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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, Apri113, 2009 Page 7 a. Highway 36 /Rice Street Interchange Design Presentation Public Works Director Duane Schwartz introduced Mr. Jim Tolaas, with Ramsey County Public Works Department Mr. Tolaas and Mr. Schwartz provided an updated configuration and preliminary design for asingle-point diamond on the north side of Highway 36 and Rice Street, as per the revised map presented at the meeting, with further refinement from that included in the agenda packet. Mr. Tolaas advised that members of the Project Management Team included Ramsey County; MnDOT; and the Cities of Little Canada, Maplewood and Rose- ville. Mr. Tolaas advised that the Team was seeking concurrence from participat- ing City Council's for this best solution. Mr. Tolaas reviewed projected funding solutions for the overall project; with pre- liminary design and environmental work being initiated to hopefully overlap with final design and construction scheduled to begin in 2010, once all funding sources were identified. Mr. Tolaas reviewed funding available to correct bridge deficiencies and for their replacement; Highway 49 turnback funds; work with the State legislature for state • funding or another bonding source; and application for STP funding for federal funds that would be administered through the Metropolitan Council; as well as working with Senator Betty McCollum for federal earmarks. Mr. Tolaas advised that some local funding would be required as application for local improvements related to the project. Mr. Tolaas further reviewed right-of--way acquisition; three full takings associated with that right-of--way; attempts to secure public access on the west side of Rice and north of Highway 36, which is currently a private drive accessing Rice Street. Discussion included support of individual Councilmembers for the design. Councilmember Johnson opined that the design looked great and served to clear up several difficult traffic situations along County Road B and the south side of Highway 36. Councilmember Johnson further opined that it was an unusual de- sign, but that it made sense. Councilmember Johnson sought additional informa- tion on a potential park and ride facility in Little Canada or in Maplewood. Mr. Tolaas advised that Metropolitan Transit had originally looked at several quadrants between County Road B and Highway 36; however, at that time, they felt that they couldn't get buses off Highway 36 efficiently. Mr. Tolaas advised that those discussions had been reopened, with consideration being given to a . quadrant on the west side of Highway 49 for an acceptable location. Mr. Tolaas opined that it would be a difficult spot; but that other parking areas maybe under-