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�L��RING IISSO(RAT .&S <br />Memo <br />TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council <br />Honorable Chair and Park Commission Members <br />FROM: Lee Elfering, City Engineer <br />DATE: October 6, 2011 <br />RE: Waterworks Trail Railroad Crossing <br />Background <br />As you are aware the City finally received a permit from BNSF to construct an at grade <br />crossing of the railroad tracks. This crossing along with the repair of the trail around the <br />newly installed St. Paul Regional Water wells would complete the Waterworks trail north <br />of South Owasso Blvd. Due to the long process in obtaining the permit and the cost of <br />the crossing the City decided to delay construction of the trail this year to provide time <br />for budgeting of funds and investigation of other possible funding sources. As a result of <br />this decision an extension of the allowed construction time in the BNSF permit was <br />applied for and the City has been granted an additional 12 months for the construction <br />period. Based on this extension the trail construction would need to be completed by <br />March 16, 2013. <br />Funding Opportunities <br />In collaboration with Park Staff and the Park Consultant we have determined that the <br />most likely source of outside funding for the trail work would be the Department of <br />Natural Resources Local Trail Connection Program. This grant program provides a <br />75/25 "cash match" reimbursement with a maximum permissible request of $100,000. In <br />summary if the City were awarded a grant the City would complete the project and fully <br />pay for it, then provide documentation of the costs and receive 75% of what was spent <br />up to the amount of the grant award. <br />The application deadline for the Local Trail Connection Program is Monday, October 31, <br />2011 and the grant awards will be announced in December 2011. All projects that <br />receive a grant award must be completed by June 30, 2013, <br />Summary <br />If received, a DNR Local Trail Connection Program grant could provide up to $100,000 <br />of the anticipated $150,000 of project cost that is estimated for the railroad crossing and <br />realignment of the existing trail around the St. Paul Regional Water wells. At this time <br />we are asking for an official resolution from Council supporting the grant application. <br />If you have any questions or concerns please call meat (763) 780 -0450 extension 3. <br />10062 Flanders Court NE — Blaine, MN 55449 — Ph: (763) 780 -0450 Fax (763) 780 -0452 <br />Memo-100611-PC (Grant Application) <br />1 <br />