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<br />.J.. <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />Topic Report: Northstar Commuter Rail <br />By: Heidi A. Nelson, Interim City Administrator & <br />Brian Olson, Public Works Director <br /> <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />In recent weeks following the I-35W Bridge Collapse, there has been significant <br />discussion amongst political and community leaders regarding increasing transportation <br />options in the metro area to alleviate the loss of the I-35W connection in downtown <br />Minneapolis. One of the options would be to pursue an earlier than scheduled start for <br />the Northstar Commuter Rail Service. Given the investment that has been made in <br />Ramsey in support of transit, staff is recommending that we begin to pursue a station at <br />this time to assist in an effort to provide immediate transit improvements in the Highway <br />10 Corridor. <br /> <br />Staff has met with The Tinklenberg Group and requested a proposal for work to be <br />performed in support of lobbying and planning for a Ramsey Station on the Northstar <br />Commuter Rail. The proposal from The Tinklenberg Group is attached for Council <br />consideration. Elwyn Tinklenberg will be present for the worksession discussion <br />regarding Northstar. <br /> <br />Additionally, staff would like to pursue opportunities to either reduce or write-down the <br />fare for the Ramsey Star Express. Staffhas become aware of funding that may be <br />available via federal aid that has been provided to the state to assist with transportation <br />options/improvements following the collapse. <br /> <br />Action Statement: <br /> <br />Based upon discussion. Council action regarding funding for the Tinklenberg Group <br />proposal and direction regarding pursuing options to reducing or writing-down the <br />Ramsey'<'"tar Express fare is on agenda for consideration during the regular meeting. <br /> <br />CCWS: <br /> <br />08/2712007 <br />