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Planning Commission Minutes September 26. 2000 Page 2 . 5.1. Consider NCDA Commuter Rail Station Desion and Location Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner, explained that the Planning Commission is being asked to review the Northstar Corridor Development Authority's (NCDA) Advanced Corridor Plan and make a recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Dave Loch, representing the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA), reviewed the Elk River station design and location. He explained that the NCDA began in a study in 1997 to look for future solutions to ever increasing traffic concerns. Counties in the NCDA included Hennepin, Anoka, Benton and Sherburne, counties which are located along Highway 10 and 47, also along the Burlington Northern Railroad line. The membership of the authority also includes the cities, townships, railroad and transmit commissions in this corridor. Mr. Loch explained that after the study was completed, the NCDA looked at station designs. He reviewed the design of the Elk River station platforms, shelters, parking and bus system. An artist's rendition of the proposed shelters was provided. Mr. Loch explained that when fully operational, there will be 18 trains running per day. He noted that two will depart from Elk River each day; one at 5:45 a.m. and one at 6:15 a.m. Two trains will also depart from St. Cloud at these times and stop in Elk River, giving two additional later departures from Elk River. . The budget for the project is projected to be $231 million; 50% from the Federal government, 40% from the State, and 10% from local funds (counties)30 - 50% of the operational costs will be recovered from fares and the rest will come from other sources;. Preliminary engineering is being completed at this time, and next year they will complete the final design and begin construction. Mr. Loch stated that construction will be a lengthy process and estimates opening will not be until late 2004. Mr. Loch explained that MN/DOT will eventually be the owner/operator of the entire facility and will own the rolling stock. Burlington Northern will operate the trains. Mr. Loch reviewed the feeder bus system plans. He anticipates that a Sherburne County Regional Transit Commission or "River Rider" will operate the bus system in Elk River, and a similar situation in Benton County. A river crossing is planned somewhere between Ramsey and Dayton. Future plans include tying bike paths and trails into the system. Mr. Loch explained that the facility will be located off from the signalized intersection at 171 sl and Highway 10. He stated that the station design is conceptual at this point and would be subject to change. However, the NCDA will work closely with the cities on any changes. The trains will operate with 3 cab cars initially and they anticipate there will be 9,300 boardings per day. In 2002-2003, the multi-modal facility will be constructed in Elk River which includes a park and ride and bus system. . Commissioner Chambers asked how the Authority determined the Elk River station location. Mr. Loch explained that they wanted to locate the station in the