Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/06/2000

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December 21, 1999 Draft D. Capital Improvement Program See Appendix G Corridor Studies . Corridor studies area suggested as implementation strategies for resolving major transportation problems on Highway 10 and with the desire for an additional bridge over the Mississippi River. 1. Mississippi River Bridge Crossing Corridor ' The City of Ramsey cannot solve traffic problems related to a bridge crossing by itself. A consolidated effort between many entities is needed to determine the most feasible, effective and environmentally sound solution to the river bridge issue. The following parties will have involvement: Ramsey, Dayton, Elk River, Champlin, Anoka, Anoka County, Hennepin County, MnDOT, DNR, Metropolitan Council, Army Corp of Engineers, National Park Service, local citizens and environmental activist groups. The City of Ramsey should work with these agencies to secure funding for a study. The purpose of this study would be to determine if a bridge is needed, an exact location for a future bridge, the alignment for the connecting trunk highway and financing sources for design and construction. The task of "organizing the effort" is all the more important in this case because of the number of agencies involved and the political atmosphere. The Major River Crossings Study completed by the Metropolitan Council in 1989 suggests this "study" approach to occur near the year 2000. This would suggest this project to begin within the next year or so. 2. Highway 10 A corridor study along Highway 10 would facilitate a discussion at the State level for setting aside funding for the improvement of the Highway corridor to a freeway design. This type of project would include: land use planning, roadway and right-of- way design, fiscal/economic impact analysis, environmental review, etc... This plan should be done with consideration given to the Mississippi River Bridge Crossing potential. This study should also be a joint effort with the Elk River, Anoka City and County and MnDOT. A study is budget by MnDOT to occur between 2001-2005. Housing Programs The greatest need for housing in the City of Ramsey is to diversify its housing stock. This means creating more opportunity for multi-family housing especially senior housing. It also includes providing opportunity for renter occupied housing as there is only one apartment building with rental units in Ramsey. Other needs include maintenance of the existing housing supply as many of the homes in the community are reaching the 20 year old mark where usual maintenance is becoming needed. Additional housing programs, strategies and resources are identified in the Ci_ty of Ramsey's Housing Action Plan. The City should pursue the following: 1. Revise the zoning code to allow a variety of housing types and styles both owner and renter occupied. Ramsey Comprehensive Plan Page XVI-4