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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-17 PACKET 08.B.PREPARED BY Administration Ryan Schroeder ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Consider adopting a resolution supporting Washington County's continued participation on the County Transportation Improvement Board (CTIB) and supporting County strategic alignment with the Minnesota Multi -modal Transportation Plan. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the resolution. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ® MEMO /LETTER: Memo from Ryan Schroeder ® RESOLUTION: Draft. ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Attachments. ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS CL City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Document2 /40%,Wk City of Enclosed please find the following: 1. Minutes and agenda material from the July 18, 2012 meeting of the Cottage Grove City Council requesting continued participation by Washington County in Minnesota High Speed Rail (HSR) and Commuter Rail JPA's (this action, recommended by the Cottage Grove EDA was removed from consideration due to the County taking an affirmative vote regarding continued HSR JPA membership) 2. Minutes and agenda material from the July 6, 2011 meeting of the Cottage Grove City Council supporting continued participation by the County in the County Transportation Improvement Board (CTIB) (this resolution was approved on a 4 -1 vote). 1 Summary minutes of the Washington County Board of September 25, 2012 during which the Board withdrew from the HSR JPA 4. Summary minutes of the Washington County Board of October 2, 2012 during which the Board discussed and tabled until after the election and a meeting with the County legislative delegation withdrawal from CTIB 5. Excerpts from the Minnesota Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan transmitted on September 28, 2012. The City of Cottage Grove has a long history in support of regional transit and transportation initiatives including participation with the Wakota and Hastings bridge coalitions, support of Highway 61 improvements, support in applications for funding of southeast metro transit projects, and membership on the Red Rock and Minnesota High Speed Joint Powers Agreements. The recent actions of Washington County signal a direction which is contrary to the Cottage Grove support of the transit projects. Proposed is that the Council consider adoption of a resolution which reflects the City position regarding transit and transit funding. The enclosed Multi -modal plan, signed by MNDOT Commissioner Thomas Sorel recommends that transportation and transit planning within the state of Minnesota take a multi -modal approach. This statewide philosophy seems to suggest that the discussions at the County Board level run counter to the direction that MNDOT is espousing. This dichotomy of strategic differences suggests a lack of alignment between the County, which receives funding through MNDOT, and the funder, which is MNDOT. The result of County transit direction may suggest a competitive deficit for transportation and /or transit funding in the future. It is recommended that Council consider a resolution that encourages strategic alignment with the statewide multi -modal plan. Council Action: By motion consider adoption of Resolution No. 2012 -xx RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -XX RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WASHINGTON COUNTY'S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION ON THE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD (CTIB) AND SUPPORTING COUNTY STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT WITH THE MINNESOTA MULTI -MODAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has a long history of partnership with Washington County on Transportation and Transit planning including membership in the Red Rock and High Speed Rail Corridors, and WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove is on record supporting continued County membership with these initiatives and also with membership on the County Transportation Improvement Board (CTIB), and WHEREAS, the County has voted to leave membership of the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission and has signaled an upcoming action to consider leaving membership in CTIB, and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Multi -Modal Transportation Plan, which is required by the Federal Government, has as a directive specific goals about transit access, and WHEREAS, transit is a significant component within the statewide plan in recognition that transit ridership, statewide is growing, and in further recognition that transit is an important component in addressing transportation needs within future economic realities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE THAT the County Board of the County of Washington is hereby implored to positively consider a shift in direction to continue active participation and funding in transportation and transit projects and efforts to the benefits of its citizenry and business community to include continued membership in Red Rock and High Speed Rail Commissions and with the Transportation Improvement Board (CTIB) Passed this 17 day of October 2012 Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # AW DATE 7/18/2012 PREPARED BY Administration Ryan Schroeder ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Consider adopting a resolution supporting continued participation in Minnesota High Speed Rail and Commuter Rail Joint Powers Organizations. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the resolution. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ® MEMO /LETTER: Memo from Ryan Schroeder. ® RESOLUTION: Draft. ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Attachments. ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS r � r' City Administrator L t Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Document3 7/18/2012 City Council Minutes Excerpt UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS C. Consider Adopting a Resolution Supporting Continued Participation in Minnesota High Speed Rail and Commuter Rail Joint Powers Organization Removed from the Agenda. Recently, the Washington County Board held a workshop to discuss the topic of continued participation in the Minnesota High Speed Rail Joint Powers entity. The topic was ostensibly brought forward to determine if the effort of advocating for High Speed Rail (HSR) was mission critical for the county particularly given that the County had removed HSR from among its legislative priorities last year. The Washington County Regional Railroad Authority (WCRRA) funds the HSR at $15,000lyear. The WCRRA has existed since 1987 and has been a participant in transportation and transit projects for much of its existence. The WCRRA Board is the Washington County Board. The Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority discussed the County membership in the HSR at its meeting of July 10, 2012. At that meeting the EDA recommended that Council consider a resolution advocating for continued County membership in the HSR. On July 11 staff was informed that the County WCRRA would be continuing to fund and support the HSR. County Board member Gary Kriesel has been assigned by the Board Chair as the representative of the County Board to the HSR Board. Given the recent action of the County the recommendation of the Cottage Grove EDA would be anticipated to evolve somewhat. In order to be responsive to the EDA recommendation proposed please find a resolution which recommends continued transportation and transit advocacy from all of our partners without limitation. I believe this resolution has the effect of reinforcing that Cottage Grove is continuing its past advocacy efforts and supports others in doing the same. Council Action: By motion adopt the attached Resolution in support of transportation and transit. .