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City Gou�ci� Study Session — OS/16/OS <br />DRAFT Minutes - Page 13 <br />6. Update Regarding Improvements to State Highway 36 <br />Public Works Director Duane Schwartz provided three potential <br />project segments for adding a third eastbound lane in conjunction <br />with the replacement of the Lexington Avenue bridge. Mr. <br />Schwartz outlined cost projections for addition of an eastbound <br />lane from I-35W to Rice Street; from I-35W to T-3��., or from I- <br />35W to Da1e Street. <br />Mr. Schwartz reviewed State Statute (161.361) allowing other <br />road authorities to advance the Commissioner funds to expedite <br />construction on trunk highways, stipulations regarding payment <br />and interest rates; and reviewed costs from $12.8 Million to <br />$15.5 Million. <br />Discussion included traffic projections and ramp locations; <br />requested amount to be advanced by the City; potential for <br />federal or matching funds; width of Rice Street; and <br />disappointment in the projected costs. <br />Councilmember Ihlan noted comments of the City's Finance <br />Director Chris Miller related to the dire financial consequences <br />should the City undertake such a loan of this magnitude for an <br />extended period of time; and questioned why such dire <br />consequences would also not apply to the proposed Twin Lakes <br />Redevelopment project and the developer's request for <br />assistance. <br />At the request of Mayor Klau�ing, Mr. Miller explained that the <br />Highway 361oan to MNDot would remove $15 Million in assets <br />from the City books whereas TIF' does not remove assets from <br />the City's books but instead represents revenue that comes from <br />the new taY base that is created by the new development. Mr. <br />Miller further noted the "but for" test used for a TIF' plan. <br />Councilmember Ihlan opined that there were other ways to fund <br />the Twin Lakes redevelopment outside of increments or bond <br />funds. <br />Further discussion included the traffic congestion on 1-35W and <br />cost prohibitions. <br />Improvements to <br />State Highway 36 <br />