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Home My WebLink About2013-03-06 PACKET 04.K.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE 3/6/13 • . PREPARED BY: Community Development Jennifer Levitt ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR *******************�***********�************�*** COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Consider supporting the development of the Mississippi River Trail (U.S. Bicycle Route 45). STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the resolution supporting development of the Mississippi River Trail. DGET IMPLICATION: $N/A BUDGETED AMOUNT ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ PUBLIC WORKS � PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DATE 2/11/13 $ N/A N/A ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE REVIEWED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ APPROVED ❑ ❑ ❑ � ❑ ❑ ❑ DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ � MEMO/LETTER: Memo from John M. � RESOLUTION: Draft ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: � OTHER: Maps ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS: Burbank dated 2/28/13 � � �.�� , y � , City Administrator Date *�***�*********�***�***************************� COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Cottage Grove � Pride and PrOSPerity Meefi TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator FROM: John M. Burbank, Senior Planner DATE: February 28, 2013 RE: Mississippi River Trail (U.S. Bicycle Route 45) Introduction MnDOT has initiated preparation of an application to designate the Metro section of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) between Elk River and Hastings as a"United States Bicycle Route (USBR)." This is the third and final segment of the MRT for nomination as a USBR. The first MRT segment in southeast Minnesota was designated this past May with considerable media attention. The second segment from the Headwaters in Lake Itasca to Elk River was submitted to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for their consideration this past October. Over the past few years, Mn/DOT has been convening meetings up and down the river to invite local road and trail authorities to join in identifying an exciting bicycle adventure route along the Mississippi River within Minnesota. In the process, it was discovered there is grass-root support for taking something that already exists (low use roads, roads with shoulders, and off-road trails) to string together a bicycle route with appeal to local, regional, national and even international users. The MRT trail corridor runs through Cottage Grove. The City of Cottage Grove has been requested to support the effort that is being championed by Mn/DOT. The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission reviewed this at their meeting on February 11, 2013. They recommended that the City of Cottage Grove support the development of the Mississippi River Trail bicycle route. Recommendation Adopt the resolution of support for the development of the Mississippi River Trail (U.S. Bicycle Route 45). � !1�'*t;,l► ��,��,�: ��. RESOLUTION NO. 2013-XXX A RESOLUTION STATING THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE 45) WHEREAS, bicycle tourism is a growing industry in North America, presently contributing approximately $47 billion dollars a year nationally to the economies of communities that provide facilities for said tourism; and WHEREAS, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has designated a corridor along the Mississippi River to be developed as United States Bike Route 45; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has convened several public meetings during the previous eighteen months locally and throughout the River's corridor to gather information, review route alternatives, and to provide assistance; and WHEREAS, the Mn/DOT in cooperation with road and trail authorities have proposed a specific route to be designated as the Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45), a map of which is herein incorporated into this resolution by reference; and WHEREAS, the proposed Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45) traverses through Cottage Grove and is expected to provide a benefit to local residents and businesses; and WHEREAS, the Mn/DOT will continue to maintain statewide mapping and information regarding the Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45), convene meetings, and facilitate the resolution of issues and future alignment revisions within the State; and WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has a variety of high quality natural and built environments that will complement and contribute to the experience of the bicyclist utilizing USBR 45; and WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove has duly considered said proposed route and determined it to be a suitable route through the city and desire that the route be formally designated so that it can be appropriately mapped and signed, thereby promoting bicycle tourism locally and throughout Minnesota along the Mississippi River. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, hereby expresses its approval and support for the development of the Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45) and requests that the appropriate government officials take action to officially designate the route Resolution No. 2013-XXX Page 2 accordingly as soon as possible. