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NOR <br /> THSTAR <br /> <br />CORRIDOR <br /> <br />April 24, 2001 <br /> <br />Executive Committee: <br /> <br />Betsy Wergin, NCDA Chair <br />Sherbarr~ County <br /> <br />Gerry Donfin, NCDA Vice Chair <br />City of St. Cloud <br /> <br />Paul McCa;ton <br />Anoka County <br /> <br />Mark StengIein <br />Hennepin County Regional <br />Railroad Authority <br /> <br />Steve Billings <br />City of Fddley <br /> <br />Lewis Stark <br />Haven Township <br /> <br />Pat Klaers <br />City Administrator, Planning Director <br />13065 Orono <br />Elk River, MN 55330 <br /> <br />RE: Northstar Maintenance Facility Location <br /> <br />Dear Pat: <br /> <br />The NCDA staff and consulting team have reviewed an extensive list of possible <br />locations for a commuter rail maintenance facility. The exact location and analysis of <br />each site has been previously provided. As you know, the location decision hinges <br />primarily in the service concept which has about half of the service originating and <br />ending at the Elk River Station. Consequently, the most cost effective location is one <br />that is close to the Elk River Station. <br /> <br />The location proposed for the maintenance facility is titled Cargill South. This places <br />the facility roughly one-fourth mile southeast of the Elk River Commuter Rail Station. <br /> <br />In consideration of Elk River staff concerns regarding this Cargill South site and its <br />impact in city plans, NCDA initiated a comprehensive comparative analysis of the Cargill <br />site with a site proposed by city staff referred to as the Hohlen Property, located <br />immediately southeasterly of this Cargill site. <br /> <br />The URS/BRW consulting team, including representation of the LTK firm, have <br />reviewed and compared both sites. The NCDA staff has reviewed the analysis and <br />concurs with the conclusions. The report, recommending the Cargill South site for the <br />Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility, is attached. <br /> <br />I hope you agree that the review was objective and complete. We have strived to <br />exhibit due diligence as directed by your staff. In the end, the economic and operating <br />impacts of locating closer to the passenger station simply outweigh other concerns for <br />the property. <br /> <br />I would be happy to discuss further or make members of our consulting team available <br />for discussion of this analysis. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Project Director, Northstar Corridor <br /> <br /> TY:sw Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project <br /> <br />2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 <br /> <br />www.northstartrain.org <br /> <br /> <br />