5.3. SR 11-19-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minneapolis to a northern terminus at Rice, Minnesota and that the length of the rail line by approximately 82 miles. Paul McCarron is providing to the NCDA, Resolution 2001-08, for consideration. This resolution states that the NCDA goes on record as strongly supporting continued efforts to fund and develop the Northstar Corridor from Minneapolis to Rice in the first phase of development and that the NCDA submits this resolution to Minnesota's congressional delegation, recognizing that Congress will make the final decision regarding the funding and length of the Corridor. Paul McCarron noted that there are more important things then just the bottom line, such as environment conditions (physical and social). He further noted that two major cities need to be joined so that students and aging veterans can move between the major universities and hospitals. He noted that the NCDA members need to make sure that the cities get the service they are deserving of and that friends in the Minnesota Legislature and Washington D.C. know that Greater Minnesota is being treated fairly. Paul McCarron further noted that the NCDA members need to continue their vigilance in getting the funding for the Project. Paul McCarron made a motion that the NCDA approve Resolution 2001-08 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Patrick Cairns. Chair Wergin noted that she believes there should be a fourth whereas added to the Resolution. This whereas should read: the original corridor links the economic, employment and educational centers of the metro area and central Minnesota including the state's two largest VA hospitals and two major state university systems. Tom Gamec and Duane Grandy thanked the Commissioner and others for their support on this issue. Peter McLaughlin introduced himself as a Hennepin County Commissioner and Chair of the Metropolitan LRT Joint Powers Board. Commissioner McLaughlin noted that the LRTJPB had been partners with the NCDA in their effort to develop the Northstar Project. He further noted that he had testified in Washington on the Twin Cities Transitways Project which the Northstar Project is a part of and that he continues to lobby in Washington and at the Minnesota Legislature to get funding. Commissioner McLaughlin noted that the LRTJPB had at its October meeting passed a resolution requesting that the Northstar Corridor receive funding for the project all the way to St. Cloud/Rice. He also noted that the NCDA's funding problem is less in Washington D.C. than in Minnesota and that the NCDA needs to keep its Greater Minnesota support with Paul McCarron as its chief. Patrick Wuzzo noted that by no means did the town of Big Lake ever plan to be an end. He further noted that the City does not have the space necessary for a larger parking lot, etc. John Ellenbecker asked what assurance the NCDA has that the Governor will include funding to the City of Rice in his transportatior, package. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that there are no quarantees, but it will be in Mn/DOTs request for funding to the Legislature. Commissioner Tinklenberg also noted that the Governor is supportive of funding for the whole Corridor. John Ellenbecker noted that it makes him nervous that the request for funding is only for the Project to Big Lake. Chair Wergin noted that the Project is operating on a three legged stool: Congress, FTA and Minnesota Legislature