HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-07 PACKET 04.W.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 917/2011
PREPARED BY Administration Ryan Schroeder
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Consider adopting a resolution supporting the submittal of a FY2011 TIGER (Transportation
Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant for Canadian Pacific /BNSF siding and yard
improvements in St. Paul and Cottage Grove.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the resolution.
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❑ MEMO /LETTER:
® RESOLUTION: Draft.
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
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ity Admi istrator Date'
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COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
Document2
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RES OLUTION SUPPOR THE SUBM ITTAL O
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 Lake City, 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 (RCRRA), Red
Rock Corridor Commission, BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, Union
Pacific Railroad, and others are currently are partnering in the development of
the East Metro Rail Capacity and Engineering Improvements Study (East Metro
Rail Capacity Study), and
WHEREAS, the East Metro Rail Capacity Study has identified various
improvements needed to improve rail capacity; and
WHEREAS, the RCRRA is partnering with Canadian Pacific Railway and BNSF
Railway to seek FY 2011 TIGER funding for the following improvements
identified in the East Metro Rail Capacity Study.
Canadian Pacific crew change bridge at St. Paul Yard
Canadian Pacific siding in Cottage Grove
BNSF yard lead at Dayton's Bluff Yard
BNSF siding at Cottage Grove; and
WHEREAS, the construction of these improvements will improve safety,
enhance economic activity, improve the reliability of the existing Amtrak Empire
Builder and freight rail services and provide capacity for future increases in rail
traffic, and
WHEREAS, future rail capacity will be needed for high speed trains to Chicago,
Red Rock commuter trains, and additional conventional passenger trains in
addition to accommodating increasing freight traffic, and
WHEREAS, the award of this funding will allow the project to be built without
further delay.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Cottage Grove hereby supports the efforts by the Ramsey County Regional
Railroad Authority, Canadian Pacific Railway and BNSF Railway to seek FY
2011 TIGER funding for the completion of the following rail improvements:
• Canadian Pacific crew change bridge at St. Paul Yard
• Canadian Pacific siding in Cottage Grove
• BNSF yard lead at Dayton's Bluff Yard
• BNSF siding at Cottage Grove
Passed this 7th day of September 2011.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk