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Agenda Item #3 <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />TO: <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />RE: <br /> <br />January 26, 2001 <br /> <br />NCDA Board <br /> <br />Project Management Team <br /> <br />Minimal Operable Segment (MOS) Analysis <br /> <br />The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires analysis and determination of the cost <br />effectiveness of all federally funded transit projects. The cost effectiveness indices are useful to <br />the FTA in its process of ranking the large number of funding requests it receives from cities <br />across the country. The analysis also provides local decision-makers with data essential to their <br />own process of determining viable and appropriate termini for the project. <br /> <br />In addition to developing cost effectiveness indicators for the Northstar Corridor project between <br />downtown Minneapolis and Rice, the FTA requires similar information for what is termed the <br />Minimal Operable Segment (MOS). The Northstar MOS analysis, therefore, evaluates shorter <br />segments of the total project while still maintaining a viable commuter rail project. The FTA <br />intent is to ensure that local decision-makers have evaluated all reasonable alternatives to the <br />full-length project proposal. <br /> <br />The Northstar Corridor MOS analysis includes the base case of Minneapolis to Rice as well as <br />potential northerly termination points at E. St. Cloud, Big Lake and Elk River. The various <br />incremental ridership, operations cost, and capital costs are used to determine the cost <br />effectiveness indicators for the various segments. In addition, the data also includes analysis <br />based upon the September, 1998 NCDA Policy for Extension to the Northstar Corridor. Finally, <br />a chart comparing the cost effectiveness indicators for the Northstar project with other projects <br />from across the country is included. <br /> <br />The attached data will be reviewed at the February 1 NCDA Board meeting. It is anticipated that <br />action by the Board recommending a project termination location will be taken at the March 1 <br />meeting. It should be noted that while the FTA requires the MOS analysis, the decision on <br />which location to end the current project is a local. Local decision is deemed to mean not <br />federal. <br /> <br />Action Required: Discussion <br /> <br /> Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br />2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org <br /> <br /> <br />