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be and the same are hereby rescinded. Passed this 6th day of March 2013. Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk Minnesota Department of Transportation Page 1 of 2 Mississippi River Trail About Location, Length and Alternatives Minnesota's Mississippi River Trail winds roughly 620 miles down river from its source within Itasca State Park to the lowa border. Located largely on the shoulders of paved roads and on low-traffic roads, the route also includes relatively long segments of scenic state and regional trails. Bicyclists have two route alternatives between Cass Lake and Brainerd: Route Explorer's On-Road Route Alternatives River Orientation Parallels the river with terrific views Family-Friendly State Trail Route Does not parallel the river, focuses on adjoining lakes instead Audience On-road touring cyclists Young people and adults new to bicycle touring Length 200 miles 100 miles Predominately asphalt roads and shoulders but Surface includes one-mile of naturally surfaced trail All asphalt (Norway Beach) and 20-miles of packed gravel roads (between Palisade and Aitkin) Accommodations Lodging and other services are limited between Broad selection of amenities and Grand Rapids and Aitkin accommodations Throughout the 72-mile long Twin Cities Metro Area, the MRT is routed on both sides of the river - you can pick a side or ride both. The bikeway is located within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA), an urban national park. Although much of the route is presently on-road, several off-road regional trails suitable for a wide variety of bicyclists are featured within this segment (local and regional planning is presently underway for several new off-road river-oriented trails with the eventual outcome being a continuous 144-mile off-road Metropolitan river loop). Finally to the south, bicyclists can remain on roads below the Mississippi River Bluffs or ride the Apple Blossom Scenic Bywav. The byway allows bicyclists a view of the Mississippi uplands, spectacular views of the river and adjoining bottom lands. It also offers access to Great River Bluffs State Park. Grade Compared to bicycling in the Appalachian, Rockey or Smokey Mountains, this route is relatively flat. This is especially true for those utilizing the Paul Bunyan and Heartland State Trails between Cass Lake and Brainerd and other trails within the Twin Cities Metro Area which have a maximum sustained grade of 3 percent. The steepest climb of the road route is 578 feet and is located on the Apple Blossom Scenic Bywav. Route Navigation Do not expect to navigate the MRT following signs. Use MnDOT provided MRT maps as the MRT has only been partially signed in the Twin Cities. Riding Safety Whenever on roads, remember you are a vehicle - non-motorized - but nontheless, a vehicle. "Drive" appropriately. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrtabout.html 2/6/2013 Minnesota Depariment of Transportation Ride safely and abide by the rules of the road Ride single file with traffic Use hand signals to indicate turns and movements Stop at stop signs and signals Be considerate where and when you park and lock your bike Page 2 of 2 When on paved paths, you will be sharing space with other bicyclists, rollerbladers, pedestrians and families with small children. Make sure to alert them to your presence. In some cases, bicyclists wishing to ride at higher speeds have the choice to ride on the road adjacent to the path. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrtabout.html 2/6/2013 I' • � tiyy2Q}?�7�i. �4%YYiL l2cr�iG a ,o. _ " b ..'_.: -� " `� ✓'fT'�pi�"';l)MRf EVENiS ►C-NEl-d5 ��o BLOGS ..� — NIaT Guid�book R@sourS@s / Explore pIIItY Video Library Partners & Supporters Mtssissippi Rlver ConnecUons � N��nt��.�11�tif�i��L�s �:.i N�tit�fi�� P�S"�ts, rr= ��t�: T �[� iiii�iiitilWii�11�� , ,...� � Northern Trail Central Trail Southern Trail Twin Cities Trail St. Louis Trail �!e�.v Orleans 7rail @Aaps of �Flississippi Riv�r TraiR.� MRT Map -- --- --- _ _... . f . ' , � �_- �, ._ : ..�. ,, . _ __. _------� �----' � � � � � �'��'iat��1�,��aI��I��y4��;��G° { ��ii��ri��`.��`�� . : 1 I C� �� J...J� J.J �. .I� , L nF.r ,a�• 1 . ' . 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Mississippi River Trail, Inc. � 858 North Jackson � Fayetteville, AR 72701 phone:479-236-0938 http://www.mississippirivertrail. org/map.hhnl Page 2 of 2 2/6/2013 Metro Mississippi �:ti`l� ".'�' F 'z.+i+7�:'. _ ^`3a A. �.i'Y.4 'i'N:�PO�'STi� �.�''�:+�' ^"�'+7;0;5 °67�hi tc j.is:T��`iiT"`l;fi;��`�I�ii?7�v+''cr.�'q°�?�`i �};.' .^I=vr.jur<.:i:.r'�`O`R.cti.T7r.�r , _ r . � • _ -- - � _ F � r ; i " i ,s3� r!� r �"":. - - �� r �-� I � ' � . ,. ,. ; r i �' ; � i ` �`_ i ,,�-�� _-- y a�' y � �:'`� ', r �, - t M� z ' � '- �� '�ss'�� d �J�;s'��J':i � ': _ �, j t / ?`�; ' �� ' �, � ��'`�� :r' :.+,� r�'��'l !f � � '` 1 � ��- � � , �',s �,✓.� ,,-�.� -..r } - _i .' � rf - _ -°'� ` �,� �r;_ ':�,_- Aboa�� a�a °Zoaao� �;;�SePUe�ce At§Pactioe�s & Events Photo Gallery Links Order Maps Contact Us ' • • li ' I i • � � • • - ...... ,. � . ' • . � ! �_ ! � � ` _ � � � � • Page 1 of 3 http://www.mnmississippiriver.com/metro.cfin 2/6/2013 Metro Mississippi Page 2 of 3 http://www.mnmississippiriver.com/metro.cfin 2/6/2013