Laserfiche WebLink
Memorandum of Understanding <br /> Between <br />The State of Minnesota and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br /> <br />Whereas Mirmesota Statutes, Section 174.82 provides that the Commissioner of the <br />Minnesota Department of Transportation (hereinafter "Mtn'DOT") is responsible for all <br />aspects of commuter rail in Minnesota. including ~egotiating with raih'oads; <br /> <br />Whereas Minnesota Statutes. Section 174.82 authorizes the Commissioner to enter into a <br />memorandum of understanding with a joint powers~ bom'd to carry out Mn/DOT's <br />responsibility for commuter rail; <br /> <br />Whereas Mn/DOT wishes to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the <br />Northstar Corridor Development Authority (hereinafter "NCDA") to conduct <br />negotiations on behalf of Mn/DOT with the Burli~gton Northern Santa Fe Railroad <br />(hereinafter "BNSF"); and <br /> <br />Whereas it is in the best interests of the State of Minnesota that negotiations with the <br />BNSF are begun as soon as possible; <br /> <br />Therefore pursuant to this memorandum of understanding, NCDA will: <br /> 1. conduct negotiations with the BNSF on behalf of the State of Minnesota to <br /> narrow the issues relating to capacity improvements, costs and other issues <br /> related to the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rails's use of the BNSF rail line; <br /> 2. secure the services of an individual or firm with expertise in negotiations; <br /> 3. submit weekly progress reports to Mn/DOT on the negotiations with BNSF; <br /> and <br /> 4. seek approval fi'om Mn/DOT of any agreements with the BNSF relating to <br /> commuter rail. <br />Pursuant to this memorandum of understanding, Mn/DOT: <br /> 1. will be available to participate in negotiations with the BNSF; <br /> 2. retains the right to approve all agreements for commuter rail with the BNSF; <br /> and <br />3. will notify the BNSF that the NCDA has been authorized to conduct <br /> negotiations with the BNSF on behalf of the State of Minnesota for the <br /> Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail. <br /> This memorandum of understanding is not a binding contract between Mn/DOT and the <br /> NCDA. Either Mn/DOT or the NCDA may, upon written notice to the other party, amend <br /> or discontinue its role, as outlined in this memorandum of understanding. <br /> <br /> <br />