4.3. SR 07-21-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Senator Betsy Wergin noted that she had spoke to Senator Erhardt on the Senate floor when they were trying to come up with $10 million for the Northstar Project. Senator Wergin also noted that it is very key to hear that the Legislature will be making their decisions based on data. Senator Abeler noted that the NCDA needs to place more pressure on the House and also be prepared to offer cover 50% of the operating costs of the Project. He noted that this issue may be more important than finalization of BNSF negotiations. He further noted that NCDA needs to better educate the Legislature, because some freshman think this project is the same as light rail transit. Senator Abel~r suggested that every member receives a visit by NCDA representatives to learn the facts. o o Senator Osterman stated that the NCDA should not read too much into Governor Pawlenty's comments -Next year will be a bonding year. Representative Tingelstad noted that she is encouraged by Governor Pawlenty's comments. Senator Dan Severson noted that this Project is key to the economic development in the area and we need to make sure that we have the facts correct. Incorrect facts would only be detrimental to the Project. Bjorn Skogquist noted that this year the main issue to be addressed at the Legislature was the budget issue, what will the election cycle do to this Project? Representative Tingelstad noted that it will definitely help the Project. Ewald Petersen asked if its possible for the NCDA to request that the FTA put out another rating of the Northstar Project as suggested by Governor Pawlenty? Steve Billings noted that it should be appropriate for staff to contact the FTA and query as to what their thoughts are or perhaps staff should contact Congressman Oberstar's office. Pat Cairns noted that the Governor is putting out a hint on the FTA rating issue and that the NCDA should try to address this issue as soon and as thoroughly as possible. Northstfir: Where do we go from here?: Chair Grandy reviewed a draft resolution the Executive Committee has brought forward to the NCDA for approval if the NCDA were to decide to go forward with the development and implementation of the Northstar Corridor Project. Resolution 2003-01 states that the NCDA stands firm in its commitment to the development of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project and will continue to aggressively pursue its implementation of the Project. Bjorn Skogquist made a motion that the NCDA pass Resolution 2003-01. The motion was seconded by Paul Ostrow and passed unanimously on a voice vote. Executive Committee Report: Grant Agreement with Mn/DOT: Tim Yantos noted that Mn/DOT will be submitting to the FTA a grant application for the 2000 - 2001 Congressional Appropriations for the Twin Cities Transitways. Mr. Yantos noted that the NCDA's portion of the funding will be $4,077,650 and that in order to have access to these funds, the NCDA must enter into a Grant Agreement with Mn/DOT. Tom Gamec made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize and execute a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for $4,077,650. These funds would be used to update the ridership, continue BNSF negotiations, begin value engineering, continue public involvement, continue TOD development, expand station studies, develop procurement for final design process, outline specifications for rolling stock, continue general administration functions of the Project and the