Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/11/2012

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Representative Scott stated former Governor Pawlenty tried to double sentences for these offenders, but was not successful. Highway 47 and Highway 10 Congestion and Funding On the topic of transportation, Councilmember Backous noted all agree that Highway 10 needs to be approved but getting to Highway 10 is also an issue. He explained that Highway 47 is becoming more of the problem every year due to congestion, the curve through Anoka, and high school drivers. Councilmember Backous stated he would like Highway 47 to be included on a list of topics to explore solutions, widening, and extra turn lanes. Representative Abeler indicated that Highway 47 is a State route that is on nobody's list. He felt the only hope was when County Road 22 becomes a State highway. Then the State can abandon Highway 47 from County Road 22 south and it can become a County road. Representative Abeler reviewed other locations of congestion that need additional lane width and turn lanes. He felt it would help if Highway 47 was a County road because it could make improvements that would help, but it will be a hard problem to solve. Representative Abeler pointed out that Highway 10 is a big deal and it is not on the project list and since Highway 47 impacts fewer people, it is on no list. He felt the more people who bring up the condition of Highway 47, the better. Councilmember Backous stated that is why he wants Highway 47 on a list. Representative Abeler stated Highway 47 needs to be on a Transportation Bill, noting an additional gas tax is not an option because no one has a nickel to pay more for gas. He agreed to put Highway 10 in a bill; however, the study by Mn/DOT will slow down the progress. Mayor Ramsey stated the City already had a study done and held open meetings showing alignments and bridges. Representative Abeler stated this is a good pressure point of which to remind them. Councilmember Tossey asked how Chaska, a city of 4,000 residents, received funding to construct four -lane Highway 212, yet Anoka County is fast growing and cannot get funding for Highway 10. Representative Abeler explained that Governor Pawlenty's Transportation Commissioner and Lt. Governor lived in that area. He noted that at worst peak traffic, Highway 212 carries the same level of traffic as Highway 10 past Elk River, next to nothing. Representative Abeler stated it will help if Ramsey can make a big story about the accidents and tragedies occurring on Highway 10. Councilmember Tossey asked what will happen with Highway 22 north of Highway 47. City Council Work Session / December 11, 2012 Page 9 of 12