increase its financial commitment to provide a high quality transportation system by increasing its funding for the maintenance and expansion of its transportation infrastructure. Passed this 1 st day of June, 2011. Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk City of Cotta B reve Minnesota 7516 80th Street South! Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016 -3195 my W .cottage -g rove. o rg February 2, 2011 Washington County Board of Commissioners Attn: Mr. Gary Kriese €, Board Chair 14949 62nd Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 Dear Chair Kriesel, 6 651 -458 -2800 Fax 651 - 458 -2897 TJD 651- 458 -2880 It has come to our attention that the County Board will soon be discussing continued participation, or lack thereof, in the metro CTIB process. The City of Cottage Grove would appreciate participation in that discussion. Further, it would be our suggestion that the County solicit participation from other jurisdictions within the County prior to any change in participation by the County in or out of the process. Having access to conversations regarding transportation and transit funding and decision- making regarding project funding is of utmost importance to our part of the metro area. In whatever decisions are made by the Board we would urge that the County not remove itself from spending decisions and funding allocation discussions which will occur, with or without County participation, by MNDOT, the Metropolitan Council and others. Given that the cities, generally, have not been significant players in the broader transportation /transit funding conversations we are not currently aware of where future opportunities may or may not be. We believe that as partners with the County in infrastructure and transit projects the cities probably need to be more engaged in these conversations than perhaps we have been in the past. We are looking for your leadership in engaging us and other cities in these conversations prior to any policy decisions that may impact Cottage Grove and our peer communities. The issue of Transportation infrastructure and Transit funding has been a primary goal area of the City of Cottage Grove since at least 2002. We have been active on the Wakota and Hastings Bridge Coalitions and also the Red Rock and High Speed Rail Commissions. We are building our community with transportation and transit issues at the forefront of our planning activities. We see enhancements in this area are integral in our creation of new neighborhoods, businesses, and job creation. These are important issues to us, Thank you for your consideration and we thank you in advance for broadening the conversation regarding metro /county transportation and transit funding. On behalf of the Cottage Grove City Council Myron Bailey Mayor CC: Autumn Lehrke, Washington County Board of Commissioners Jim Snug, Washington County Administrator EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER RESOLUTION NO. 2009 -133 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING OF 9 *0 •- s "50 L •1 -, AUTHORITY WHEREAS, the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission (hereafter known as The "Commission ") is a political subdivision and local government unit of Minnesota: and WHEREAS, the Commission is established by Joint Powers Agreement by and between Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority, Goodhue County Regional Railroad Authority, Wabasha County Regional Railroad Authority, Winona County Regional Railroad Authority, City of St. Paul, City of St. Paul Park, City of Cottage Grove, City of Hastings, City of Red Wing, City of Wabasha, City of Goodview, City of Winona, City of St. Charles, City of Utica; and WHEREAS, the Commission is working to establish high speed intercity passenger rail service between the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul and Chicago along the current Amtrak Empire Builder route in Minnesota which parallels the Mississippi River; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority has purchased the Union Depot's head house and concourse in the process of assembling 40 acres of property for the implementation of a multi -modal transit hub at the Union Depot; and WHEREAS, the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub is the St. Paul station for high speed rail serving the Twin Cities and Chicago; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority will be submitting a TIGER Grant request for $138.2 million for the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul; WHEREAS, this request is consistent with recognition of the Union Depot as a Project of National and Regional Significance in SAFETEA -LU; and WHEREAS, the award of this funding will allow the build out of the station so that it can accommodate Amtrak, high speed rail, light rail transit, commuter rail, inter and intea city buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Cottage Grove hereby supports the efforts by the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority to seek $135.2 million in TIGER funding for the build out of the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul. Passed this 19th day of August 2009. ,r- Attest: &'t.rYtJm AC�� Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 2009132 �• • -. • "U, . RAILR AUTHOR WHEREAS, the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission (hereafter known as The "Commission ") is a political subdivision and local government unit of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the Commission is established by Joint Powers Agreement