• fJ - f WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has a long history of advocacy for transportation and transit planning, project funding, and partnership, and WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has been in partnership with neighboring communities and Counties on important roadway projects including the completed Wakota Bridge /494 and Highway 61 improvements and the ongoing Hastings Bridge improvement, and WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has been in partnership with its neighbors of St. Paul Park, Newport, Denmark Township and Hastings along with Washington County and other public and private entities on the Red Rock Rail Corridor Commission, and WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has been in partnership with its neighbors of St. Paul Park and Hastings along with Washington County and other public and private entities on the Minnesota High Speed Rail Corridor, and WHEREAS, active participation on all of these efforts is important to further business development and retention goals of the City and its Economic Development Authority including improvements in the movement of freight and business transportation in addition to commuter traffic impacts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE THAT continued participation on these transportation and transit joint powers efforts is encouraged for all of our neighboring and sister public sector cities, counties, and agencies. Passed this 18th day of July 2012. Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk C OUNCIL 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 COMME ity Administrator ! Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Document9 Excerpt from 7/6/2011 City Council Minutes UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Adopting Resolution Supporting Continued Support in the County Transportation Improvement Board (aka CTIB) City Administrator Schroeder stated that at a recent Board meeting there was conversation within the Board itself that because of a conversation between Board Members that the projects in the southern portion of Washington County would be removed from future funding projects. After hearing that conversation, Council Member Peterson requested at the June 15 meeting that a resolution in support of CTIB be brought to this City Council meeting. Included in the Agenda packet is a copy of the resolution of support adopted by the City of Newport, as well as various letters and resolutions dating back to 2003 where the City Councils expressed support for transit funding and initiatives. Lastly the packet included the County Board CTIB workshop power point presentation dated February 2011. City Administrator Schroeder also mentioned that this City Council did direct that a letter be sent to Washington County in February 2011 that requests a seat at the table should continued discussion about CTIB occur at the County Board. He stated that the proposed resolution is stronger than the letter that was sent in February, which again suggests that CTIB funding and participation continue. Council Member Peterson stated that the City of Cottage Grove would stand to benefit by receiving funding for the future Red Rock commuter -rail project and with the transit station being proposed at the Langdon area. That would give the City of Cottage Grove different transportation options that are definitely more environmentally friendly and more efficient and user friendly as far as accessibility, convenience, and affordability. She noted that we currently pay an extra quarter percent sales tax and we would reap to benefit at one (1) time or another. Council Member Lehrke stated that if we are making a decision based on what is best for Cottage Grove, does anybody know what Cottage Grove residents have contributed noting that he believes that Washington County residents overall have contributed about $5 million per year and has not received funds to allocate towards any project. Council Member Lehrke noted that the Red Rock Corridor is the one thing that is in Cottage Grove which we would stand to benefit from, but we do not know when that is going to happen. He stated that he believes the current study says we need more bus ridership before we would qualify for rail service. The Metropolitan Council just sent out a notice saying that due to the State Budget, they were going to be cancelling bus service in Cottage Grove. Council Member Peterson confirmed that that was one (1) of the Metropolitan Council's proposals. Council Member Lehrke stated that if that proposal moves forward, we are not going to have bus service in Cottage Grove but we would still be paying the quarter percent sales tax for rail service. On top of that, the sales tax could only be used for either bus rapid transit or train service. At the last County Board meeting, there were 5 -10 legislators in attendance, and it seemed like a majority of them as well as the County Board itself agreed that train service was not necessarily the best way to go. They were more interested in bus rapid transit. Council Member Lehrke voiced favoritism for bus rapid transit over train rail service. We are at a point here in Cottage Grove where we do not meet the ridership requirements and we need to figure out how to get a bus back to Cottage Grove to take people to /from St. Paul and Minneapolis. Mayor Bailey stated that there is no concrete evidence at this point that the Metropolitan Council will cancel our bus service. He stated that he does not believe that all of the County Commissioners are against CTIB, noting that there are only two (2) members against CTIB, and one (1) is the Commissioner who represents Cottage Grove. Bailey advised Council Member Lehrke that the City Council over the years have supported CTIB and have passed numerous resolutions because we /they have believed in the importance of mass transit. He stated that if you want to vote no that is your choice. Council Member Olsen stated that what he does know is if you do not participate in CTIB, you have a greater likelihood of seeing zero benefit. He stated that with respect to the thought that Cottage Grove was going to lose bus service, he also does not believe that is true and he asked City Administrator Schroeder who the City's advocate was on the Metropolitan Council or who would actually fight to maintain our existing service. City Administrator Schroeder stated that our Metropolitan Council representative is Harry Melander. Council Member Olsen commented that he would be supporting the proposed resolution. Council Member Peterson stated that there are a couple of informative web sites if anybody is interested in learning more and getting more facts on what has been discussed. The CTIB website is: www.mnrides.org and the Metropolitan Council's website is: www.metrocouncil.org. Council Member Olsen asked if he could call for the question. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO CALL FOR THE QUESTION. MOTION CARRIED. 5 -0. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 2011 -093, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD. The City Clerk conducted a roll call vote. MAYOR BAILEY VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER THIEDE VOTED AYE; COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY AND COUNCIL MEMBER OLSEN VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 -1. COUNCIL MEMBER LEHRKE VOTED NAY. 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 2&. 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 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WASHINGTON COUNTY'S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTY'S TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD (CTIB) AND SUPPORTING ALLOCATION OF FUNDING TOWARD TRANSIT PROJECTS IN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE COUNTY 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 RE SOLUTION NO. 2011- A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WASHINGTON COUNTY'S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTIES TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT HOARD (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 hail Transit Station in Newport and neighboring cities along the Reef Rock Corridor; and WHEREAS, Washington County has utilized CTO funding to acquire the $155m Light Rail Transit Station site in Newport in 2010; and WHEREAS, the City of Newport mmned 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 CITB funding would contribute $1,057,500 towards the design and construction of the Newport Transit' Station. Funding; and WHEREAS, CTIB funding was established in 2008 by the State Legislature as a solution for providing transit funding, along with controls of those funds„ to Counties for transi'tways and park -n- rides, operations, and engineering for the metro area; and WHEREAS, CTIB has funded and will continue to fund $13tnE work of transit projects throughout Washington Courtly; 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 su'ppor'ts continued CTIB participation of collecting a quarter - per ceant sales tax for transit projects in Washington County. Adopted this 3rd day ofPebruary 2011, by the Newport City Council. Vote: Geraghty Aye Iingemann �Ye Scanner Aye Gallagher Ave Rahnt :Ave Signed: f f�lr Tisfn Geraghty, yor ATTL ST: Br-jai nde r, dministrator 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 1st day of June, 2011. Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk City of oLta rove Minnesota tg Both Street South ( Cottage Gros, ,Vinnesnta 55016 -3105 v),00 ;age- cro'ae.org February 2, 2011 Washington County Board of Commissioners Attn: Mr. Gary Kriesel, Board Chair 14949 62nd Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 Dear Chair Kriesel, 6 651- 458.2800 Fax 851 -468 -2897 TOD 651 - 458 -2880 it has come to our attention that the County Board will soon be discussing continued pa ticipation, 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 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 Cehrice,Washington County Board of Commissioners Jim Snug, Washington Country Administrator _CtiiAL OPPORTUMTY EMPLOYER RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A TIGER (TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT GENERATING ECONOMIC RECOVERY) GRANT FOR THE UNION DEPOT MULTI -MODAL TRANSIT HUB IN DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL BY THE RAMSEY COUNTY REGIONAL RAILROAD 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 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 TIGER funding for the build out of the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul. Passed this 19th day of August 2009. i Ui[irmill Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 2009132 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT REQUEST FOR THE UNION DEPOT MULTI -MODAL TRANSIT HUB IN DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL BY THE RAMSEY COUNTY REGIONAL RAILROAD 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 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. Myro ailey, for Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT REQUEST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION AND PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING FROM MADISON W1, TO THE UNION DEPOT MULTI -MODAL HUB IN ST. PAUL. 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 39th day of August 2009. Attest: Caron M, Stransky, City Clerk r RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN ARRA GRANT REQUEST FOR THE UNION DEPOT MULTI -MODAL TRANSIT HUB IN DOWNTOWN ST, PAUL BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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 infra 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 $437.7 million in ARRA funding for the build out of the Union Depot Multi -modal Transit Hub in St. Paul. Passed this 39th day of August 2609. Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk� RESOLUTION NO. 2009 -128 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN ARRA GRANT REQUEST FOR THE TWIN CITIES TO CHICAGO HIGH SPEED RAIL CORRIDOR BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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. Myror� ai'B 1> or Attest: 1 9-4, tr�M, 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 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 Fax To. South Washington County Bulletin 651 -459 -9491 St, Paul Pioneer Press 651 - 228 -5500 Attn: Mary Divine Minneapolis Star and Tribune 612 -673 -4359 Economic Development Assoc. MN 651 - 290 -2266 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 Gate- June 6, 2003 Re: Transit Enhancements 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 \Translt%Pa = k and Rlde \Transit Enhancements -6 Jun 03.dcc 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 Molnau 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;' AdministrationNriiscel tanecus''2003Uransit Letter -Gov Pawlenty -5 Feh 03.e0c Summary of Proceedings Washington County Board of Commissioners September 25, 2012 Present were Commissioners Dennis C. Hegberg, District 1; Bill Pulkrabek, District 2; Gary Kriesel, District 3; Autumn Lehrke, District 4; and Lisa Weik, District 5. Absent none. Board Chair Hegberg presided. Accountina and Finance Approval of contract with CliftonLarsonAllen for independent annual audit services for the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Commissioner Reports — Comments - Questions The Commissioners reported on the following items: - Commissioner Kriesel — reported he attended the Gateway Corridor Policy Advisory Committee meeting which recommended Bus Rapid Transit Option 3 to the Gateway Corridor Commission; he attended an Andersen Advisory Committee quarterly meeting; he met with Lake Elmo staff regarding traffic and speed limit concerns along Lake Elmo Avenue; he attended the Lower Valley Alliance meeting; he attended the Library Board meeting; he asked that the Chair, County Administrator and staff begin work on the issue of the Resource Recovery Facility; and he will be attending the Basic Political Operating Unit meeting on Thursday September 27 in Woodbury; - Commissioner Weik — reported she attended the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee meeting; she attended the Library Board meeting; she attended the Counties Transit Improvement Board meeting; and she noted that the Met Council will hold a listening session at the Government Center on Thursday, September 27 at 6:00 p.m. on Thrive MSP 2040; - Commissioner Pulkrabek — requested that the Board vote on membership to the Counties Transit Improvement Board be placed on next week's agenda; the Board Chair stated he would take that request under advisement; - Commissioner Lehrke — reported she attended a National Association of Counties Membership meeting; she attended the Board of Equalization and Appeal training; she attended the Newport City Council meeting; and she met with Bob Andrews of Hill Road to talk about the intersection in Woodbury; - Commissioner Hegberg — reported he attended the Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting where they discussed Landfall and the Newport Transit Facility redevelopment; he attended the Counties Transit Improvement Board meeting; he attended the Transportation Advisory Board meeting; he attended the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging meeting; and he attended the Community Action Program. Community Services Overview presented on upcoming Veterans Job Fair scheduled for September 27, 10:00 a.m. at the Oakdale Prom Center. General Administration Approval of the following actions: - Change the general county business hours to 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, effective Tuesday, November 13, 2012; - Agreement with the Washington County Historical Society to provide $50,000 in funding to be used for the purchase of suitable housing to reposit and exhibit historical Washington County artifacts; - County to receive $25,000 of county program aid for participating in the State's Standard Measures Program; - County to host a pharmaceuticals collection at the Government Center this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Sandra Hahn, Deputy Community Corrections Director, recognized for an award she received from the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties Board of Directors for her work on a program that connects domestic violence victims and advocates reducing future risk of domestic violence; Board correspondence was received and placed on file. Human Resources Approval of the 2013 International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49 bargaining unit health insurance reopener contract. Library The Board met