7.3. SR 06-20-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The target date for submittal of the New Starts Criteria and Financial Plan to FTA has been delayed to June 17,2005. This will be accompanied by a request for FTA to re-rate the Northstar project and a draft request to enter Final Design. Project staff understands there is a new requirement for FTA to submit recommendations for a project to enter final design to Congress and that Congress has a 3D-day period to act on the recommendation. If Congress does not act, the recommendation is accepted. IX. BNSF Negotiations During the past month, discussions with BNSF regarding Northstar design, constructions and operations have focused on informing the new BNSF negotiating team about the Northstar project. As noted in the last report, BNSF has appointed a new team lead by Rick Weicher, BNSF Vice President and Senior Regulatory Counsel. Key issues for discussion have included: 1. Funding for N orthstar (sources and uses) 2. Proposed Capacity Improvements 3. Liability and Indemnification, and 4. The consistency of operating parameters with freight operations. The Northstar negotiating team has had several conference calls and meetings with the BNSF team to discuss these issues and to create a better understanding of Northstar needs and the associated costs. On Friday, May 13, the Northstar team met in Chicago with BNSF representatives. Mr. Weicher expressed BNSF's willingness to move forward with advanced and final design, but noted that BNSF management is reviewing the draft Design Agreement with its engineering staff. It is anticipated that BNSF will conclude its review and approve the agreement within the next week. Once the engineering work is under way, discussions will resume on the construction and operating agreements. x. Risk Management On April 18, 2005, the NCDA issued an RFP for Broker/Insurance Consulting Services for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. Notice was published in the State Register on April 18, 2005. Twelve firms requested a copy of the RFP. A pre-proposal conference was held on Tuesday, May 3, and approximately five firms attended the meeting. On May 6, the NCDA issued an addendum to the RFP notifying potential vendors that the DBE goal for the project is race and gender neutral and there is no percentage participation goal established by MnlDOT. Proposals are due on May 20. The services requested will assist the project in addressing the risks arising out of the construction and operations of the Northstar commuter rail project. In order to better understand the associated risk management issues from an agency perspective, the NCDA has authorized Northstar Corridor Monthly Report May 17,2005 9