Resolution - #11-02-043A - 02/22/2011

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Mayor Ramsey introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION #11- 02 -043A 2011 BONDING REQUEST FOR RAMSEY RAIL STATION WHEREAS, the Northstar Commuter Rail Project is a 40 -mile commuter rail line serving communities along the Northstar Corridor from Big Lake to Minneapolis; and WHEREAS, stations were constructed in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Fridley, and Minneapolis as part of the initial phase of the line; and WHEREAS, a station serving the City of Ramsey is proposed to be constructed using a combination of federal, state, regional, and local funding; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council, Northstar Corridor Development Authority and Anoka County have recognized Ramsey as an infill station location, and the Northstar Advanced Corridor Plan and environmental documentation also included the Ramsey Rail Station; and WHEREAS, Ramsey has made significant investments in excess of $30 million dollars in the Ramsey downtown area (known as The COR) to accommodate bus and rail service, including the construction of a four -story 590 -stall municipal parking ramp, construction of infrastructure and the relocation of the city offices within the development; and WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey was successful in securing $2.6 million in federal and state grant funding to help pay for construction of the ramp, with the balance paid by The COR area assessments. An added $3.5 million in federal grant funding was also acquired for a planned, future expansion of the parking ramp which will add another 200 spaces to the existing 590 stalls in 2011; and WHEREAS, rail service is important to commercial development in The COR and is expected to generate $3.5 million annually in local tax revenue, and add 3,900 jobs at full build - out. Also, over the next six years more than 600 new residential units will be constructed with rail service being a significant attraction; and WHEREAS, the station will stimulate Ramsey's local economy and impact the entire region by maximizing the return on the $317 million investment already made in the North Star project and will add approximately 30 full -time jobs during construction; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council estimates ridership will increase by approximately 10% upon inclusion of the Ramsey station as part of the Northstar line; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey Rail Station would clearly provide valuable transit service to the citizens and businesses of Anoka County; and WHEREAS, the following funding is anticipated for the Ramsey Rail Station: