HomeMy WebLinkAbout20090601 - VI-02May 28, 2009
T0: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: John Grossman, EDRA Director
RE: Attached letter of support for Red Rock CMAQ Application
ACTION: Consider approval for letter of support
BACKGROUND: The City is a member of the Red Rock Corridor Commission, a
joint powers board established to facilitate commuter transit systems between Hastings,
St. Paul and Minneapolis. Washington County Public Works provides the staff for this
joint powers board. Andy Git•~laffis the board's staff person.
BUS TRANSIT: Although the Red Rock Corridor was established with the goal of
commuter rail service from Hastings to Minneapolis, an alternative analysis indicated
that the potential riders would not yet support the costs. The immediate goal is to
provide bus rapid transit to meet a growing need and to build up to a demand which
makes rail service cost effective. This is the normal sequence of development, already
demonstrated by the North Star Corridor. Current analysis of the potential demand
for express bus service indicates there is a level of service that would be cost effective in
the near future.
CMAQ FUNDS: Highway congestion and air quality are improved by commuter
transit which reduces the number of vehicles on the road. Andy Gitzlaff is preparing a
CMAQ gcaat to help fund the park and ride facilities and bus service along the
corridor. The site of the park and ride in Hastings is likely to be the EDRA lot
adjacent to the depot The application is for program year 2013 and two following
pears. Perhaps all the funding necessary for the lot and service will be available before
2013, but we cannot predict that and the CMAQ application has to be submitted at
this time.
CITY COSTS: There are no city costs related to the application.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve letter
June 1, 2009
PQLICE DEPARTMENT
1.50 3rd Street East
651.480.2300
FIRE DEPARTMENT
},}55ihSiteetWest
651.480.6150
DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLICiWORKS
1225 Progress Drive.
OPERATIONS
b51:480.6185
ENGINEERING
651-480.2334
Mr. Andrew Gitzlaff
Transportation Planner
Washington County Public
11660 Myeron Road North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Works Department
Red Rock Express Bus Expansion Project CMAQ Application
Dear Mr. Gitzlaff:
As you know the City of Hastings is a member in the Red Rock Corridor
Commission and has been actively involved in addressing the transportation needs of
the corridor. The City understands the increasing demands being placed on the
roadway system and how transit can play a role in maintaining our resident's
mobility. Currently Hastings is not served by express bus service which limits the
transportation options of our residents and businesses. The introduction of express
service will provide additional transportation options helping to maintain the high
quality of life that our residents enjoy.
For these reasons the City Council of the City of Hastings offers its support for
DEPARTMENT OF Washington County's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant
PARKS & RECREATION a hcation for the construction of a new ark-and-ride facilit m downtown Hastin s
92010th Streetwest pp P Y ~ $
551.480,6175 and the introduction of new express bus service to downtown St. Paul and
Minneapolis from Hastings.
If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact me by email at
mayorhicksnu,ci.hastin s.Inn.us.
Z r.~i;`~ :,.
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Sincerely,
r
Paul J. Hicks
Mayor