8.0.EDSR 07-09-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Introduction • Introduction The Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study The purpose of the Northstar Corridor Major metropolitan planning organizations (the Investment Study and Environmental Impact Metropolitan Council in the Twin Cities Statement is to evaluate the future transporta- and the St. Cloud Area Planning tion needs of the corridor. Organization) have consequently focused on preserving and managing existing facili- Over the past fifteen years, the communities ties,with limited added capacity projects. in the Northstar Corridor have experienced substantial population and economic growth. The Major Investment Study addressed a Along with this growth has come limited wide range of possible transportation solu- highway expansion,increased automobile tions to these problems including improve- ownership, and more auto trips. Increased ments to roadways and bridges, commuter • congestion and the rail service,feeder bus reduced ability to easily improvements, system travel to key destinations management tech- gn _ it niques and no changes will be a significant deter- rent to the continued I �l 40.* 11.. f, beyond those already growth of the area. - �� . < �' programmed. •Growth in peak period F� To evaluate these alter- : s i ,i vehicle miles traveled over ~: natives, several studies the last decade,particular- 4were prepared includ- ly in the Twin Cities area, ing forecasts of land has strained the ability of development under the existing facilities to accommodate the commuter rail option, rail station designs, a demand. Both metropolitan areas - the Twin financial plan and an implementation plan. Cities and St. Cloud — recognize the need An environmental impact statement was pre to provide efficient transportation facilities to pared for the commuter rail/feeder bus accommodate the expected growth in a sus- option. tainable manner,while preserving the mobili- ty which makes such growth possible. These Station Neighborhood Development However,both metropolitan areas are increas- Principles and Guidelines are another of the • ingly constrained in their financial ability to special studies conducted, to support the provide new transportation facilities for peo- Major Investment Study. ple and goods. Mn/DOT and the two Station Neighborhood Development Guidelines 1 Northstar Corridor Development Authority