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Mayor Gamec stated that he recently had a meeting regarding Highway #10 and there seems to be <br />such negativity regarding funding for Highway #10 and that it might be 25 to 30 years out. It <br />was a very discouraging situation. He inquired if The Tinklenberg Group felt that there was a <br />possibility of moving the Highway #10 corridor up on the project list. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg explained that, in a way, the City is driving a consideration of what traditionally <br />has been a State responsibility. For the City to get involved and try and move forward, a State <br />project is a big consideration. To the effect that the City can create awareness and leverage, <br />federal funding can force things to move forward similar to what happened with the 610 corridor. <br />There are a lot of instances where a proactive City has been able to move things forward. What <br />Mr. Pathco reflects is the existing state of funding, which he does not think they can continue <br />with. They have to find additional ways to fund the transportation system and those that are <br />ready will be able to take advantage of those funds, which is part of what the City is doing. At <br />the federal level there has been some discussion in an increase in gas tax, but is probably unlikely <br />to occur. They are looking at ways of eliminating the draw downs on the trust funds, which <br />would increase the amount of money available. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec inquired if Highway #10 through Coon Rapids and Anoka has to be upgraded <br />before anything will be done in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg explained that the area in Ramsey is an easier stretch to improve and opens up a <br />lot of development opportunities, which is a significant issue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if Mr. Tinklenberg had heard of a buy and lease back <br />option. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg replied yes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman felt that it might be beneficial for the City to have a plan to buy the <br />property with a lease back option'. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated that it is a way to gain additional control over the property and generate <br />some additional income for the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook noted that it would also allow the City to get the property at today's prices. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the highway department would be willing to construct <br />an interchange in Ramsey without the improvements in Anoka. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg replied that he thought the City of Ramsey could move forward with <br />improvements long before there are improvements done in Anoka. The thing that helps leverage <br />that is if the City is ready and if they have federal funds. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he thought an interchange would be beneficial to the <br />Town Center. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/June 24, 2003 <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />