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optimistic for reauthorization prior to 2011 — maybe after Congress convenes they would take it <br />up then. The President has proposed a $50 billion infrastructure bill to make improvements in <br />roadways and rails and runways. Mr. Tinklenberg felt there might be some opportunity with this <br />proposal. He stated that the problem is whether or not Congress will take it up prior to the end of <br />the year. He stated he would know better at the end of next week if there were any <br />reauthorization moving forward in 2010. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked where we sit on the overpass project. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated there are a couple of programs developing out of that. States are <br />developing criteria for projects to allocate monies. Minnesota is moving forward with the <br />program that allocates interchange dollars based on development potential. He noted it is Matt <br />Shams in charge of the interchange investment funds at MnDOT. He added that the earlier <br />stimulus is gone — the $50 billion is new. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked what we did wrong. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg replied that there was a lot of pressure originally to get stimulus money out first <br />— unfortunately, a lot went for overlay projects - projects you could do quickly. The major <br />projects would take longer than what was allowed on the program. <br />Mayor Ramsey asked what the odds might be to get that $50 billion through. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg speculated maybe 35 to 40 %. He added infrastructure is a place where you can <br />make jobs. <br />2) Consulting Services Proposal — The Tinklenberg Group <br />Elwyn Tinklenberg, The Tinklenberg Group presented a work plan for Council to consider, <br />stating it shows areas where we feel we can be helpful. He noted The Tinklenberg Group is <br />under contract to support Ramsey's work on the reauthorization but pointed out there are other <br />things he thinks Council should be aware of. He talked about going after State bonding early in <br />the process. He stated he would like to say that Ramsey has already had some success in this — <br />and that has to do with negotiations with BNSF. He credited the City for moving these things <br />along. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated Mr. Tinklenberg has talked about trying to get ahead and be a <br />player on the palette but he wondered how we become more ready. You should be able to <br />allocate money to the design of the project and reiterated how do we be more ready — how can <br />we move up that ladder <br />Mr. Tinklenberg responded in terms of the rail station, it is there. He stated he is absolutely <br />convinced it's ready to be funded. You will see that happen in 2011. In terms of the Ramsey <br />interchange — keeping that in front of MnDOT — pressuring MnDOT is important. He talked a <br />bit more about the President's new program and added that making the case about the economic <br />development and working with the private sector partners is very important. <br />City Council Work Session / September 7, 2010 <br />Page 2 of 9 <br />