Agenda - Council - 09/09/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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:0117 Me7changa Updan BACKGROUND Staff met with representatives from MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) and the Anoka County Highway Department on Friday, August 22 to discuss the U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Project. The meeting took place in Roseville at the MnDOT Twin Cities Metro office. PURPOSE 1. General project update and timeline. 2. Allocation status of Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funds. 3. Ground breaking ceremony. GENERAL PROJECT UPDATE & TIMELINE • Right -of -Way Acquisition Anoka County sent out right-of-way (ROW) acquisition offer letters for remaining parcels required for this project. If agreements cannot be reached with property owners by October, the County will begin a condemnation process. The condemnation process, if needed, will be closed by January 2015. • Plans & Specifications/Bid-Letting/Construction Start Design specifications and plans are 85% complete today; and are anticipated for completion by late fall/early winter 2014. Bid letting is targeted for late fall 2014. Construction is anticipated to begin as soon as weather permits in 2015 (late winter to spring). LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE Background The U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Project was included in this year's State Bonding Bill; specifically, under the "Local Road Improvement Program" (LRIP) allocation. The Legislature earmarked only two specific projects within the LRIP allocation. For many Legislators and City/County/State Officials, an $8M allocation was anticipated. However, the Bonding Bill did not call out a specific allocation amount for this project. In July, the City was notified by MnDOT the LRIP allocation MAY NOT be available until spring 2015; and the specific allocation amount was still to be determined. Updates Is the LRIP allocation $8M? Via support of State Legislatures (including Senator Stumpf) and Anoka County, MnDOT has confirmed the intent of the State Bonding Bill was an $8M allocation for the U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Project. When Anoka County formally applies for use of the LRIP funds in the near future, $8M will be requested; and should have a high likelihood for approval. When will the LRIP allocation be made? Anoka County is required to formally apply for use of the LRIP. MnDOT had originally intended to review/award grants in the spring of 2015. However, MnDOT has agreed to expedite the application process for this specific project. If a completed LRIP application is submitted in a timely manner, MnDOT can provide a letter of commitment to Anoka County, for this project, as soon as October 2014. Anoka County has confirmed, the proposed expedited process by MnDOT will allow this project to move forward as originally anticipated (spring 2015 construction). GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY A fall groundbreaking ceremony was discussed with Anoka County and MnDOT Officials. Both groups indicated interest in a ceremony; and to conduct a ceremony in late October 2014. Anoka County is the project lead; however, the City will help with event coordination/facilitation. Details to come.