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Comment Response 2. As part of the long-term planning process, the City of Lino Lakes is anticipating the future need for 80th Street to connect to the west. The Michael Grochala, City of Lino Lakes March 13, 2020 planned timing for this connection is post 2040. Page 2 The City recognizes the need to begin this 9. Land Use 111, Water Resources 113. Fish, wildlife, etc. (Lmmett Mullin, 651-602- dialogue between the Met Council and Anoka The proposed mitigation measures of a westward extension of 80th Street (County Road Thep County and therefore has indicated this future 140) and an interchange with 1-35W does not conform to the 2040 Regional Parks Policy road connection in its transportation plan and in Plan. The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is owned and operated by Anoka 2. ❑ this AUAR. This project could be subject to a County and has a Metropolitan Council -approved master plan that was originally developed in 1975 and revised in 1999. In 2003, 2012, and 2013, the master plan was separate environmental review process and amended to adjust the boundaries of the park reserve to what is existing today. The would be evaluated for environmental review at 5,300 acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is one of the largest in the seven- that time. county metropolitan area and contains some of the most significant native wildlife habitat and water resources in the region. It is also rich in cultural resources with several known significant archaeological sites within its boundary, 3. We understand that these improvements are not identified by Met Council 2040 Transportation The original AUAR acknowledges that the proposed transportation improvements would have impacts on the Park Reserve, However, it asserts that these mitigation measures Policy Plan. However, the City has identified the would have lesser impacts than an alternative of increasing the capacity of CSAH 14 improvements in the current 2040 (Main Street). Council staff believe that there has been insufficient study of alternatives Comprehensive Plan update in the "Post-2040" to make this determination. conditions. It is also understood that as the area 18. Traffic and Transportation l Appendix E (Russ Owen, 651-602-1724) develops these improvements or other As with the original AUAR, the proposed mitigation of transportation demand includes a improvements would be considered. If proposed westward expansion of 80th Street (County Road 140) through Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, including new interchanges of this roadway at I- environmental review for the future roadway 35E and 1-35W. These interchanges are not included in either the current or increased 3. ❑ connection is required, it will be completed at that revenue scenarios of the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan. The likelihood of an time. interchange at 1-35W are diminished by potential findings in an Environmental Impact Statement for the interchange, which would inevitably include both Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) evaluation. Although the original AUAR acknoweeged the need for further environmental review required by state and federal agencies, the mitigation plan should consider alternative local and regional connections that do not have such obvious environmental constraints or programmatic obstacles. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the listed technical reviewer or Michael Larson, Principal Reviewer, at 651-602-1407. Sincerely, LisaBe Baraj , Director Community D elopment Divisi CC', Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Todd Sherman, Development Reviews Coordinator, MnDOT - Metro Division Susan Vento, Metropolitan Council District No 11 Michael Larson, Sector Representative / Principal Reviewer Raya Esmaehi, Reviews Coordinator N:ICammi7ev4LPAICammunitieslLrno LakeslLefterslbno Lakes 2020 AUAR 135E Corridor 19523 5.docx