Consider Resolution Requesting Funding From the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for Improvements Associated with the Armstrong Boulevard/Trunk Highway 10 Interchange

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is currently accepting applications for funding through the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP).  The state legislature approved $10 million in state transportation bond funds to assist local authorities in paying for constructing or reconstructing local road projects with statewide or regional significance.  Staff has identified two projects, which are tied to the Armstrong Boulevard/TH 10 interchange, for potential funding assistance.

The Sunwood Drive realignment project is being contemplated as the first phase of the Armstrong Blvd/TH 10 interchange project to solve short term transportation concerns and development strategies, and expand to a future railroad and highway overpass.

The Riverdale Drive project includes the extension of Riverdale Drive, from Alpaca Street to Traprock Street, and was added to the interchange project in response to access and visibility concerns raised by property owners during early public meetings.  This project was recently awarded a MnDOT Cooperative Agreement grant for 2013 construction, but the City is still obligated to fund the remainder.  The final amount of the Cooperative Agreement has not been finalized at the time of drafting this case, but the City still stands to contribute approximately $1 million for this project.  This LRIP grant request will be used to offset some of the City's financial contribution.  Due to the existing pavement condition of the segment of Riverdale Drive, from Armstrong Boulevard to Traprock Street, staff recommends including this segment to the overall project as well; to include a reconstruction and extension of municipal utilities.

Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution seeking funding through the state LRIP for the Sunwood Drive realignment and Riverdale Drive extension projects.

Staff time is being used to complete the required applications.  If we are successful in securing funding through the LRIP program these grant funds will be used to offset any City contribution to these projects.

Motion to approve the attached resolution seeking funding through the state LRIP for the Sunwood Drive realignment and Riverdale Drive extension projects.