by and between Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority, Goodhue County Regional Railroad Authority, Wabasha County Regional Railroad Authority, Winona County Regional Railroad Authority, City of St. Paul, City of St. Paul Park, City of Cottage Grove, City of Hastings, City of Red Wing, City of Wabasha, City of Goodview, City of Winona, City of St. Charles, City of Utica; and WHEREAS, the Commission is working to establish high speed intercity passenger rail service between the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul and Chicago along the current Amtrak Empire Builder route in Minnesota which parallels the Mississippi River; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority has purchased the Union Depot's head house and concourse in the process of assembling 40 acres of property for the implementation of a multi -modal transit hub at the Union Depot; and WHEREAS, the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub is the St. Paul station for high speed rail serving the Twin Cities and Chicago; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority has submitted a High Priority Project (HPP) request for $138.2 million for the Union Depot Multi - modal Transit Hub in St. Paul; WHEREAS, this request is consistent with recognition of the Union Depot as a Project of National and Regional Significance in SAFETEA -LU; and WHEREAS, the award of this funding will allow the build out of the station so that it can accommodate Amtrak, high speed rail, light rail transit, commuter rail, inter and intra city buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Cottage Grove hereby supports the efforts by the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority to seek $138.2 million in HPP funding for the build out of the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul. Passed this 19th day of August 2009. Myron ailey, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk 7 ��•7 > l T �i [�7 � � � [ TI �+. I � I � I :3i K � 1 a • ..•: • . -•- MULTI MramMAM "7471011 WHEREAS, the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission (hereafter known as The "Commission ") is a political subdivision and local government unit of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the Commission is established by Joint Powers Agreement by and between Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority, Goodhue County Regional Railroad Authority, Wabasha County Regional Railroad Authority, Winona County Regional Railroad Authority, City of St. Paul, City of St. Paul Park, City of Cottage Grove, City of Hastings, City of Red Wing, City of Wabasha, City of Goodview, City of Winona, City of St. Charles, City of Utica; and WHEREAS, the Commission is working to establish high speed intercity passenger rail service between the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St Paul and Chicago along the current Amtrak Empire Builder route in Minnesota which parallels the Mississippi River; and WHEREAS, the Chicago to Twin Cities Corridor is part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative's (MWRRI) 3,000 mile high speed rail system; and WHEREAS, this Corridor is the primary employment and population growth corridor for the upper Midwest; and WHEREAS, without transportation investments mobility within the Corridor will deteriorate; and WHEREAS, one of the transportation investments is high speed rail; and WHEREAS, the MWRRI high speed rail system is designed to provide a coordinated passenger rail network with attractive travel times, service reliability, and system -wide connectivity offering an attractive mobility option that fosters economic growth in the Midwest; and WHEREAS, the MWRRI determined that the Chicago to Twin Cities Corridor would generate $2 billion in user benefit, 1,570 permanent jobs, and $180 million in station development potential for Minnesota; and WHEREAS, this benefit will not be realized without funding to complete environmental documentation, preliminary engineering, design, and construction; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and Washington County Regional Railroad Authorities have submitted a High Priority Project funding requests for inclusion in the upcoming authorization of the next six -year federal transportation bill. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Cottage Grove hereby supports the High Priority Project funding requested by the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and Washington County Regional Railroad Authority for the completion of environmental documentation and preliminary engineering for high speed rail from Madison, WI to the Union Depot in St. Paul as part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative's Chicago to Twin Cities Corridor. Passed this 19th day of August 2009. C. u Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk WHEREAS, the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission (hereafter known as The "Commission ") is a political subdivision and local government unit of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the Commission is established by Joint Powers Agreement by and between Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority, Goodhue County Regional Railroad Authority, Wabasha County Regional Railroad Authority, Winona County Regional Railroad Authority, City of St. Paul, City of St. Paul Park, City of Cottage Grove, City of Hastings, City of Red Wing, City of Wabasha, City of Goodview, City of Winona, City of St. Charles, City of Utica; and WHEREAS, the Commission is working to