Res 2015- 33 Support Robert Street Transitway Alt AnalysisCity of Mendota Heights
Dakota County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION 2015-33
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PROCESS AND CONCLUSIONS FO THE
ROBERT STREET TRANSITWAY ALTENATIVES ANALYSIS
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority (DCRRA) and the
Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) serve as co -project sponsors in
the conduct of the Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Analysis (AA), formalized
through the execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) in August 2011; and
WHEREAS, in July 2012, the DCRRA and RCRRA commenced an AA
compliant with the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Starts program; and
WHEREAS, the JPA has defined an oversight structure for the AA that
established a Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee co-chaired by the
DCRRA and RCRRA and incorporated municipalities and agencies within the study area,
including the city of Mendota Heights, into the evaluation and decision making processes
of the AA; and
WHEREAS, the AA established a study framework based on goals formed by the
Steering Committee that guided a technical analysis evaluating numerous potential route
alignments and modes; and
WHEREAS, the AA produced a limited number of alternatives for detailed
analysis and consideration by the Steering Committee; and
WHEREAS, The AA incorporated numerous opportunities for public and
stakeholder involvement throughout the course of the study, including open house
meetings, stakeholder presentations, and regular distribution of information on the AA
through email and website communications; and
WHEREAS, the AA evaluation process developed and overseen by the Steering
Committee and Technical Advisory Committee identified two alternatives, Robert Street
Arterial Bus Rapid Transit and Robert Street Streetcar, that can meet the goals
established for the project; and
WHEREAS, the Steering Committee has acted to conclude the AA without
selection of a single alternative to allow for additional local land use planning to better
understand and facilitate the potential economic development benefits of a future transit
project, allow for the formation of regional policy on the development and operation of
streetcar, further consider FTA's requirements for land use planning in cities'
comprehensive planning processes, and further coordinate with the St. Paul on its
streetcar system planning efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Mendota Heights
supports the evaluation process conducted by the AA and its conclusions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Mendota Heights supports the
decision by the Steering Committee to conclude the AA with two alternatives that will be
carried forward for consideration in further study at a later date.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 19th day of May, 2015.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
Cy/2-'1
Sandra Krebsbach, or
Page 2 of 2 Res. 2015-33