Identify Trail Priority Categories, Rank Trail Gaps and Review Funding Sources

One of the City's 2012 Strategic Goals was to "Identify high priority trail connections to improve connectivity throughout the community".   As part of this process, staff developed an 'Action Map' to track the process of this larger goal, and the significant steps of that map are below.  This work session discussion is intended to primarily focus on Steps 1 - 3, with the purpose of aligning Council and Staff's philosophies on trail ranking and strategies for funding trail projects.


Step 1: Develop trail priority categories, and rank major/significant trail gaps and projects
Step 2: Receive Council ratification on trail priority methodology
Step 3: Identify funding source categories for significant trails
Step 4: Develop/Explore partnerships for trail grants and funding
Step 5: Identify low cost and specific projects with Engineering (E.g. count down timers at signals) that improve connectivity and safety (integrate with street maintenance program)
Step 6: Organize ‘Build-out’ cost estimate for priority trails
Step 7: Review strategies to ‘bridge’ trail development (if feasible) E.g. Sharrows (bike lanes on street) and explore Complete Street, and Bike Friendly programs to supplement trail development and add value to existing transportation system(s)

Attached are several exhibits (produced via grant funding in 2010) that highlight the magnitude of trail construction costs anticipated. The first of which is map entitled "Recommendations for Pedestrian Connections".  The second is ' Grant Opportunities' and reviews the known funding sources for trails in addition to city sources like MSA Funds, TIF and others.

While the purpose of this case is to generally agree on trail priorities in relationship to funding opportunities, it may be useful to highlight the near-term future of the remaining 'steps'.

After 1 - 3 (which this work session case addresses), an example of Step 4 would be meeting with Met Council to craft a partnership for seeking funding for the proposed Mississippi Skyway over US Hwy's #10 & #169 - a trail related project that should be considered regional, rather than just local.

Steps 5 - 7 may be best addressed by Public Works Staff when the city has selected a new engineer later this year, or over the winter as part of that person 'learning' Ramsey.  However, Step 6 "Organize ‘Build-out’ cost estimate for priority trails" has been completed in a somewhat cursory manner as part of State Health Improvement Program grant secured in 2010, and is intended to paint a picture of the magnitude of the funding needed for trails, and may also help prioritize trails because it illustrates the stark contrast between trail 'need' and the realities for funding (no matter how many trail grants may be obtained). This project listing and costs are the last two documents attached.

For the work session, Staff will project a proposed trail map up, and lead the discussion on the present thinking on trail priorities, and how to rank and fund them.

None associated with this work session case.

Provide concurrence or direction on the strategy for priority trail ranking and funding pursuits.