Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/28/2012

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"U.S. Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Representative Rick Berg announced the USDOT awarded a $10 million TIGER grant to help fund upgrades to a rail line near Devils Lake..." Progressive Railroad, December 14, 2011 The new funding process involves identifying as many applicable funding programs as possible, completing the applications persuasively, building informed and committed political support among local members of congress and rallying business community support around the potential of the project to generate increased economic development. The Tinklenberg Group is uniquely qualified to conduct and coordinate all of these key elements. The second advantage we bring to Ramsey is the extent of our familiarity and experience with transportation issues in the city. We will not only be able to "hit the ground running," having been involved from the beginning in the planning of improvements in the TH 10 corridor, we are also thoroughly recognized in both the business and political community because of the work we have already done on behalf of the city. We will not have to expend precious time either establishing our credibility as a representative of the city or gathering sufficient background information to speak intelligently about the project. It is especially important that we have built an effective working relationship with the local business community whose support for and reinforcement of the economic development benefits of the project will be critical. SPECIFIC WORK ELEMENTS • Research and identify federal grant opportunities designed to fund all or portions of the interchange project; review application requirements, timing and processes to develop a comprehensive list of grant opportunities and recommendations. • Coordinate application process as needed including drafting elements of the submittals. • Build and leverage support among state/local political leaders, businesses and congressional representatives to influence application(s) with the USDOT, or other potential funders. • Coordinate with other state and local funding partners. • Communicate with staff persons in Washington D.C. and in the district office to ensure accurate and timely information relative to the project, funding strategy and needs. • Arrange visits with congressional leaders and policy leaders/staff as directed, locally and in Washington D.C. • Provide regular communication in the form of email updates and other correspondence to ensure all project partners are apprised of progress, needs and outcomes throughout the process. • Coordinate as directed and as appropriate with other local businesses and stakeholders. 2