7.4. SR 05-16-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Introduction The proposed Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) will provide commuter rail service along a 40-mile corridor from Downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minnesota parallel to Trunk Highways 47 and 10. It will use existing rail tracks owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and include 6 stations. The commuter line is expected to carry 5,600 passengers per day by the year 2025. The rail line will have inter-modal connections to bus transit and to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The Northstar connection to LR T consists of a four-block extension on the north end of the Hiawatha LR T to reach the Downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station. With the exception of the Downtown Minneapolis station, all of the stations will have park and ride facilities. Since the last written report to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), dated March 2005, the following occurred: . Governor Pawlenty signed the 2005 bonding bill that includes $37.5 million for the Northstar Corridor Rail Project . Project staffing changes . Advanced design continues . Value Engineering took place March 21-25,2005 . The Project has begun a series of submittals to FT A to seek a "recommended" rating and approval for entry into final design . The Project is developing engineering, construction, and operating agreements with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) . The Project will issue a Request for Proposals for risk management services to advise and assist the State and the NCDA in determining, placing and managing necessary insurance coverage . The City of Anoka continues land use planning on its Commuter Rail Transit Village and is acquiring property with redevelopment potential . Community and public meetings have been held regarding Northstar Northstar Corridor Monthly Report April 18, 2005 3