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Councilmember Woestehoff stated he is a little stuck on this one, as it is difficult to pull back on <br />the grant request, but he understands that it is an important coalition. He asked whether there is a <br />way to get the grant by offsetting the City’s contribution under an agreement to transfer funds to <br />the third lane project or another Anoka County project, due to the unexpected win of the grant. He <br />rd <br />noted it has been recognized that having the 3 lane in Coon Rapids has an impact on the Ramsey <br />project. He added he realizes the City Council should focus on the COR and funding projects in <br />Ramsey. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked whether the third lane is on the MnDOT list. Mr. Tinklenberg <br />stated it is not. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked whether the $15 million from CRRSAA could potentially go to <br />the third lane project if the City of Ramsey withdraws its funding application. She added she <br />supports pulling the funding to support the third lane and the bridge crossing, as she is a member <br />of the Mississippi Bridge coalition. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman stated he likes the idea of being creative, but it does not resolve the <br />issue of competing with neighboring cities. He added if the City wins the grant and hands it over <br />to Coon Rapids, and if that damages the chances of winning the funding, then neither City will <br />benefit. He noted he would support pulling the funding. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked what the ramifications are of pulling funding since it has already <br />passed the Senate. He asked whether it will make it harder to ask for future funding. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated he is not sure where the list is right now. He added they have been assured <br />that it was reviewed positively. He noted the funding still needs to go to the House, so that might <br />make a difference, as he is not sure how the vote will go. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated he is unsure whether future funding will be an issue. He added many <br />people have supported this funding, and have had to make important decisions, including not <br />supporting other projects. He noted it will be an embarrassment to them to have the project funding <br />go this far, and then have the City say they don’t really need it. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley asked whether CRRSAA funds can be used for a third lane in Coon Rapids. <br /> <br />Mr. McPherson stated that is a possibility, but it would be MnDOT’s decision, based on their list <br />of priorities. He added there is no guarantee the funds would go to the third lane project. He <br />noted, for instance, $60 million in federal funding was recently secured for Highway 494, so they <br />are looking for additional funding for that project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell stated, to the point about potential embarrassment, it could be difficult for <br />them after they have advocated for this project. She added if the City of Ramsey does not need <br />the funding and still takes it, and funding is needed for another project, that does not seem right <br />just to spare someone’s feelings. She noted she does not think that is a good reason to go forward <br />with pursuing the funding. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / August 10, 2021 <br />Page 5 of 13 <br /> <br />