Agenda - Council - 04/12/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Our Mistioi}: To work together to reipoiibly grew our comma nityr, and to provide quality, cent-oliBcdwe, and efficient government services. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 04/12/2016 By: Kurt Ulrich, Administrative Services 4. 12. Information Title: Adopt Resolution # 16-04-075 Authorizing FASTLANE Grant Application Purpose/Background: In April2013, MnDOT initiated the Highway 10 Access Planning Study over a seven (7) mile corridor of U.S. Highway 10 between the Rum River in the City of Anoka and the westerly edge of the City of Ramsey. The intent of the study was to identify fiscally -responsible, high -benefit, incremental improvements that will ultimately work toward the conversion of U.S. Highway 10 to freeway status. The City has worked with MnDOT, Anoka County, the City of Anoka, and other Anoka County communities in order to move these improvements forward. Part of the strategy is to apply for federal grants. The grants that the City is applying for do not compete directly with any other project in Anoka County. Improving safety and mobility on the U.S. Highway 10 corridor is one of the City of Ramsey's highest priorities. The Ramsey Boulevard railroad underpass was identified in the Highway 10 Access Planning Study as a high -priority opportunity project, and the Ramsey Boulevard railroad underpass is identified by the State of Minnesota as a high -priority rail safety project. The Ramsey Boulevard railroad underpass project is a FASTLANE eligible project that conforms well to the established FASTLANE award criteria. In October 2014, the City of Ramsey adopted Resolution #14-10-204 in support of the Highway 10 Access Planning Study that identified the need for the Ramsey Boulevard railroad underpass and a full access, grade -separated, inverted single -point interchanges on Highway 10 at Ramsey Boulevard. In March 2016, the Ramsey City Council authorized Bolton & Menk, Inc. to evaluate the design and cost of the railroad underpass and the Highway 10 & Ramsey Boulevard intersection grade separation alternatives. This resolution authorizes staff to complete a FASTLANE grant application for the proposed Ramsey Boulevard railroad underpass and preferred Highway 10 grade -separated interchange improvements at Ramsey Boulevard. Observations/Alternatives: The Council may approve, deny, or modify this request. Not applying for grants limits the City's ability to leverage state, local, and regional dollars to complete this project. Funding Source: The City's contribution for this project is programmed to come primarily from Tax Increment District #14. Recommendation: