Adopt Resolution Authorizing Local Road Improvement Program Funding Application for Riverdale Drive Extension from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard.

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt a resolution authorizing City staff to submit an application for $750,000 in grant funding from the Local Road Improvement Program Routes of Regional Significance Account 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 wishes to submit an application 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.
 
Applications are due January 2^nd, 2015.  Attached is a copy of the LRIP application guide.

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 $750,000 is available for this project since it meets the requirements of the Routes of Regional Significance Account. The estimated project cost is $1,100,000 so a local match in the amount of $350,000 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 is currently working with the Anoka County Highways and Parks Departments to obtain letters of support for this project, which requires Riverdale Drive to be extended across Anoka County Park property.  City staff has received an email confirming that the Anoka County Highway Department will provide a letter of support, but staff continues to work with Anoka County Parks to obtain a letter of support from them.  These letters 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 enlist the services of Bolton Menk to assist with the preparation of required figures and cost estimates at a not-to-exceed fee of $1,700.  See attached proposal for additional information.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 - Adopt Resolution #14-12-251 authorizing City staff to submit an application for $750,000 in grant funding from the Local Road Improvement Program Routes of Regional Significance Account to extend Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard, south of Highway 10.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative #2 - Deny adoption of Resolution #14-12-251 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 $750,000, an estimated local match of $350,000 will be required from the City but any local cost share requests would require future Council approval.
 
Costs for completing and submitting the application are limited to $1,700 for the assistance of Bolton Menk.  City staff will handle the bulk of the application duties at no additional expense.  And it should be noted that if the City is not successful in securing the requested LRIP grant funding, this application can be repurposed to apply for the next round of Cooperative Agreement funding, for which applications are due in April with a maximum funding amount of $702,000.