HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05Resolution of the City of Gem Lake.
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Resolution 2017 - 05
Resolution transmitting the City of Gem Lake support for the Locally Preferred Alternative for the
Rush Line Corridor to the Rush Line Corridor Task Force, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad
Authority and the Metropolitan.Council
WHEREAS, the Rush Line Corridor is an 80-mile travel. corridor between St. Paul and Hinckley Minnesota;
consisting of urban, suburban and rural communities; and.
WHEREAS,.a Pre- ProjectDevelopment.Stu dy has been completed to analyze bus and rail alternatives in
the 30-mile study area between 5t, Paul and Forest Lake, which has the greatest potential for significant
transit improvements.1n the near term; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Rush Line Corridor Project. is to provide transit service that satisfies the
long -.term regional mobility and accessibility needs for businesses and the traveling public and Catalyzes
sustainable development wit hin.the 30-mile study area; and
WHEREAS, the Pre -Project Development Studywas a. joint local and regional planning effort conducted
by the Rushi Line Corridor Task Force and led by the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority; and
WHEREAS, after a thorough technical analysis of 55 potential route segme.nts:and. 7 transit modes and
extensive. public engagement through the Pre -Project D.eve.lopment Study Alternative 1 has been
identified as the locally preferred alternative; and
WHEREAS, Alternative.) best meets the project's.purpose and need and would likely qualify for Federal
Transit Administration New 5tarts:funding; and
WHEREAS, the Locally Preferred Alternative includes the definition of the mode, conceptual alignment
and general station locations which can be refined through further environmental and engineering
efforts; and
WHEREAS, Alternative I is defined as Bus Rapid Transit within a dedicated guideway generally along.
Phalen Boulevard, Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority right-of=way.and Trunk Highway bl,
extending approximately 14 miles,. and connecting Union Depot In downtown St. Paul to the east side
neighborhoods of St. Paul and.the. Cities of Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake and White Bear Lake
(see attached figure); and
WHEREAS, Alternative 1 would be co -located with_:the Bruce Vento Trail through the portion of the
route that utilizes the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority right-of-way; and
WHEREAS, the next phase of the project will include env! ronmentaI analysis under the Federal and.State
environmental review processes to avoid, minimize, a.nd. mitigate potential impacts while maximizing
mobility, accessibility and surrounding economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the public will continue to be engaged throughout the environmental review process and
subsequent design, engineering and construction phases to ensure that the project is reflective of the
needs of the diverse communities within the Rush Line Corridor; and
WHEREAS, a connector bus from White Bear Lake to Forest Lake and other bus service improvements
will continue to be explored during the environmental analysis phase of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the comments submitted by agencies, adjacent communities, the business sector and the
public during the Locally Preferred Alternative comment period and throughout the duration of the Pre -
Project Development Study will be addressed accordingly in the environmental analysis phase of the
Project; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Gem Lake supports the selection of Alternative 1 as
the locally preferred alternative.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Gem Lake commits to undertaking and developing station
area plans for the proposed BRT station areas within its jurisdiction based on market conditions,
community input and Metropolitan Council guidelines and expectation for development density, level of
activity and design.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Gem Lake supports the planned Route 54 extension and
exploration of other transit improvements within the study area by others including, but not limited to,
improved bus service along 35E and to the northern portion of the Rush Line Corridor, the future
conversion of Route 54 to Arterial BRT and the consideration of a potential Modern Streetcar along E. 71h
St to create a more comprehensive transit system.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution adopted by the City of Gem Lake be forwarded to the
Rush Line Corridor Task Force, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and the Metropolitan
Council for their consideration.
WHEREUPON, the above resolution was adopted at the June 20th regular City Council Meeting for the
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County Minnesota, by a motion made by Council Member Lindner and
seconded by Council Member Artig-Swomley, to pass Resolution No. 2017-05, all city council and Mayor
voted yea. Motion passed.
ATTEST
I, William Short, the duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Gem Lake, County of Ramsey, State of
Minnesota, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and accurate representation of
action taken by the City Council of the City of Gem Lake on the date first written.
(// 4 A / t7
William Short, City Clerk
Date
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