5.3. SR 11-19-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and that if we lose one of the legs, the project would be halted. Chair Wergin stated her belief that we need to go forward with the project as a whole. Ewald Peterson asked how the relation to the IRC and Hwy 10 studies that gives the NCDA tools to go to Congress and the Minnesota Legislature for addition funding for the Northstar Project. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that they have people help bring all the pieces together into the process so things are considered together and that the IRC and Hwy 10 witl be a central area. Commissioner Tinklenberg also noted that Hwy 10 is an alternate defense route. Lewis Stark asked how if Commissioner Tinklenberg sees the northern end of the project getting split from the southern end and being delayed. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that Mn/DOT is going to do the project as one package. Commissioner McCarron accepted the amendment to the Resolution 2001-08 with the addition of the fourth whereas and the Resolution passed unanimously on a voice vote. Duane Cekalla noted that in May, the NCDA had talked about maintaining an open line of communication with Mn/DOT. He cautioned that Mn/DOT's staff needs to keep the lines of communication flowing with the NCDA. Mr. Cekalla further noted that the further north you go along the Corridor, the more people know about commuter rail. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that he respects the advice of the NCDA members and that the reaction of the NCDA to Mn/DOT's submittal to the FTA represents a serious challenge to public credibility and that public support is critical. Commissioner Tinklenberg asked that if there is a question, please contact him. He further noted that he as committed to this project as the members are. John Norgren noted that the commuter bus is receiving great participation, and shows how important commuter rail is to the Corridor. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the commuter bus project shows Mn/DOT's commitment to this project. Ewald Petersen asked if the project will be pushed back again in the Legislature. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that the priority in the next legislative session will be transportation. John Ellenbecker noted that he did not expect that the NCDA would have a voice in all decisions, but would hope that the NCDA would have some input in all decisions, and not simply being told after decisions have been finalized. Patrick Cairns asked how the Minnesota workers strike had an impact on Mn/DOT not being able to inform the NCDA prior to the submittal to the FTA. Commissioner Tinklenberg noted that Mn/DOT had to have the submittal done before Mn/DOT staff went on strike and were pressed for time. He also noted that he had had a conversation with Congressman Oberstar and Dan Erhart and that they were putting final pieces together before the meeting Paul McCarron noted that the NCDA needs to talk about what it is going to do now. Bob Johnson noted his concern that a communications plan needs to be developed and outlining the resolve of this group. He further noted that his plan needs to be perfectly clear and that communication with others on funding needs for the Northstar project be continued.