4.9. SR 02-20-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NCDA Response to the Proposed Northstar Corridor Proiect Organization Approved by Executive Committee: December 21, 200~ The Executive Committee of the NCDA has reviewed the proposed organizational structure for commuter rail development and proposes the attached modified structure as an alternative. The collaborative structure clearly acknowledges both the statutory authority of Mn/DOT as well as its role as grantee to the Federal Transit Administration. It is the structure contemplated by the governance legislation adopted by the Legislature in 1999 and by the Agreement for Coordination of Commuter Rail Activities as executed by Mn/Dot and the NCDA in Fall, 2000. The proposed structure reflects an oversight role for Mn/DOT and its Office of Passenger Rail. It clearly depicts Mn/DOT's sole responsibility for operations and Mn/DOT's direct relationship with the Federal Transit Administration. The work involved in developing the Northstar Commuter Rail Project would continue to be performed by the NCDA, its staff and consultants, through preliminary engineering, final design and construction. Mn,cDOT staff would participate in all key work activities. The regional railroad authorities, counties, cities and towns that comprise the NCDA would have direct responsibility for the performance of the work, including public information and public involvement, station development and area planning, technical work, BNSF negotiations and the environmental impact statement process. The organizational structure of the NCDA, the Executive Committee, PMT and TAC would remain intact. Rationale 1. The structure ensures the continuing success of the NCDA in maintaining local support for the project. 2. The structure ensures the continuing success of the NCDA in developing commuter rail in a timely and cost-effective manner. 3. The structure reflects the organization contemplated by law and by Agreement Minn. Stat. § 174.82 gives to the Mn/DOT Commission the responsibility for all aspects of developing the commuter rail. The same law authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with joint powers boards (e.g. NCDA) to carry out these activities. The Agreement for Coordination of Commuter Rail Activities (Mn/DOT Agreement #80272.R) provides that the NCDA, in cooperation with and under supervision of Mn/DOT, will: "conduct feasibility studies, planning, preliminary engineering, final design, construction, operational planning and planning of related facilities." (Section 3.4)