Laserfiche WebLink
also had contact with the Met Council and Anoka County Board Members who have expressed a <br />willingness to cost share the environmental review project. Another activity they are working on <br />is the official mapping environmental work (AUAR) tool used to preserve future right of way <br />and access special funding sources to acquire the right of way. The process requires a limited <br />level of environmental review for the mapping, but as projects come forward, more would be <br />involved. Currently they are working with the City, Anoka County and MnDOT to conduct the <br />technical part of the study. The Highway #10/Interchange project will cost approximately 1.5 <br />million dollars to complete the environmental documents for the Sunfish Lake Boulevard, <br />Ramsey Boulevard, and Armstrong Boulevard interchanges. The application has been submitted, <br />which they will discuss more with Mr. Kennedy. The Tinklenberg Group is also in the process <br />of researching other funding sources for the environmental work along the Highway #10 <br />corridor. One of those funding sources they will be applying for is CMAQ, which MnDOT and <br />Anoka County have agreed to partner with the City. Mr. Tinklenberg emphasized that all of this <br />is a long process and he didn't want to give anyone the impression that they will be "turning dirt" <br />next spring. Some important first steps have been taken and there are real opportunities to get <br />some funding to move the projects along but there are many steps that need to be taken over a <br />long period of time. The group will be submitting their report to the City regarding their <br />meetings with the business owners and presenting options for the City to consider regarding right <br />of way. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak inquired as to how the timeline issue related to the interchanges impacted <br />by the Town Center. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg replied that that is why the federal funding process is so important. He <br />explained that often they can help encourage a project by bringing forward sources of funding <br />other than state funds. The advantage here is that it is a critical corridor and a lot of the initial <br />studies have been completed along the corridor. <br /> <br />Councihnember Strommen inquired if members of The Tinklenberg Group have had any contact <br />with Congressman Oberstar's office because he does have an interest in the Highway #10 <br />corridor. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg replied yes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman requested an explanation of the official mapping process and <br />obligation that is placed on the City. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg explained that the official mapping process is very extensive and complicated. <br />Official mapping will essentially map the corridor and identify where the alignment of Highway <br />#10 will fit in that corridor, which is the first step toward securing right of way. Once the <br />property is officially mapped and there become willing sellers along the corridor, the City could <br />decide to purchase the property to protect the corridor, which the official mapping process would <br />allow the City to do so. In order to officially map the property, an environmental review will <br />need to be completed, which is what they are proposing should be done. Also if the property is <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/April 8, 2003 <br /> Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />