Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/30/2013 - Joint with Anoka CC

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D.C. at the end of May to speak with representatives on obtaining federal funding. City Administrator Ulrich said the COR could be considered either as a series of smaller projects or one large project, adding they have preliminary numbers on many projects. He said they were successful on a joint resolution on the western terminus of this project and that they want to move Armstrong forward as a top priority, with Anoka's Fairoak/Thurston interchange next. City Administrator Ulrich said he has seen positive support from the Legislation with Congresswoman Bachman and Senator Franken recognizing Highway 10 as important corridor for the State. Councilmember Schmidt asked if there is any money in the bonding bill for preplanning of Highway 10. City Administrator Ulrich said there is money under the transportation bonding bill on the House side of $35 million so hopefully, $10 million will be dedicated to the Armstrong Boulevard interchange. He noted the project still needs to get through the process, adding it did not make the Governor's proposal. Councilmember Tossey said there is $10 million proposed in the House but that Senator Petersen said out of the transportation bill they will direct up to $17 million for the project so hopefully, the goal is if we can acquire some of that funding, we can do other financing options for the balance. He said he had been in touch with other County officials on CTIB funds so there are various other funding options in place. Councilmember Tossey said that after Armstrong Boulevard the next push should be Thurston Avenue and that Ramsey will support Anoka's efforts in that project. Councilmember Weaver thanked Councilmember Tossey for getting the coalition together because they can work better as a group. Mayor Strommen said Ramsey has designated Councilmembers LeTourneau and Tossey and her as a subcommittee on this effort. Councilmember Tossey stated that Sheriff Stewart supports this effort too which is helpful as it is a safety concern. Planning Director Braun shared the latest proposal from 2009 of Alternative B: Tight Diamond; stating if something results it will be better than nothing. She added that there will be a MnDOT access management study beginning soon which might help lower the cost too because the project will require approximately $300 million overall. City Manager Cruikshank said the Highway 10 topic came up many years ago and our cities joined forces then and continue in this effort, adding without the cities working with the County we wouldn't have anything. He said Anoka appreciates this partnership. Mayor Strommen said this region can and will be left behind if road improvements are not made. She referred to Senator Franken's recent business forum and the importance of this corridor for the businesses.