in workshop session to discuss Library service levels and hours for 2013. Public Health Adoption of Resolution No. 2012 -123, waste processing agreement with Ramsey County, Washington County, and Resource Recovery Technologies. Public Works Approval of the following actions: - Resolution No. 2012 -121, bid award for County State Aid Highway 14 to North Valley, Inc.; - Resolution No. 2012 -122, bid award for County State Aid Highway 3 curb and gutter replacement to New Look Contracting. Regional Railroad Authoritv Approval to withdraw from the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission. A complete text of the Official Proceedings of the Washington County Board of Commissioners is available for public inspection at the Office of Administration, Washington County Government Center, 14949 62" d Street N., Stillwater, Minnesota. Summary of Proceedings Washington County Board of Commissioners October 2, 2012 Present were Commissioners Dennis C. Hegberg, District 1; Bill Pulkrabek, District 2; Gary Kriesel, District 3; Autumn Lehrke, District 4; and Lisa Weik, District 5. Absent none. Board Chair Hegberg presided. Commissioner Reports — Comments - Questions The Commissioners reported on the following items: - Commissioner Weik — reported she attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District; and she attended a couple of Woodbury events last week including the Woodbury Business Classic and a networking luncheon with the Chamber of Commerce; - Commissioner Lehrke — reported she attended the Solid Waste Management Coordinating board; she attended the Metropolitan Library Service Agency meeting; she attended a public safety city hall bridge ribbon cutting ceremony; she attended the Denmark Township Historical Society Save our School event; she met with staff to look at the Newport redevelopment area; she attended the Grant Evaluation and Ranking System Committee meeting; and she attended the Resource Recovery Project budget meeting; - Commissioner Pulkrabek — thanked county staff for responding quickly and professionally to his constituents questions and requests; he also thanked the Cities of Woodbury and Oakdale for doing the same; - Commissioner Kriesel — reported that he and Commissioner Hegberg met with a former member of the Carnelian - Marine -St. Croix Watershed District Board of Managers; he attended the Mosquito Control meeting; he spent three intense days as a participant helping School District 834 craft their strategic plan; and he asked that a letter be sent to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources supporting permits necessary for construction of the St. Croix River Crossing; - Commissioner Hegberg — reported he toured the City of Hugo to view its economic development and growth. General Administration Approval of the following actions: - September 11, 2012, Board meeting minutes; - Recognition for Accounting and Finance Director Harley Will who recently earned the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer from the Government Finance Office Association; - Report on the pharmaceutical collection held this past Saturday at the Government Center which collected over 130 pounds; Discussion on withdrawal from the Counties Transit Improvement Board and to rescind the quarter cent sales tax postponed indefinitely until after the election and a meeting with the county legislative delegation; - Board correspondence was received and placed on file; - Board workshop held to review the next steps following the July 19, 2012 planning session with department heads. Information Technology Approval of the sale of 46 desktop computers (Dell, Model 740) to the Stillwater Library for the amount of $30.00 each. Library Resolution No. 2012 -126, library service schedule for 2013. Public Health and Environment Adoption of Resolution No. 2012 -124 certification of unpaid County Environmental Charges. Sheriffs Office Adoption of Resolution No. 2012 -125, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Grant for Toward Zero Deaths Enforcement Program. A complete text of the Official Proceedings of the Washington County Board of Commissioners is available for public inspection at the Office of Administration, Washington County Government Center, 14949 62 Street N., Stillwater, Minnesota. �J ,tilt A Collabo rative Vision for Transportation < September 28, 2012 Dear Citizens of Minnesota, Stat Mu Tra n spo qaton Plan I am pleased to share with you the Minnesota Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan 2012 -2031. This plan is the result of extensive collaboration over the past year among the Minnesota Department of Transportation and citizens, stakeholders and partners throughout Minnesota. I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in our outreach meetings and provide input on the plan. To create an accessible plan, truly reflective of Minnesotans' interests, this plan was crafted with the citizen in mind —a plan for everyone. The social, economic and environmental climates of Minnesota are rapidly changing, and it is critical that our state's transportation system adapt. This Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan is based on the adopted Minnesota GO 50 -year Vision for transportation and provides guidance to help our state achieve this Vision. The Plan places emphasis on building and maintaining a multimodal transportation system through solutions that ensure a high return -on- investment, given constrained resources, and that complement the unique social, natural and economic features of Minnesota. Along with the Minnesota GO Vision, the Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan will be used to shape subsequent MnDOT plans and investment decisions while serving as a framework and providing guidance for our partners moving forward. The broader multimodal objectives and strategies in this plan will directly affect the direction of modal investment plans beginning with the State Highway Investment Plan, which is being developed this year and completed in 2013. MnDOT's planning efforts support Minnesota Governor Dayton's Better Government strategy by ensuring that MnDOT programs strengthen the state's social and economic fabric as efficiently and cost - effectively as possible. •. •, MnDOT has used performance measures to inform management and investment decisions since the mid -1990s and made it a formal part of the statewide planning process in 2003. This was the first performance -based statewide transportation plan in the nation. Performance measures illustrate how well the transportation system is functioning in relation to quantifiable targets. Measures cover all modes, system assets, and operations. A few examples include average speed for travelers, crash rates and incidence of fatalities, pavement and bridge condition, and age of transit vehicles. Heightened emphasis on the growing disparity between available resources and the work needed to maintain sound infrastructure was a major theme for the 2009 plan update. This challenge remains. Currently, the investments required to meet existing performance targets exceed projected resources. As a result, MnDOT has begun formally incorporating risk management into the transportation planning process. Using risk to inform investment and project decisions is not a new concept for MnDOT. However, moving forward, the use of risk management will be more standardized, transparent, and an integral part of the modal investment plans. It will serve as a starting point for discussions with the public and transportation partners regarding investment decisions and required tradeoffs in light of fiscal constraints. The following represent significant changes to MnDOT's planning and investment approach, • Apply multimodal solutions that ensure a high return -on- investment, given constrained resources, and that complement the unique social, natural and economic features of Minnesota. This approach will be applied throughout the state and across modes. In Greater Minnesota, examples may include coordinating signal timing along a corridor, reducing risk at intersections, and extending transit service both in terms of area and hours of service. In the Twin Cities, examples include active traffic management