4.2. SR 05-19-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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used to promote the Northstar Conm~uter Bus, which is operating as a precursor to the rail, in order to build ridership over the next several years. 5. Transit Oriented Development $93~750 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is the development that occurs around (typically ¼ to ½ mile) transit stations. Ideally, it is compact mixed use development that supports the individual city development plan but also contributes to increased ridership for the transit system. TOD activities to date have included developing information and assisting corridor cities in amending comprehensive plans, developing zoning ordinances and otherwise supporting city efforts to develop and maximize the transportation investment in the best interest of the city and the transit project. FTA considers land use, and pm'ticularly TOD, one of the foremost criteria in evaluating transit projects. The Northstar TOD efforts to date have been very favorably received by FTA. Such efforts have also resulted in concrete development scenarios for-stations at Coon Rapids- Riverdale, Anoka, and Elk River. The budgeted task would continue the TOD education and coordination effort. 6. Station Studies $100~000 The Northstar Project occupies 82 miles of the BNSF railway between Rice and Minneapolis with eleven stations. The station locations and physical design elements have been developed, reviewed, and approved by; each city, the NCDA Board, and Mn/DOT, all as required by Minnesota law. The Ramsey station has been included in the draft environmental analysis. While the station is not included in the final project definition, the City of Ramsey has done extensive study and planning for a new town center and transit station. The City has concluded that a slightly revised station location meets their needs and has therefore requested that NCDA reconsider addition of a commuter rail station in Ramsey. NCDA has previously eliminated the Ramsey Station in favor of stations at both Anoka and Coon Rapids-Riverdale. The Board has, however, agreed to re-evaluate the feasibility of a Ramsey station in the revised location on the basis of the new information and a request from the City. The budgeted funds would enable a review of all prior information together with the new information developed by the City. Representatives of the City of Sauk Rapids have requested addition of a station directly serving the Sauk Rapids community. Very little analysis of station sites has been completed to date. The proposed funding would provide a feasibility analysis including review of potential sites, site evaluation, site selection, and project impacts. 7. Administration/Project Management $1707000 Administrative support will be required for consultant selection, contract administration, and other administrative functions. 2