05-14-07 Item 7A, Legislative Support for Funding for Transportation Projects

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~ ~~HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: May 14, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 7A TO: Mayor and City Council Michelle Wolfe, City Administrator iY~P FROM: SUBJECT: Transportation Projects: Motion of Support for State Legislative Representatives to Submit Legislation Supporting Funding for Transportation Projects (County Road H Interchange and Highways 10 and 96 Interchange) BACKGROUND For several years, MnDOT, Ramsey County, and the City of Arden Hills have had discussions regarding the Highway 10 and Highway 96 Interchange. The County has turn-back funds available to finish the Highway 96 reconstruction project from approximately the North Heights Church location west to 135W. The City has not previously agreed upon a preferred concept for the Highway 10 and Highway 96 Interchange. The City of Arden Hills is currently conducting a Master Planning process for TCAAP redevelopment. As part of that project, several transportation improvements will be needed. In terms of phasing and priority, it has been determined that improvements to the County Road H Interchange will be the first improvement needed for the project. The Highways 96 and 10 improvements will be second in priority for the project. As stated above, the improvements at this interchange have long been discussed as needed, but with some unknowns about future development of TCAAP, the project was unable to move forward. DISCUSSION The City has been working with the developer (RRLD) and consultants to identify funding options for these projects. The law firm of McGrann, Shea, Anderson, Carnival, Straughn & Lamb, Chartered, has been working with the City and RRLD on legislative strategies. The strategy for County Road H funding is to attempt to secure 80% of project costs with federal funding. Matching funds (20% of project costs) will be required if federal funds are awarded. There are two identified State funding sources: bond proceeds and state general fund (cash).