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<br /> <br />The Tinklenberg Group <br /> <br />The interchange of strategies and solutions <br /> <br />Ramsey Commuter Rail Station I Park and Ride <br />Recommended Action <br /> <br />The Tinklenberg Group is currently under contract with the City of Ramsey to continue <br />efforts that promote Ramsey's parking facility and transit services working toward the <br />inclusion of a Ramsey station as part of the Northstar Commuter Rail service. Given the <br />Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) has now been approved, efforts to promote the <br />inclusion of the Ramsey station as a site along the line is undisputable. There are a <br />number of issues that will require thoughtful planning and efficiency in the way of <br />technical, physical and political needs. <br /> <br />The City of Ramsey has already made significant contributions in the way of <br />implementing infrastructure necessary to support a commuter rail station, and has more <br />than met its financial obligation as a partner. Next steps include capitalizing on the <br />existing facilities and vocalizing the City's readiness to move forward. The Tinklenberg <br />Group has identified the following tasks as part of an aggressive strategy designed to <br />utilize the capacity and facility immediately available in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Intergovernmental Coordination I Facilitation <br /> <br />. Draft resolution for consideration among city staff and council to adopt and <br />present to Anoka County Regional Rail Authority and Northstar Corridor <br />Development Authority that would formally request inclusion of. the Ramsey <br />station to the commuter rail line/service. <br />. Upon successful receipt of the Resolution, contact Senator Coleman and Senator <br />Klobuchar to inform them of the request to include Ramsey's station and efforts <br />underway; enlist their support to ensure successful inclusion. <br />. Communicate with other influential Congressional representatives to ensure <br />support and assistance in expediting the process. <br />. Develop necessary correspondence, project overviews and presentations as <br />appropriate and directed. <br />. Organize and facilitate discussions with BNSF to analyze how inclusion of a stop <br />in Ramsey to identify impacts to current agreements and costs; facilitate <br />negotiations with contacts at BNSF on behalf of the City of Ramsey and in <br />cooperation with NCDA, the City and others as appropriate and directed. <br />. Facilitate discussions and process to acquire necessary easements from BNSF <br />to ensure needed infrastructure is planned and designed appropriately. <br />. Facilitate general discussions with the Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br />regarding project status, needs and processes relative to site inclusion. <br />. Assist staff in discussions with the Metropolitan Council to consider redirecting <br />CMAQ funds allocated to the Ramsey Star Express for other purposes. <br />. Assist staff in working with Anoka County to revisit service plans for commuter <br />coaches and other local services that might serve as feeders to the rail station. <br /> <br />City of Ramsey <br />The Tinklenberg Group <br /> <br />December 2007 <br />