Consider Resolution Requesting MnDOT Funding for Construction of a Frontage Road on the South Side of Highway 10 (Riverdale Drive Extension to Traprock Street) Through the State Municipal Agreement Program

The TH 10 and Armstrong Boulevard interchange project continues to advance through the environmental assessment process.  The proposed frontage road system along the south side of TH 10 includes an extension of Riverdale Drive to Traprock Street (see attached alignment).  MnDOT offers a cooperative agreement program, which could fund a portion of this frontage road work if it provides a benefit to their trunk highway system.  This program was identified as a potential funding source for a portion of the larger project.

City staff met with MnDOT on August 17, 2011 to discuss our anticipated request under this program.  MnDOT was supportive of our intended municipal agreement request, but expressed concern related to the future access at Traprock Street.  They stated that the median opening in thios location must be removed when the Armstrong interchange project is constructed.

The project has been estimated at $1.2M, which does not including utilities or property acquisition.  The MnDOT program will fund a maximum of $650,000 for construction and 8% for construction engineering and inspections, which totals $702,000.  This program is funding for fiscal year 2013.

If chosen for funding by MnDOT, the City would need to participate financially for the difference in construction costs (approximately $350,000), preparation of plans and specifications, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocations/extensions (if necessary).

Staff recommends that the City Council approved the attached resolution.

There is no funding request associated with this case, but future funding would be necessary for the City participation portion of this project should the project be chosen for funding by MnDOT.  At that time staff will evaluate the need, identify funding sources, and bring it back before Council for consideration.

Motion to approve the attached resolution seeking funding through MnDOT's municipal agreement program for the extension of Riverdale Drive NW.