4.2. SR 05-19-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR SCOPE OF WORK FFY2000 Grant and Local Match 1. Update Ridership $I87~500 The current ridership forecast is based upon the 1990 census data because it was the only data available at the time. Also, the forecast process is somewhat unique since it includes elements from two separate metro areas i.e., Twin Cities and St. Cloud with addition of some assumptions about home based work trips from the non-modeled area between the Twin Cities Metro area and St. Cloud. The ridership, or demand forecast, is one of the critical data elements used to calculate service requirements and cost effectiveness of the project. The FTA has raised some questions regarding calculations for incremental ridership. Since the 2000 census data is now available and FTA has raised the issue, it is prudent to review the forecast process and recalculate the ridership demand based upon cun'ent census data. Since the FTA will require an update during final design it would be useful to have the process reviewed and information developed as soon as possible 2. BNSF Negotiations and Related Research $375~000 In order to construct and operate the Northstar Commuter Rail Project on the freight railroad owned by BNSF, it will be necessary to negotiate long-term agreements with the BNSF relating to capacity improvements, railroad usage rights, construction, risk and liability allocation and operations. Additional research is necessary regarding capacity modeling, risk management, tax and other legal issues. In addition, agreements must be drafted and negotiated with the BNSF. 3. Value Engineering $187~500 VE is a process of systematically applying standardized techniques to review design, products, or services and to identify improvements and means to achieve them. VE must achieve the desired program functions at the lowest possible life cycles cost. The VE exercise follows Preliminary Engineering and will involve certified value engineers and technical representatives from oversight agencies, BNSF, and appropriate members of the PE consultant team. The VE effort will review trackway and systems designs, rolling stock, commuter rail operations and interface with freight rail, and station facilities. The products of the VE session will be recommendations to reduce costs and to improve the effectiveness of the proposed commuter rail system. VE is required by FTA. 4. Public Involvement $250~000 Public involvement has been a key element of the success of the proposed commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor Ongoing activities to keep the public informed and involved in decision making during next phase of work will include additional newsletters, public meetings, project updates, travel to operating systems, small group meetings with affected property owners, operating and maintaining the website, and other tools as necessary. In addition, funds may be