establish high speed intercity passenger rail service between the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul and Chicago along the current Amtrak Empire Builder route in Minnesota which parallels the Mississippi River; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority has purchased the Union Depot's head house and concourse in the process of assembling 40 acres of property for the implementation of a multi -modal transit hub at the Union Depot; and WHEREAS, the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub is the St. Paul station for high speed rail serving the Twin Cities and Chicago; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has submitted an ARRA request for approximately $137million for the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul; WHEREAS, this request is consistent with recognition of the Union Depot as a Project of National and Regional Significance in SAFETEA -LU; and WHEREAS, the award of this funding will allow the build out of the station so that it can accommodate Amtrak, high speed rail, light rail transit, commuter rail, inter and intra city buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Cottage Grove hereby supports the efforts by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to seek $137.7 million in ARRA funding for the build out of the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul. Passed this 19th day of August 2009. Attest: m• 4 Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk WHEREAS, the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission (hereafter known as The "Commission ") is a political subdivision and local government unit of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the Commission is established by Joint Powers Agreement by and between Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority, Goodhue County Regional Railroad Authority, Wabasha County Regional Railroad Authority, Winona County Regional Railroad Authority, City of St. Paul, City of St. Paul Park, City of Cottage Grove, City of Hastings, City of Red Wing, City of Wabasha, City of Goodview, City of Winona, City of St. Charles, City of Utica; and WHEREAS, the Commission is working to establish high speed intercity passenger rail service between the Union Depot in St. Paul and Chicago along the current Amtrak Empire Builder route in Minnesota which parallels the Mississippi River; and WHEREAS, States of Minnesota and Wisconsin have jointly submitted a pre - application requesting $49.9 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding for the Milwaukee W I, to St. Paul /Minneapolis, MN leg of the MWRRI: and WHEREAS, the award of this funding will allow Minnesota and Wisconsin to complete environmental documentation and preliminary engineering along the Corridor to determine a preferred alignment; and WHEREAS, the Commission believes that the data driven analysis will result in the selection of the Canadian Pacific Railway alignment paralleling the Mississippi River due to its existing passenger rail use, shorter route length and travel times, and significant traffic generators including Native American tribal interests and its higher education facilities; and WHEREAS, the completion of this work is necessary for the establishment of high speed rail between the Union Depot in St. Paul and Chicago; and WHEREAS, the Commission is committed to working with its partners to provide connections that enhance passenger rail service and use. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Cottage Grove hereby supports the efforts by State of Minnesota to seek ARRA funding for the completion environmental documentation and Preliminary Engineering work for the Milwaukee WI, to St. Paul /Minneapolis, MN leg of the MWRRI; and Passed this 19th day of August 2009. Myro ailey�lf or Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 06 -226 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDING AMENDMENT WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the state's economy and has a direct impact on future economic development; WHEREAS, too many Minnesotans are being killed in traffic crashes on dangerous roadways; WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Minnesota has remained stagnant and is failing to keep pace with growing population and growing demands; WHEREAS, local governments throughout the state are struggling to maintain local transportation systems while the state's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and transit budgets have been cut in recent years; WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax, which has been viewed as a user fee revenue, in order to fund both highway and transit systems including the current dedication of 54% of motor vehicle sales tax for transportation purposes; WHEREAS, the legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the 2005 Legislative Session that would appear on the ballot November 7, 2006 asking voters if the remaining 46% of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currently used for other purposes should be used for highways and transit systems; WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in stable revenue for highway and transit systems throughout the state and would rise to approximately $300 million per year once the transfer of revenue is fully phased in by 2011; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington strongly supports passage of the proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution dedicating all of the motor vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation