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Rush Une Corridor 665 Government Center West, 50 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 Phone: (651) 266-2760 Fax: (651) 266-2761 www.rushlinecorridor.com June 26, 2006 Mayor Mary Capra City of Centerville 1880 Main Street Centerville, MN 55038-9794 Dear Mayor Capra: The Rush Line Corridor follows Highway 61 and Interstate 35835 from St. Paul north to Pine City, and is in the process of being extended to Duluth. This is a fast growing corridor with increasing congestion on its roads. Centerville falls within the Rush Line Corridor and is the reason I am writing to request your participation in the Rush Line Corridor Task Force. There are currently sixteen members of the Task Force including counties, cities, and townships. On behalf of the Task Force, I encourage Centerville to consider joining the Rush Line Corridor Task Force. '- The Task Force completed a Transit Study in 2001, which analyzed express bus on existing roads, busway on separated rights of way, and commuter rail. This study demonstrated that there is a demand and interest for transit service in the Rush Line Corridor. The study identified several goalS for the Corridor, including: · Increase transit ridership and reduce auto dependency. · Reduce travel delays and congestion in the corridor. · Develop transit improvements consistent with public support and public policy direction. · Improve access to corridor jobs and activity centers. · Encourage and shape appropriate development and land use. · Preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources. A new study will begin later this year to study the restoration of passenger rail service to Duluth from the St. Paul Union Depot, which is being developed into a multi-modal terminal. This is another exciting reason for Centerville to participate on the Task Force. Please understand that Centerville will not be asked for financial contributions to participate in the Task Force. ~l Members include: Regional Railroad Authorities of Chisago, Ramsey, Washington Counties; A~oka C?unty, Pin\COunty, the Cities of Forest Lake, Harris, Hugo, Little Canada, Map~ewood, North. Branch, R~sh CIty, WhIte Bear La e, and Wyoming; White Bear TownshIp; and Wyoming Township.