Adopt Resolution #14-09-180 Supporting Pursuit of Local Road Improvement Program Funding for US Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Construction Project

PURPOSE:
Approve a resolution to formally support Anoka County’s pursuit of Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funding for the construction of a grade-separated interchange located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard.

BACKGROUND:
U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard: The at-grade intersection located at U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard is a highly relied upon transportation junction for the City of Ramsey, the northwest Twin Cities metro region and the State transportation system as a whole.  Considering the significant usage of this intersection, and its close proximity to a highly utilized railroad line, safety has become a major public concern.  In the event an emergency takes place on U.S. Highway 10, while a train is passing through the City of Ramsey, public safety officials are physically unable to reach U.S. Highway 10 and respond via Armstrong Boulevard.  The proposed solution for this serious public safety issue is to construct an interchange located at U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard.

Funding: The U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Project was included in this year’s State Bonding Bill; specifically, under the “Local Road Improvement Program” (LRIP) allocation.The Legislature earmarked only two specific projects within the LRIP allocation.For many Legislators and City/County/State Officials, an $8M allocation was anticipated. However, the Bonding Bill did not call out a specific allocation amount for this project.In July, the City was notified by MnDOT the LRIP allocation MAY NOT be available until spring 2015; and the specific allocation amount was still to be determined.

LRIP Allocation:  City staff and consultants, State Legislators, and Anoka County, have worked with MnDOT to confirm the intent of the State Bonding Bill was an $8M allocation for the U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Project.  When Anoka County formally applies for use of the LRIP funds in the near future, $8M will be requested; and should have a high likelihood for approval.
 
LRIP Application: Anoka County is required to formally apply for use of the LRIP.  MnDOT had originally intended to review/award grants in the spring of 2015.  However, MnDOT has agreed to expedite the application process for this specific project.  If a completed LRIP application is submitted in a timely manner, MnDOT can provide a letter of commitment to Anoka County, for this project, as soon as October 2014.  Anoka County has confirmed, the proposed expedited process by MnDOT will allow this project to move forward as originally anticipated (spring 2015 construction).
 

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Attached:
-Resolution
-2014 Legislative Initiatives
-Update/Background on Armstrong Interchange Project
 

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Motion to adopt: 
RESOLUTION 14-09-180 SUPPORTING PURSUIT OF LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING FOR U.S. HIGHWAY 10 AND ARMSTRONG BOULEVARD INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

Motion to adopt: 
RESOLUTION 14-09-180 SUPPORTING PURSUIT OF LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING FOR U.S. HIGHWAY 10 AND ARMSTRONG BOULEVARD INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.