and the development of a managed lane system. • Strategically fix the system. Based on recent revenue projections, it will not be feasible to maintain all assets in current condition or better over the near to medium term. MnDOT will work with its partners to define priority networks based on connectivity and accessibility and invest in these assets accordingly. • Build to a maintainable scale to keep Minnesota's transportation system on a sustainable track for the future. Using a risk based approach, make capital, operations, and maintenance investment decisions by considering impacts to the state's economy, environment, and quality of life. MnDOT will identify, assess and manage the potential risks and trade -offs for the transportation assets within the agency's control. • Better align ownership of Minnesota's roadways with statewide and local priorities. Working with critical partners, including cities, counties, and townships, MnDOT will initiate a comprehensive review of current roadway use and ownership and identify barriers to making ownership changes. Recommended adjustments will allow project selection to better reflect priorities at all levels. • Establish multimodal strategies. This plan includes truly multimodal objectives and strategies, In previous transportation plans, all modes were included but addressed separately. This'Dian brings it to the next level in terms of modal integration and includes objectives and strategies that can be applied across transportation modes. The success of Minnesota's transportation system depends on the coordinated efforts of many public and private providers. The objectives and strategies outlined in this plan provide the framework for our joint efforts. MnDOT will continue to involve citizens, stakeholders and partners in the implementation of this plan and in future investment and policy decisions. Through continued collaboration, together we can maintain and build a transportation system that realizes the Minnesota GO 50 -year Vision for transportation and maximizes the health of people, the environment, and our economy. Sincerely, Thomas K. Sorel Commissioner TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction 0 The Minnesota 60 Vision for the transportation system — a multimodal transportation system that maximizes the health of people, the environment and our economy I A current snapshot of Minnesota's population, economy, and environment along with information about the existing rnultimodal transportation system I Recent changes in policy that affect this planning effort EE= 57 H ow d ourselves moving o. v A Objectives and related strategies that will help achieve the Minnesota 60 Vision t � Connecting the Minnesota 60 Vision, Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan, and modal investment plans and identifying how performance measures will be used to guide investments M TABLE OF CONTE 'rS I PAGE FEAT IS DIRECTING PLAN? For decades, there have been state and federal requirements for a statewide transportation plan. This Includes updating the plan every four years and ensuring a sound and safe transportation system that is aligned with national, state, and local goals —from economic development to environmental protection. MnDOT is responsible for working with the public, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), regional development commissions jRDCs), tribes, and other transportation interests to produce a 20 -year plan that sets statewide policy direction and guidance. Over the years, emphasis has shifted from an almost exclusive focus on automobile and truck movement to an approach that considers all transportation modes and connections between them. This chapter describes how innovation and changing transportation policy direction has shaped the context for this plan. Purpose of Transportation Planning Transportation shapes our patterns of community development. The entire transportation system has required an enormous amount of financial investment to create. The system also requires a substantial amount of financial reinvestment to maintain and operate. Growth and other changing community needs require system adjustments as years go by. Transportation planning is the process of bringing together public expectations with public and private providers of transportation facilities and services to identify priorities, choices, and risks and to schedule resources for future investments to meet public expectations. Long -range planning for the transportation system is a prerequisite to be eligibile for federal and state transportation funding assistance and important given the magnitude of system costs. Federal direction for statewide transportation plans now requires a multimodal approach that supports economic vitality in ways that enhance global competitiveness, increases safety and security of the transportation system; improves accessibility and mobility for both people and freight, fosters environmental protection, energy conservation, and coordination between transportation and local plans; improves connections between transportation modes; achieves efficient system operations and management; and emphasizes preservation of the existing transportation system. 1 ' Federal planning tactora, 23 CFA, 450.206 CHAPTER 3 Wliff I DIRK IN THis Pi.AL I A , Minnesota law requires a similar focus on safety, system condition, the importance of transportation for the economy, and compatibility with state environmental goals, as well as specific goals about transit access, reasonable commutes, and healthy bicycling and walking 2 Links to both federal direction and state law as they pertain to this plan are referenced in Chapter B, "How do I get more information?'. Changes in Approach and Emphasis PERFORMANCE -BASED ARID RISK - BASED PLANNING Mri has used performance measures to inform management and Investment decisions since the mid -1990s and made it a formal part of the statewide planning process beginning In 2003. That was the first performance - based statewide transportation plan In the nation. Performance measures illustrate how well the transportation system is functioning in relation to quantifiable targets. Measures cover all modes, system assets, and operations. A few examples include average speed for travelers, crash rates and incidence of fatalities, pavement and bridge condition, and age of transit vehicles. Heightened emphasis on the growing disparity between available resources and the work needed to maintain sound infrastructure was a major theme for the 2009 plan. This challenge remains. Currently, the investments required to meet existing performance targets exceed projected resources. As a result, MnDOT has begun formally incorporating risk management into the transportation planning process. Using risk to inform investment and project decisions is not a new concept for MnDOT. However, moving forward, the use of risk management will be more standardized and transparent, and it will be an integral part of the modal Investment plans. It will serve as a starting point for discussions with the public and transportation partners regarding investment decisions and required tradeoffs in light of fiscal constraints. 1 ° State tang artaaon goals, _j11 Srai 114 N n8 46 MINNESOTA GO SM11 LWIDF MIJIMMOD � ANOPCJH I ION PLAN These are only a few of the ways that tr technology has helped to make the systr in ways previously unimaginable. Techni applied to stretch limited resources and improvements in operations that maxim investment and yield more widespread i than expensive traditional approaches. Technology is also changing whether an occurs. Telework, online education, ever computer medical appointments are all evolving changes to traditional travel pa INTEGRATED MULTIMDDAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CHAPTER 3 WHAT !S DIR[_UNNG'i t!IS P! AN? PAG 5 The 2030 TPP reflects a regional commitment, with supporting investment from metro counties, to extend substantial transit Improvements throughout the region over the next 20 years. Figure 3 -5 shows the planned transitways for the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Additionally, fixed route and other transit systems in Greater Minnesota continue to provide and deliver important services, showing regional commitment in Greater Minnesota cities and counties. Figure 3-5:2030 Planned Transltways r, u� Transitways Complete/ Construction/ Final Design / Prelim. Engineering s . Develop as LRT / Busway di I Highway BRT / Commuter Rail Develop as Arterial BRT =Zma, Express Bus Corridors with Transit Advantages, Regional Multimodal Hubs F lonle0T Phase t High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Priorities - n t t Y r e 2.5 5 '. 