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<br /> <br />Elwyn Tinklenberg, The Tinklenberg Group, stated that there were some exciting times at the end <br />of the special legislature session and reported that the Ramsey Gateway project was awarded <br />$31,000,000 by MnDOT. He stated that Ramsey has also been included as one of the projects on <br />Senator Klobuchar’s list for projects to be federally funded. He noted that with those actions and <br />the funds Ramsey has accumulated thus far, things are looking very good for the project. He noted <br />that they will continue to attempt to reduce the need for local match as much as possible. He stated <br />that the MnDOT letter stated that they would anticipate some minor construction to begin in 2023 <br />with major construction beginning in 2024. He explained that the funding through MnDOT was <br />made available because of COVID relief funds, but the project was included because of the work <br />Ramsey has done to make that project ready. He stated that the City has led the effort and has <br />done the major share of moving this forward and this should be celebrated. He thanked the Council <br />for allowing him to be a part of this process. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht thanked Mr. Tinklenberg for the work he has done throughout this process <br />and expressed appreciation. He asked if there was anything that had been cut out of the project <br />that could be put back in with additional funding. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg noted that additional work would be done during the final design process and the <br />City should continue to attempt to fund the project aggressively to anticipate any changes or things <br />that arise, such as increased material costs. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley also thanked Mr. Tinklenberg. He stated that it sounds like the project has <br />been fully funded but that is based on contingencies and asked for additional clarification. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg commented that there is still a grant application out there for $10,000,000 and <br />Ramsey should continue to be visible to ensure that funding is secured. He stated that in terms of <br />the federal funding opportunity there should be continued communication with the Senators to <br />move that process along. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove thanked Mr. Tinklenberg. She referenced the proposed extension, <br />noting that credit was given to the Biden administration for any work it may do but there is not <br />credit for the Trump administration and Congressman Emmer for the funding that was received <br />during that time. She asked if there would be any more dollars from the State for this project. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg commented that he believed that the project is basically done receiving funds <br />through the State legislature and they will focus on the Metropolitan Council and that grant <br />application. He acknowledged that Congressman Emmer did provide critical assistance and has <br />been a great alliance for this project. He stated that his reference to the Biden administration was <br />simply because that is the administration currently in power. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove referenced the last comment on the extension proposal and asked if <br />that is related to Highway 10 funding specifically or more in general. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that Highway 10 is not the end of the City’s transportation needs. <br />He stated that a study was sponsored by Representative Heinrich to complete the bridge to Dayton, <br />City Council / July 13, 2021 <br />Page 4 of 11 <br /> <br />