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Commissioner Look stated the Mississippi River Bridge is the next project, and it will take more <br />support from MnDOT than they have probably ever given, but also more federal support. He <br />added it is important to have a successful bridge project without discouraging and alienating other <br />communities. He noted the bridge is necessary, and federal support is required to get it done. He <br />noted, if there are overruns, the project must be finished to use the money, and MnDOT will not <br />return it to the federal government. <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated, when we started the year, we had a $46 million gap. He added $31 <br />million was awarded in the State legislative session, as well as federal funding capped at 80% for <br />eligible items. He noted BNSF has shown up at the table because of federal funding, and their <br />participation could be $3-4 million. He noted the project is fully funded but there are additional <br />sources that can be sought if necessary. <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated the final design is not complete, but right of way impacts are being <br />reduced. He added originally it was thought that 160 parcels would need to be bought, but that <br />was reduced to 20-30 parcels, and now the number is less than 15 total takes. He noted the $37 <br />million right of way funding could be reduced, which will affect the total budget. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley asked whether any of these funds could be eligible for use on the third lane in <br />Coon Rapids, if the Ramsey Gateway is fully funded. <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated he does not believe the funds can be transferred as bond funds and <br />federal funds are allocated to a specific project. He added the only funds that could be eligible for <br />transfer are local participation. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated the $50 million that Mr. McPherson talked about is flexible funding which <br />could be used someplace else. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley stated the City has heard that the Ramsey project is on the Senate list. He <br />asked whether there are other funding requests on the list or is there a good chance of getting that <br />funding. <br /> <br />Mr. McPherson stated the third lane request was supported at the congressional level, but he is <br />unsure where that project is in the process right now. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated the City had talked about adding upgrades to the project that were <br />left out and the City wanted to add. <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated the grade on Sunfish was discussed, which was $20 million. He added <br />he was able to convince the other Commissioners that grade separations are necessary. He noted <br />project design is still ongoing and it is turning into a great project. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg reiterated that $15 million from MnDOT is very flexible. He added they have <br />different scheduling in mind for the third lane in Coon Rapids, and they have been an impediment <br />to the discussions. but it is possible that money could be redesignated to the third lane. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / August 10, 2021 <br />Page 4 of 13 <br /> <br />