Agenda - Council - 12/13/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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recommends exploring costs for hiring a consultant to complete the BCA. Staff received a preliminary verbal quote of$10,000 to complete the BCA. Staff understands that future solicitations for FASTLANE grant funds are to be released in the coming months and years and therefore recommends submitting applications with each round of solicitations. Notification: Notifications are not required for this case. Observations/Alternatives: Observations: Staff obtained letters of support for the first FASTLANE grant application from local businesses including Connexus Energy,PSD,and Vision Ease. Congressional letters of support are being sought for this second application. If the City is not successful in securing the requested grant funding, this application can be repurposed to apply for other funds such as Cooperative Agreement funding, for which applications are anticipated to be due next spring with a maximum funding amount of up to$750,000. FASTLANE grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov web site no later than 7 PM CST (8 PM EST)on Thursday,December 15th,2016. A copy of the FASTLANE Il Notice of Funding Opportunity is attached for reference. Alternatives: Alternative#1 -Adopt Resolution 916-12-228 authorizing Staff to submit a funding application seeking $11,000,000 through the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies(FASTLANE)grant program to grade separate Ramsey Boulevard from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)railway crossing north of Highway 10. Alternative 42-Deny adoption of Resolution 416-12-228 at this time. Funding Source: The current estimated cost for constructing the proposed Ramsey Boulevard underpass north of Highway 10 is $22,000,000. If the City is successful in obtaining the requested grant funds of$11,000,000 an estimated local match of$11,000,000 will be required. Staff is currently working with Anoka County to verify the proposed funding sources and cost splits shown in the attached FASTLANE grant application from April of 2016 are still viable. City match funds could come from the Public Improvement Revolving Fund,but any local cost share requests would require future Council approval. Costs for completing and submitting the first application in April of 2016 included$1,700 for the assistance of Bolton and Menk,Inc. to develop detailed cost estimates and graphics. City staff handled the bulk of the application preparation and submittal duties. As previously noted,no consultants were required to refresh and resubmit this second FASTLANE grant application. Recommendation: City staff recommends adopting Resolution 916-12-228 authorizing Staff to submit a funding application seeking $11,000,000 through the FASTLANE grant program for the purpose of grade separating Ramsey Boulevard from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)railway crossing north of Highway 10 per the concept layout attached. Action: