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June 6,2002 <br /> <br />OPTIONS FOR NCDA CONSIDERATION <br /> <br />Option #1: Quit <br />The first option is to terminate the NCDA and to stop work on the Northstar <br />Commuter Rail Project. <br /> <br />Advantaqes - <br />· No additional expenditure of time or money <br /> <br />Disadvantaqes - <br />· Commuter rail is unlikely to happen without local advocacy <br /> Congestion on Highway 10 will continue to grow with no transportation <br /> alternatives planned. <br />· Public demand will not be met. <br />· Federal funding will be lost <br /> <br />Option #2: Wait and See <br />The second option is to maintain the NCDA organization but reduce its level of <br />effort to minimal activities. The NCDA would serve as a forum for information <br />sharing, but no longer act as the primary advocate for Northstar Commuter Rail <br />Project. <br /> <br />Advantaqes - <br />· The NCDA is in place to monitor activities <br />· Expenditures would be minimal <br /> <br />Disadvantaqes - <br />· Commuter rail is unlikely to happen in Northstar Corridor <br />· Congestion will grow <br />· State and federal dollars likely to be used elsewhere <br />· Public support and project momentum will be lost. <br /> <br />Option #3: Continue 2001-2002 Efforts <br />A third option is to continue the NCDA's efforts to develop commuter rail in the <br />Northstar Corridor, as a grassroots initiative. Current activities include intensive <br />public information and support development activities, lobbying on the State and <br />Federal levels, promotion and technical assistance with transit oriented <br />development around stations, and advice and comment on Mn/DOT's project <br />development activities. In addition, it is recommended that the NCDA increase <br />efforts to build coalitions with other rail corridors and transit/transportation groups <br />seeking funding from the Minnesota Legislature. <br /> <br /> <br />