10 Source: Metropolitan Council I , l01 .0Cn< AE' e` CIr u+Rt ' Broadening beyond coordination among transportation modes, the federal sustainable communities partnership between the Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, and Housing and Urban Development is helping to support the Twin Cities Corridors of Opportunity efforts to capitalize on planned transitway developments to create sustainable, healthy, vibrant communities. F ^,GE 54 i ifs NNESOTAGO S11a`Ilr F) MU1 r IR,`WORIf I (rev "LAN Table 2 -2 provides an overview of the current multirnodal transportation system in Minnesota. Table 2 -2: Minnesota's Transportation System l� State Trunk Highways 11,896 miles Minnesota's County State Aid Highways 30,548 miles Transportation Other County Roads 14,348 miles System Municipal State Aid Streets 3,321 miles consists of: Other City Streets 18,837 miles Township Roads 58.101 miles Other Public Roads 4,431 miles More than 3,880 miles including 22 state Designated Trails trails Bike Sharing (Nice Ride MN) 1,328 bicycles and 146 stations (July 2012) r , 218 bus routes, and one light rail transit Twin Cities Area (LET) corridor with another under seven counties( !construction 70 of 80 (non -Twin Cities metro) counties with county -wide transit service, eight counties Greater Minnesota with municipal service only, two counties with no service 87 destinations served in the state as well as Intercity Bus every metropolitan area in the Midwest Freight 4,458 track miles 119 railroad companies) Northstar commuter rail line isee also Commuter transit above for light rail) Intercity Passenger Amtrak Empire Builder (ChicagotoSeattle) Passenger and Cargo 135 airports, eight with airline service Great Lakes Four ports on Lake Superior Five ports on 222 miles of the Mississippi Rivers River system (including the Minnesota and St. Croix rivers) lU Carsharing 2 systems (HOURCAR and Zipcar) Source: 2018 Transportation Performance Report C IAPTER 2 WHFIFE ARE WE NOW? ( PAGE 23 Figure 2 -6 highlights key elements of the existing multimodal transportation system across the state. Figure 2-6: Key Elements of Minnesota's Existing Transportation System �• w • Int. . Thief _ 'falls aaf�t River `Grafid Faits � Grand" 04 Forks^® o �. r It In `r Gran' ' a' Rapid r kes " +•• „Superior � c 8k, a.�'[l': i ,so Source. MOOT Crosse PA6F 24 1 M INNESOTA G0 STA Ci'VPh F M j FlM09Al TRANS (JRTAT10N PLAN Elements o the Minnesota Transportation System >. Commercial Airports lora Fixed Route Transit Systems Ici ® Pore Container Terminals ® Truck/Rail Terminals rides k t -t. Class I Railroads Passenger Rail Line "-- -- Intercity Bus Network r ' IWIMINEpolis- Interregional Corridor System St. Paul Supplemental Freight Routes Trunk Highway System Crosse PA6F 24 1 M INNESOTA G0 STA Ci'VPh F M j FlM09Al TRANS (JRTAT10N PLAN MINNESOTA STREETS, ROADWAYS AND HIGHWAYS With 141,482 miles of publicly -owned roads, streets, and highways, Minnesota's roadway system ranks fifth in the nation. To put this in perspective the state ranks 21 st in terms of population and 12th in geographic area " Figure 2 -7 highlights the interregional corridor network (with proposed changes) and trunk highway network of the existing multimodal transportation system. Figure 2 -7. Minnesota Roadway System Its 1 ' Thief - East . River Grand %Fahs For A 1 State Roadway System in Minnesota Ineerregional Corridor System Smikoemen:ai Freight Routes - - -- Trunk Highway system Paul Crosse CHAPTE€t 2 W IERE AAE `AN_ NOW^ I RAG1 — Grand Re d Moorhead y troit akes • ergus Falls Brain d t i a� Alexandjia, Mora,. u O Cam ridge W Ilmar Buffalo , State Roadway System in Minnesota Ineerregional Corridor System Smikoemen:ai Freight Routes - - -- Trunk Highway system Paul Crosse CHAPTE€t 2 W IERE AAE `AN_ NOW^ I RAG1 MINNESOTA BICYCLES AND STATE TRAILS There are 22 designated state trails, and collectively the state boasts more than 3,880 miles of designated walking and biking trails. Figure 2 -8 highlights the state trail network of the existing multimodal transportation system. Additionally, there are many more thousands of miles of designated bicycle routes and sidewalks and bicycle and pedestrian friendly roads throughout the state not identified on the map. Nice Ride Minnesota, a bike sharing initiative, became operational in summer 2010 and now includes 1,328 bicycles in the Twin Cities metropolitan area." In recent years, Minneapolis has been identified as a top tier bicycle friendly city. Figure 2 -8: Minnesota State Trails r e i S � i •foil_. Falls,, J 'a HUtchmson� � 1Mu7na ; Bel�� y 1 Plaid 4 y Faribault • a — ~I • Van to i —Is l e -Pipostone i_. 1 Roch Sioux W , -- -� Falls ( s 1 Albert j I 1 Lea •' Paul State Trails in Minnesota — State Trails } 1 4� Lake ' • Grand Rapids arg i Park �• 1 '. t .— RePt_s 1 � � I Duluth I _ i �. s Fergus i y Y g • Palls �`^1 Brainerd I ` Osaki g • ¢ Hinkley - Allexandria•' S o^�" — fit. Clo Paynesville, g -- i- 1 — Willmar Montevideo 1 • Cos j:' = J 'a HUtchmson� � 1Mu7na ; Bel�� y 1 Plaid 4 y Faribault • a — ~I • Van to i —Is l e -Pipostone i_. 1 Roch Sioux W , -- -� Falls ( s 1 Albert j I 1 Lea •' Paul State Trails in Minnesota — State Trails Wg ne • _ and T ester Plainview ' LaCrosse s _ Rushford Village Source', MOOT I Nice Ride Minnesota vt r- p 1NINES€iTA G0 SIffL IIDF MU I'lM0)DAt TRAN8P0R ATICN PLAN in Source', MOOT I Nice Ride Minnesota vt r- p 1NINES€iTA G0 SIffL IIDF MU I'lM0)DAt TRAN8P0R ATICN PLAN MINNESOTA PUBLIC TRANSIT`, TWINCIT6ES Within the Twin Cities metropolitan area there are a variety of public transit services offered. These options Include fixed -route services such as regular and express bus routes, light rail transit (LRT), commuter rail, and bus rapid transit (BRT) as well as dial -a -ride service. All 187 communities within the metropolitan area have access to some form of public transit service. Figure 2 -9 shows the public transit service availability within the Twin Cities metropolitan area_ Figure 2 -9: Twin Cities Public Transit Service Coverage "HAP` €ER2 WdFRE tRFWENOW? i PAGE 27 MINNESOTA PUBLIC TRANSIT: GREATER MINNESOTA In Greater Minnesota, 70 of the 80 non -metro counties have access to county- wide public transit service. Eight counties have access to some municipal service but no county -wide service. Two counties have no access to public transit services. Figure 2 -10 shows the breakdown of public transit service in Greater Minnesota, Figure 2 -10: Greater Minnesota Public Transit Service Coverage ?XAC 28 1 MiNN ESOTk.. GO 71A7FWIDF MUITIMOD/ T "ANSPOR ltfION PIA€v MINNESOTA INTERCITY PASSENGER SERVICES The state of Minnesota has both intercity passenger rail and bus service. Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Megabus provide intercity bus service to 87 destinations within the state as well as connections to every metropolitan area in the Midwest. Amtrak offers passenger rail service to the state and runs diagonally through the state along BNSF and CP rail lines between La Crosse, Wisconsin and Fargo, North Dakota. Figure 2 -91 shows the intercity passenger rail and bus networks in Minnesota. Figure 2 -11: Minnesota Intercity Passenger Services __.._ East Forks r Detroit R Intercity Passenger Services in Minnesota —a Intercity Bus Network - Passenger Rail Line ,Willmar "Minneapolis-St. Paul _ a _ Marshall "� I F , -Rod Iq* • --___ ;Wing t ` ©watonne Winona " 3.. �— La Crosse iioux Worthington _ Albert La Crescent' Fails r 'i Lea '.�"V-. �,z �..:.. , � * =. u - �"�.�"� `mat- .�°�•�a;.