7.4. SR 05-16-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. Paul Danielson gave a progress report on the advanced and final design of the commuter rail project. 9. Steve Apanian gave a progress report on the advanced and final design of the LRT connection. He noted that there has been many meetings with stakeholders. There was also a meeting to get perspectives from different car builders on various kinds of rolling stock available. On the 14th there will be a follow-up meeting with the PMT on the issue of car builders. Mr. Apanian noted that alignment options, vertical circulation, intermodal concepts, and roadway traffic issues at the 5th street intersection and right of way utility location (private and public) are being refined. David Elvig asked if there is any historical information available regarding reliability of the two vehicle options (DMU and push pull). John Norgren if fewer vehicles would be needed if the Project were to use DMUs. Steve Apanian answered yes, but a DMU can't pull as many coaches. Dennis Berg asked if BNSF has weighed in on the use of DMUs. Mr. Apanian noted that they have not had a discussion with BNSF on this issue yet. 10. Mark Fuhrmann reviewed the March 2005 Monthly Report to the FT A. He also noted that NPO staff had recently had a visit from FTA staffers. 11. Bill Schreiber noted that the State Legislature had wrapped up bonding bill. Mr. Schreiber handed out bonding bill language which includes Northstar and vote results. Mr. Schreiber noted that there has been a bill introduced which would provide funding for the commuter bus project. Mr. Schreiber noted that transit is in desperate financial straights throughout the State. Projections from the Department of Finance show flat amounts, no increase in funding, in fact a decrease. Transit is short $60 million for 2006/07. Transit advocates will be lobbying hard. 12. Jon Olson gave an update on federal legislative issues. He noted that the big news in Washington is that Washington is delighted because of the action of the State Legislature in securing funding for the Northstar Project. TEA-Lou bill is two years behind schedule. House passed it a month ago. The Senate has a companion bill (safety) that has not passed. Mr. Olson noted that the appropriations bill is being worked on in the House with a March 18th deadline for application. Northstar has submitted its application. Senate applications are due by the 29th of April. A draft form is currently being worked on by staff and consultants. 13. John Himle gave an update on public information activities. He noted that Governor Pawlenty will be signing the Bonding Bill on April 11 at the Riverdale Park-and-Ride. Members are encouraged to attend. Jill Brown noted that the Northstar Commuter Coach has reached a milestone: their 500,000th rider. A celebration is planned for May 4. Information will be sent out to members as soon as it is available. 14. The next NCDA meeting was set for May 5, 2005. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. 3