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"To become eligible for federal <br />capital investment funds, the <br />proposed project must emerge from <br />the metropolitan and[or Stalewide <br />planning process. In addition, a <br />corridor-level analysis of mode and <br />alignment oDlions must be <br />performe~. ' <br /> <br />Study, including ridership, capital and operations anci maintenance costs, <br />measures of cost-effectiveness, perceived opportunities, and implementation <br />barriers. Upon conclusion of the Twin Cities Commuter Rail Feasibility Study, <br />six corridors were identified as leasible commuter rail routes in the Twin Cities <br />Metropolitan Area. <br /> <br />Advanced Corridor Plans -In 1998, the Minnesota Legislature asked Mn/DOT <br />to develop a Commuter Rail System Plan that would articulate necessary <br />engineering standards, as well as provide guidance for advanced corridor <br />planning. Advanced corridor planning is defined by legislation to address the <br />following: <br /> <br />- Contain a physical design component that identifies the physical design of <br /> facilities; <br />- Specify track and signal improvements; <br />- Address handicapped access; <br /> <br />- Specify intermodal coordination and connections with bus and light rail <br /> transit operation and routes; <br /> <br />- Project ridership, capital costs, operating costs and revenues; <br />- Identify sources of funds for operating subsidies and funding for final <br /> design, construction and operation; <br /> <br />- Describe an implementation method; <br /> - Describe a plan for public involvement and public information; <br /> - Define anticipated agreements with the railroads; and, <br /> - Address land use impacts. <br /> <br /> - From advanced corridor plans, preliminary engineering plans are <br /> developed and from there, final design documents are prepared. <br /> <br />Federal Planninq Requirements <br /> <br />Mn/DOT will align the commuter rail planning and programming process to follow the <br />Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) New Starts Criteria (Title 49, United States Code, <br />Section 5309) for construction of new fixed guideway systems and extensions. The New <br />Starts Program, a capital investment program, will guide planning and programming of <br />commuter rail service in the areas of mobility improvements, environmental benefits, <br /> <br />Commuter Rail System Plan 2-6 <br /> <br /> <br />