„ :- .. � n Source. MnDOT CHAPTER 2 00 I[RF A RI WF NOVO P ,GE MINNESOTA FREIGHT RAIL In 2011, there were 19 railroad companies operating in Minnesota on 4,458 route miles of track_ The state ranks eighth in the nation for total track mileage. In terms of product originating and traveling by rail, Minnesota ranks first in the nation in the number of tons of iron ore, third in food products, and fourth for farm products "Figure 2 -12 highlights the freight rail network of the existing multimodal transportation system. Figure 2 -12: Minnesota Freight Flail System Source: WDOI hito C/www_minnesota railroads .corn PAGE 30 MINNESOTA GO S f I_JdiC' Al"I T iCl DDA ' AN'"CR /` 10ful 11 AN MINNESOTA AIR Minnesota's aviation system includes 135 state- funded airports t hat support a range of services to benefit the citizens, businesses, and economy of the state. Some of the general aviation activities include personal travel, cargo services, medical transport, agricultural spraying, and aerial surveying. In addition, eight airports provide airline service. Airports are classified depending on their size and the role the facility plays in supporting its community. Figure 2 -13 highlights the air network of the existing multimodal transportation system. Figure 2 -13: (Minnesota Airports O S vc d v Warms or -- _ Baupette ff �--_ -_ ra Intl. Gran Thief _ r ---� Falls _River For ., 1'� f ^� � Fails v I Rapids I ll Ely _ —_.. 'arg6 < i Duluth Park bw _ _. Rappidf - " ` i 4 4 y j Brainerd `.. Fergus to Falls i Airports in }- s Minnesota Or ro '-- ATBXan�i'rS1 �{ } Commercial Airports St. Cloud M Key Airports y — p➢ lreermedlaleAlrpoms { — Landing Strips r Willmar j ,- 'tpoka ` ir, = 1....... 'Flying - S SE. Paul �IOU MuineapolisSt. Paul Marshall -Red IS Wing - Im :t Owatonna- - ;Mankato Winona o M Rochester Sioux "— '` � - -- LaCrosse r ! Worthington j Fairmont Falls s` y 7 r I ; Albert M M - l Aa. Austin �. Source. MOeO T CHAPTER 2 W IFf'" t l ' NOW? I F'AG1 MINNES0TA PORTS AND WATERWAYS Minnesota has four ports on Lake Superior located atTaconite Harbor, Silver Bay, Two Harbors, and Duluth /Superior Their combined waterway transported tonnage for 2011 was just short of 60 million net tons. The Mississippi River system stretches more than 222 miles in Minnesota and supports five (Minnesota) port areas whose combined 2011 waterway transported tonnage was 10.6 million net tons. Figure 2 -14 highlights the waterway network of the existing multimodal transportation system. Figure 2 -14: Minnesota Forts and Waterways mm Rapids argq mil+ c LAKE SUPERIOR_; Ports and Waterways in Minnesota ® ports Mapr lakes Major Rivers Navgable Waters - +ALa Crosse PAGE 32 1 I HNNESOTA GO STATEWIDE MULDMODAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN The state's multimodal transportation system continues to evolve. The following list identifies some relatively new elements of the transportation system that have been implemented more widely in recent years. This list does not include every change made to the transportation system but rather is just a selection of recent additions. There Is more information about innovative approaches for the planning and operations of the transportation system in Chapter 3, "What is directing this plan ? ". m Transitways: In the seven years since Hiawatha LRT service went into operation connecting downtown Minneapolis to the Minneapolis -St. Paul International (MSP) Airport and Mall of America, a network of transitway services in the Twin Cities has grown steadily. The Central Corridor LRT line is under construction and scheduled to begin service in 2014 connecting downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. Planning is in progress for the Southwest Corridor LRT line that will connect Downtown Minneapolis to the western suburbs. Cedar Avenue BRT service as well as BRT on 1 -35W in Minneapolis will connect places in the southern portion of the Twin Cities metropolitan area to each other and to downtown Minneapolis. Since 2010, Northstar, Minnesota's first commuter rail line between downtown Minneapolis and Big Lake, has offered commuter - oriented round -trips each workday as well as additional trips on weekends and for special events. Transhway development was greatly accelerated with the formation of the Counties Transit Improvement Board in 2008. Bike Sharing: Minneapolis launched Nice Ride Minnesota, one of the nation's largest bike share systems, in 2010 and the system has grown rapidly. More than 200,000 trips were taken on the bikes in 2011. The system was expanded to include downtown St. Paul in 2012. ® Cable Median Barriers: Cable median barriers are a safety solution with a high return -on- investment. MnDOT has installed cable median barriers in strategic locations as an effective method to prevent cross - median crashes thus reducing fatal and serious injury crashes. In addition to being cost effective, there is great flexibility In the installation of barriers. 1 ° Nice Ride Minnesota C14APTER2l lJ R- ARE_,AJFNOW? I PAUL-, MnPASS and other Managed Lanes: On the Twin Cities freeway system, MnPASS electronic tolled lanes were first implemented in 2005 along 1 -394. This automated toll lane and other managed lane technologies has been extended to portions of 1 -35W and are currently being considered for other parts of the metropolitan area- First introduced in 2010 on 1 -35W, Smart Lanes use eiectronic signs above each lane of traffic to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety by providing real -time information about road conditions. PAGE 34 m Real -time Traveler Information: Real -time information about highway and transit conditions and estimated travel times is now available online, via smart phones, overhead messaging, 511 service, and other sources. ce Alternative Intersection Treatments: A number of investment strategies with a high return -on- investment exist to reduce risks and improve the flow of vehicular traffic at intersections. An example strategy is Reduced Conflict Intersections, which take away high -risk actions, such as making a left turn from a side - street and instead allow drivers to make a left turn using two lower -risk actions- For example, to make a left turn onto a four -lane road, drivers would first make a right turn, travel a short distance, then move into a left turn lane where they can make a U -turn, and proceed toward their desired direction. In some instances, U -turns can be made at adjoining intersections or through an existing interchange. Roundabouts: Although roundabouts have existed for years, these circular intersections are still relatively new to Minnesota and are increasingly being built throughout the state. Roundabouts offer significant advantages over right - angled intersections with stop signs or signals because traffic speeds are slowed and right -angle collisions are avoided. The results are fatal crashes, improved traffic flow, and reduced air pollution. When appropriately designed, roundabouts can effectively handle bus and truck traffic. MINNESOTA GO SIAHWIDE AMU! FIMODAI. TRANSPORTATION PLAN � Minnesota is in a period of change and transition, including the transportation system. Some of the changes are positive and encouraging. Safety has dramatically improved over the last decade, with fatalities dropping to World War II -era lows "Transit ridership is increasing and freight connections on all systems (roadways, rail, waterways, air cargo) continue to provide increasingly important access to national and global markets for our economy. At the same time, congestion in the Twin Cities remains virtually unchanged from a decade ago. Faced with an extensive aging Infrastructure statewide, flat revenues, and increasing costs, Minnesota transportation partners are struggling to keep the existing system in a state of good repair. After decades of increasing at a higher rate than population growth, In 2004 vehicle miles traveled on the state's roadways began to level off (see Figure 2 -15). Rising fuel costs and shifts in travel behavior, including fewer, shorter trips and greater use of transit, bicycling, and walking, have all contributed to this pattern. Higher unemployment may also be a contributing factor in recent years. Figure 2 -i5: Annual vehicle Miles Traveled in Minnesota (billions) so 58 56 54 52 50 48 46 44 42 49 Source: MnDOT Between 2002 and 2011, transit ridership increased by roughly 25 percent in both the Twin Cities and across Greater Minnesota (see Figure 2 -16). In 2011, Greater Minnesota