with at least 40% of the revenue for public transit assistance and not more than 60% of the revenue for highway purposes. Passed this 1 st day of November 2006. Sandra Shiely, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 06 -062 SUPPORTING MINNESOTA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT DEDICATING MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX REVENUE TO TRANSPORTATION WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the state's economy and has a direct impact on future economic development; WHEREAS, too many Minnesotans are being killed in traffic crashes on dangerous roadways; WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Minnesota has remained stagnant and is failing to keep pace with growing population and growing demands; WHEREAS, local governments throughout the state are struggling to maintain local transportation systems while the state's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and transit budgets have been cut in recent years; WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax, which has been viewed as user fee revenue, in order to fund both highway and transit systems including the current dedication of 54% of motor vehicle sales tax for transportation purposes; WHEREAS, the legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the 2005 Legislative Session that would appear on the ballot November 7, 2006 asking voters if the remaining 46% of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currently used for other purposes should be used for highways and transit systems; WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in stable revenue for highway and transit systems throughout the state that would rise to approximately $300 million per year once the transfer of revenue is fully phased -in by 2011; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington, strongly supports passage of the proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution dedicating all of the motor vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation with at least 40% of the revenue for public transit assistance and not more than 60% of the revenue for highway purposes. Passed this 5th day of April 2006. Sandra Shiely, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk April 4, 2005 Mr. Peter Bell Metropolitan Council Mears Park Center 230 E 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55101 Dear Mr. Bell, As seems to be an almost annual event, transit service in the Twin Cities metropolitan area is proposed to be reduced as part of a projected budget gap between revenues and expenditures. At the same time many legislative efforts are underway to increase transportation and transit funding in the metro area and also statewide. We appreciate, and support, efforts to increase transportation/ transit funding to the benefit of this entire state. Absent funding increases we understand that almost every transit route will be subject to service reductions and perhaps service elimination. Affecting our particular area is: Route 320: (Dial -a -Ride) The weekday service would be reduced to provide less service to the current area; one bus would serve the same area and hours. Route 322: (80 — Jamaica circulator). Service would be eliminated. Route 361: (Downtown St. Paul Express) Elimination of the weekday midday service between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and after 6 p.m. and adjust schedule with elimination of Route 362. Route 362 (Downtown St. Paul) The weekday service would be eliminated; alternate service would be available from route 361. We understand the need for closing budget gaps. We also appreciate the need to raise fares in addition to service reductions to close these gaps. However, this area of the metro area continues to be in the throes of a massive highway reconstruction project. This highway project will continue to experience construction - related congestion and safety issues over the next three years for which active and consistent transit service is perhaps the only reasonable response. We do not understand why the Metropolitan Council and the State Legislature would not view construction projects of this magnitude as an exception in transit reduction discussions. We respectfully request, on behalf of the citizens of Cottage Grove and our neighboring communities, that proposed transit service reductions that will negatively impact congestion and safety within construction zones, including the Wakota Bridge project area, be taken from the table. We appreciate your past positive response to these same concerns in past years and anticipate a positive dialogue with you on this issue again this year. On behalf of the Cottage Grove City Council Mayor Sandy Shiely CC: City of Newport City of St. Paul Park City of Hastings CITY OF MINNESOTA COTTAGE GROVE PRESS RELEASE Fax To: South Washington County Bulletin 651 - 459 -9491 St. Paul Pioneer Press 651- 228 -5500 Attn: Mary Divine Minneapolis Star and Tribune Economic Development Assoc. MN From: Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director (651) 458 -2824; klindqui @cottage - grove.org Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator (651) 458 -2882; mwolfe @cottage - grove.org Date: June 6, 2003 Re: Transit Enhancements Fd S 612 - 673 -4359 651 - 290 -2266 CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ANNOUNCES TRANSIT ENHANCEMENTS Cottage Grove Mayor Sandy Shiely recently announced the groundbreaking of the new Cottage Grove Transit Facility located just southeast of the Rodeo Lounge on West Point