Adopt Resolution 15-05-140 Authorizing Municipal Agreement Program Funding Application for Riverdale Drive Extension - Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt a resolution authorizing City staff to submit an application for $710,000 in grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Metro Municipal Agreement Program to extend Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard, south of Highway 10.

Background:
In September of 2014, the Cities of Ramsey and Anoka, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the Anoka County Highway Department, and the Metropolitan Council, completed the Highway 10 Access Planning Study. This Study includes an Implementation Plan that identifies 21 proposed improvement projects along the Highway 10 corridor through Anoka and Ramsey. These projects are prioritized as immediate, short-term, mid-term, or opportunity/development/safety driven projects. The extension of Riverdale Drive from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard is prioritized as an immediate need, the highest priority. And no further study is needed so design work can proceed immediately.

On October 28^th, 2014, the City Council adopted the Highway 10 Access Planning Study, thereby supporting the mutual goals and objectives of the various agencies to improving the operations and safety of Highway 10 in balance with local community values. In support of these goals and objectives, City staff submitted an application on January 2, 2015 for $750,000 in grant funding from the Routes of Regional Significance Account, administered through the Local Road Improvement Program, for extending Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard south of U.S. Highway 10, which was subsequently denied (see attached letter of denial).

City staff is therefore requesting permission to submit an application for $710,000 in grant funding from the MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program for the same Riverdale Drive extension project.  Applications are due June 10th, 2015.  Attached is a copy of the MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program project solicitation letter.  Most of the work previously completed for the LRIP application will apply to this application, resulting in minimal expense to the City.

Observations:
The extension of Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard is identified as an immediate need in the completed Highway 10 Access Planning Study. Attached are two sheets from the Study including a layout of the proposed extension of Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard and the Implementation Plan.

Grant funding up to $710,000 is available for this project since it provides a clear benefit to the Trunk Highway system and to the local community.  The estimated project cost is $1,100,000 so a local match in the amount of $390,000 will be required if the City is successful in obtaining the requested grant funding. Local match funds would come from the Public Improvement Revolving Fund, but any local cost share requests would require future Council approval.

Staff previously received a letter of support from the Anoka County Parks Departments for this project, which requires Riverdale Drive to be extended across Anoka County Park property. This letter will be submitted with the City’s funding application, along with the attached resolution and other required materials.

Upon Council authorization to submit an application, staff will prepare as much of the application as possible using the materials previously prepared for the LRIP application.  However, the services of Bolton Menk may be required if the development of any new application materials is required, but any such assistance is estimated to cost less than $1,000.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 - Adopt Resolution #15-05-140 authorizing City staff to submit an application for $710,000 in grant funding from the MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program to extend Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard, south of Highway 10. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative #2 - Deny adoption of Resolution #15-05-140 at this time. Staff does not support this alternative.

The estimated cost for extending Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard is $1,100,000. If the City successfully obtains the requested grant funding of $710,000, an estimated local match of $390,000 will be required from the City but any local cost share requests would require future Council approval.

Estimated costs for completing and submitting the application are less than $1,000 if the assistance of Bolton Menk is required.  City staff will attempt to complete as much of the application as possible.

City staff recommends adopting Resolution #15-05-140 authorizing City staff to submit an application for $710,000 in grant funding from the MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program to extend Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard, south of Highway 10.

Motion to:
adopt Resolution #15-05-140 authorizing City staff to submit an application for $710,000 in grant funding from the MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program to extend Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard, south of Highway 10.