transitridershipwas at decade high of 11.5 million. Twin Cities ridership In 2011 was 94 million, a level reached only once before in the previous 30 years 3G '- MN Department of Public Safety hun // nmw innnos* com /citvscane /2012 /03 /minnesot'ans- are- drivina- loss -mndot -says CHAPTER 2 tY iFRF ARE v'tF INOW? I FAGI, 35 1992 1995 1998 2001 2904 2907 2011 Fig w we 2 -16: AnnuaI Min nosom Transit Ridership {millions! TRACKING PERFORMANCE MnDOT tracks the overall performance of the transportation system and reports on system conditions in an annual her(orman re o Measures can help show successes of the transportation system as well as identify challenges. A selection of these measures and summaries from the report are provided below. Pavement —Good Ride Quality: As shown in Figure 2 -17, the percent of pavements on the state highway system with a ride quality rating of good fell in 2009 but increased again in 2010, meeting the target of 70 percent for the first time since 2002. The increase was largely due to additional federal money received from the stimulus bill —the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Percentages fell again in 2011, and it is projected that pavement condition will resume deterioration without increased investment. Figure 2 -17: Percentage Good Pavement Ride Quality on Minnesota Prinespal and Non - Principal ArtrsriaPs PAU MINNESOTA GO Sly CrIVU tAU lt,[,Orjt, T RAN S PO i;t.l 10 N PVlfrl 2002 2009 2004 2005 2006 2007 2000 2009 2010 2011 Source: MnDOT and Metropolitan Councl 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2000 2GO9 2010 2011 Source_ Mn00T E Principal Arterials Non - Principal Arterials Pavement —Poor Ride Quality: As shown in Figure 2 -18, the percentage of pavement on the state highway system with a poor ride quality is increasing. The decrease in 2010 was largely due to additional federal money received from the stimulus bill. It is projected that this figure will continue to Increase in future years under the currently planned investment levels. Compared to other states, Minnesota's interstates are ranked 44 out of 50 for this measure, 50 being the worst for pavement poor ride quality. Figure 2 -18 Percentage Poor Pavement Ride Cluality on Minnesota Principal and Non- Principal Arterials Soerre. MnDOS ® Principal Arterials Non - Principal Arterials Bridge Condition— Percent Good and Satisfactory: Figure 2 -19 shows the percentage of bridges (by deck area) on state principal arterials, that has been rated In good or satisfactory structural condition between 2002 and 2010. Bridges in good or satisfactory structural condition have consistently exceeded targets. Figure 2 -19: Percentage of Bridges ;r Good and Satisfactory Condition on Minnesota Principal Arterials 4sq. ft} Source: WON ® Good 15 Satisfac'_ory Minnesota has the fourth {avvest percontage of bridges !rater; atrUCtUrally deficient or functiontnlly obsolete in the matron. CHAPTER 2 WNEBE ARE WE NOAH? I PAGE 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2002 2005 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2CO9 2010 Bridge Condition — Percent Poor: Figure 2 -20 shows the percentage of bridges (by deck area) on state principal arterials rated in poor structural condition, has consistently exceeded the two percent or less target. Performance is still generally good as Minnesota has the fourth lowest percentage of bridges rated structurally deficient or functionally obsolete in the nation. Minnesota had tlhe to rd roe -vest numbe of fatalities of all 50 stalfes, significantly below the rialioial average. Figure 2 -20: Percentage of Bridges in Poor Condition on Minnesota Principal Arterials (sq. ft.) Minnesota Traffic Fatalities: As shown in Figure 2 -21, the number of traffic fatalities in Minnesota was 411 in 2010. The numbers are on the decline, with a significant decrease from the peak of 657 in 2002. The number of fatalities for 2011 was at 368. Nationwide, Minnesota was the third best state in this measure, with a fatality rate significantly below the national average. Figure 2 -21: Annual Traffic Fatalities on All State and Local Roads in Minnesota PACIE 38 MkgIN6 skOTA CN STATFWIDE PAI !r IMDDt IRANY'FiU,I "IN PLAN 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source: MnDOT 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source- Minnesota Department of Public Safety Twin Cities Urban Freeway System Congestion: As shown in Figure 2 -22, the percent of urban freeway miles congested in the Twin Cities metropolitan area has remained relatively constant over the past decade, ranging from 17.3 percent to 21.5 percent During the same time frame, the number of measured centerline miles did not significantly increase. Compared to a selection of 31 similar metropolitan areas across the nation, the Twin Cities is the seventh most congested. It should be noted that other factors also contribute to system congestion such as system size, land use densities, transit availability, etc. . Figure 2 -22: Percentage of Twin Cities Urban Freeway Miles Congested Source: Mn00T Airport Runway and Taxiway Pavement —Good Condition: As shown in Figure 2 -23, the percentage of Minnesota airport and taxiway pavements in good condition, excluding Minneapolis -St. Paul (MSP), Duluth (DLIl and Rochester (RST) airports, has continued to decrease since peaking in 2606. Minnesota airports met target for good pavement in 2010 with 82.9 percent. Figure 2 -23: Percentage of Minnesota Runway and Taxiway Pavernents in Good Condition (MSP, DLN, and RST not included) Source: MOOT CHAPTER 2 WN'ERr ARE WIC NOW? ( P AGE 2GO2 2003 2004 2005 2000 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 zoos 2007 200E 2009 2010 Based err Tonnage, the DUIOTh fort an Lake Sul:Lnor i s flee 25th largest in the ruauon. Airport Runway and Taxiway Pavement —Poor Condition: As shown in Figure 2 -24, the percentage of Minnesota airport and taxiway pavements in poor condition, excluding MSP, DLH, and AST airports, has continued to Increase since 2006. The relative decline in pavement condition reflects an aging system in which an increasing number of runways are reaching the end of their useful life. Minnesota airports fell short of the target for poor pavement in 2010 at 4.5 percent. Figure 2 -24: Percentage of Minnesota Runway and Taxiway Pavements in Poor Condition (NIISP, DLH, and RST not included} Port Shipments: As shown in Figure 2 -25, shipments to and from Minnesota ports have generally been decreasing over the past decade. This is largely attributed to corn having been processed locally for ethanol and not going for export and some fluctuation in taconite shipments due to domestic and foreign demand for steel. Based on tonnage, the Duluth /Superior port is the largest port on the Great Lakes and ranked 25th largest in the nation. Figure 2 -25: Annuai Minnesota Port Shipments {millions of tonsf PAU 40 ly hIN 60 !lLIFWIDL MUIT!MODn 1 "ANSPORTIA,TION PLAN 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Source: WDOT 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2016 2011 Source: MnDOT Shipments on Minnesota Railroads: As shown in Figure 2 -26, rail freight shipments generally have increased over the past decade with decreases in 2008 and 2009. This decrease is largely attributed to the recession, and growth is predicted for 2010. Compared to other states, Minnesota is ranked 13th out of 50 based on tons carried by rail. Figure 2 -26: Annual Minnesota Rail Freight Shipments (millions of tons) Source: MOST Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pedestrian Accessible Signals: As shown in Figure 2 -27, 21 percent of the signalized intersections on state roads have accessible pedestrian signals. MnDOT has a goal of achieving 100 percent in this measure by 2030. Dedicated funds and new road design guidelines will allow this percentage to continue to increase each year. Figure 2 -27: Percentage of Intersections with Accessible Pedestrian cmnats lnstal!eri on State Rearm Compared to other states, Minnesota is ranked 13th out of 50 based on. tons carried by:aii. CHAPTER 2 W UL ARE Pv !rTAI? ( rciv( 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2000 2009 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: MPOOT ` Planned