Douglas Road. The Rodeo Lounge is located 3/4 mile south of 80th Street along Highway 61 and has served as the temporary location of the Park and Ride since it was moved from the School District Service Center in 2001. The project is crucial during the Highway 61 and Wakota Bridge construction project, and will accommodate almost 500 vehicles. Senator Sharon Marko, who has been instrumental in securing funding for transportation and transit projects for the area, is pleased to see the construction project moving forward. "This reflects a long -term commitment to public transit. This type of facility is beneficial not just during reconstruction of highways 61 and 494, but also for the period beyond that project to the benefit of our local commuters and businesses." State Representative Dennis McNamara added that "this project is a wonderful example of the partnership between the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Metropolitan Transit and the Minnesota Department of Transportation in converting a tax - forfeit parcel to one which benefits not just Cottage Grove, but commuters from throughout the area." Representative McNamara, Representative Katie Sieben, and Senator Marko have worked to ensure that Express Bus Service to Minneapolis using routes 363 and 365 will be continued for at least another year making this project even more important. Metro Transit parking has been at capacity in each of our last two interim park and ride locations. Mayor Shiely thanked the efforts of all of the parties and especially Senator Marko and Representatives Sieben and McNamara in their work toward the benefit of area residents and added "we have all done our part in providing transit opportunities as requested by our citizens. It is incumbent upon us all to take advantage of this State investment to ensure that transit service continues within Cottage Grove over the long term." An early- August opening is anticipated for the facility. E:Administration \Transit\Park and Ride \Transit Enhancements -6 Jun 03.doc February 5, 2003 Honorable Tim Pawlenty Governor of the State of Minnesota 130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155 Dear Sir, All of the southeast metro city and county governments and many of the businesses within this area have worked for several years to realize the construction of the Wakota Bridge /Highway 61 improvement project. Thankfully, that important regional highway improvement began in May 2002. Already, many in this rapidly growing area have expressed appreciation for the efforts of our congressional and legislative representatives from throughout the state to ensure completion of this project. It has also been recognized that this important project would not be underway but for the efforts of the Department of Transportation, Washington, Ramsey and Dakota Counties, and many, many others. We are indeed thankful that this project is under construction. As we proceeded toward realization of this project we appreciated the fact that while the end product would truly be an exceptional transportation enhancement to this region the construction period itself was fraught with potential for traffic congestion and transportation safety concerns. As such the discussion throughout the planning process always included the promise of transit enhancements during the 2002 -2007 construction period. Appreciating this important concern, the 2002 state legislature ensured the necessary funding was in place to open one enhancement of preexisting service. That enhancement was Express Bus Service from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis as of June 2002. Cottage Grove area residents had long sought this level of service. It came as no surprise, then, that upon opening of the service six months ago ridership was above Metropolitan Council transit projections. That ridership has continued to grow over the past six months. We have been informed that this important level of service is designated to expire at the end of June if state and /or regional funding is not targeted toward continuance of the service. Elimination of this service would increase traffic and safety concerns throughout the project area. It would also eliminate a much needed and used service that was always part of the Wakota project discussion. Finally, elimination of this service will not take advantage of the unique opportunity we have to encourage transit use. We understand the state fiscal issues and can appreciate that expenditures need to be trimmed. It would seem, however, that transit services in the area of the most significant roadway construction in the metro area would not be the place to look. The Cottage Grove City Council urges continued funding of this important facet of the Metropolitan Council transit budget during construction of the Wakota Bridge project. Sincerely, Sandy Shiely Mayor City of Cottage Grove CC: Carol Moinau Lt. Governor /Commissioner of Transportation Office of the Governor 130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 Met Council Chair Peter Bell Metropolitan Council Mears Park Center 230 E 5th St St. Paul, MN 55101 E:\Administration \Miscellaneous \2003 \Transit Letter - Gov Pawlenty -5 Feb 03.doc CD . ? RIMMEN 0 / � ? 0 .. � ¥: 0 . .2 0 � \ ^ k2 � Immom hofin ,"UNA ■ #% � . - � � : C 0) «: © #: ^ /: � 4< E ^: - 0 y CL � 2 � 4< : � - . . 2« 4 / . cn L k/ r . E a� c n 0 .� d ? #\ v LO \. '- d » 4 � (D a) � � »- G 0 kk #% � . - � � .� C 0) «: © #: ^ /: 0 E ^: - 0 y � 2 � 4< : � - . . 2« 4 / . cn L k/ r . 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