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<br />.. <br /> <br />f')t ec. C ~.,,", +--- <br /> <br />f'--J c ~ ~~ <br /> <br />\ ~ vv-- -rl: ") <br />\ ~ _" 1d=:z. ~ <br /> <br />iAN@Rm/$ifAJR <br />CORIlIIIlfil)@f!?J <br /> <br />To: <br /> <br />Executive Committee <br />NCDA <br /> <br />From: <br /> <br />Staff <br /> <br />Subject: <br /> <br />Phase II of the MIS/Environmental Clearance <br /> <br />At its last meeting, the NCDA adopted Resolution #99 - 01 finding that commuter rail is <br />a technically feasible component of the transportation solution in the Northstar Corridor and <br />directing staff to develop a work program for Phase II of the MIS, environmental clearance and <br />negotiations with BNSF. The Project management Team has worked with BRW and consulted <br />with technical staff to commuter rail systems in California and Seattle to develop a draft work <br />program and schedule. Attachment A to this memorandum is a chart that gives an overview of <br />the tasks that must be completed and a proposed schedule. Attachment B outlines the key <br />technical tasks to be undertaken in the next phase of work by the engineering consulting group. <br />Staff recommend that the NCDA continue working with BRW as the lead engineering consultant <br />for the Northstar Corridor. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />In addition to the engineering assistance, the NCDA will need professional services in the <br />areas of public involvement and railroad legal issues. The Federal Transit Administration <br />requires, as a part of its funding requirements, that funding recipients conduct an active public <br />involvement program. Staff recommend issuing a Request for Proposals to select a firm best <br />suited to develop and undertake the public involvement program. At the next meeting, staff will <br />provide an update on the procurement process. Note that the consultant selection and contract <br />will be brought to the NCDA for approval. Additionally, negotiations with BNSF will require <br />the assistance in the highly specialized area of railroad law. Staff will work to identify firms with <br />the appropriate expertise. The selection of the law firm and execution of the contract will be <br />brought back and the NCDA for approval. <br /> <br />Finally, $4,000,000 in federal funding has been made available to the NCDA, for <br />purposes of completing the MIS, environmental clearance and negotiation with BNSF. Matching <br />funds in the amount of $1,000,000 of state bond funds will be made available shortly. It will be <br />necessary to enter into a funding agreement with MnlDOT to provide for the transfer of funds to <br />the NCDA. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Actions Requested: That the NCDA; <br />1) Authorize the staff to negotiate an agreement with BR W to perform the <br />scope of work outlined in Attachment B, for an amount not to exceed <br /> <br />N orthstar Corridor Developme1lt Authority <br />2100 3'd Avenue. Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682 <br />