Minutes - Council - 03/29/2011 - Special

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reauthorization is not until the 2012 appropriations. Mr. Tinklenberg added that there is some chance this could be allowed in the reauthorization bill. He stated we appreciate Klobuchar for making that. He continued that as much as he loves working with the City of Ramsey on Federal issues, he cannot see that there's enough to move forward at this point. If the reauthorization were moving, he would want to see the City moving on that direction. He is not recommending any extension to the Federal piece of this contract. In regard to the State piece, we are making progress — we have significant support. Part of the funding for the Ramsey station was from the CTIB and he talked about limits of the CTIB money. He stated he is monitoring that very closely — he has to see how that is negotiated out. In terms of the bonding bill itself, it seems there will not be a bonding bill but behind the scenes they will say there will be a bonding bill. He is fairly confident there will be one. We want to make sure it stays in the bonding bill but he is confident it is well positioned. Councilmember Elvig wondered if we could have the FTA look at this again in a different light. Mr. Tinklenberg replied yes — that's what that letter was - but as stated before, so far not much for positive responses. Councilmember Elvig asked about the timing to which Mr. Tinklenberg responded the end of May. Mayor Ramsey asked who will push buttons for when we should have some kind of response on this letter. Mr. Tinklenberg replied we will stay in touch with these people. City Administrator Ulrich stated that in Washington, the more you push, the more likely you will get an answer you do not like. He estimated maybe 60 to 90 days. Councilmember Elvig stated that initially, with regard to the NorthStar, it was suggested that it went up the ladder of the FTA and questioned if we can climb that ladder. Mr. Tinklenberg stated they say you cannot get them to change their mind. It's hard for the FTA Administrator or attorneys to say. to the FTA — you are wrong and we want to do it this way .. . He added to not take too seriously MnDOT's claim that is has not money — they always say they have no money. They are looking at $400 million to build a bridge from Stillwater to Wisconsin — they will have to come up with a huge amount of money to do that. Things happen with Federal turnback money. It's•tough but that money will come along at some point and when it comes, you want to be there. Councilmember Elvig stated that a couple years ago we discussed building an overpass. He talked about the Hanson interchange and the money that was fronted. Mr. Ulrich stated that we will look at options. We would like to see if we can get Federal money first — we need to pursue that. Special City Council — March 29, 2011 Page 3 of 4