03-23-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director MEETING DATE: March 23, 2020 TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 20-28 Supporting Federal Funding for I 35E and County Road J Interchange Project VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 Vote Required INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting City Council consideration to support federal funding for the I-35E/CRJ Interchange Improvements. BACKGROUND The City Council passed a resolution on October 9, 2017 approving the Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) Report for the Centerville Road and County Road J intersection. The intersection is under the jurisdiction of multiple agencies including: the City of Lino Lakes, City of North Oaks, Anoka County and Ramsey County. These agencies, along with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), approved the report. Due to continued congestion and access issues in this corridor, Ramsey County, in coordination with Anoka County and the City of Lino Lakes, applied for Federal Funding for the I-35E and CR J interchange corridor in 2018. The proposed project included improvements between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road, including replacement of the bridge. While unsuccessful, the application established the groundwork for continued evaluation of the corridor. Over the past two year, congestion at Centerville Road and County Road J has continued to grow. Additionally, Mn/DOT has observed operational deficiencies and safety issues related to northbound off ramp backups onto 35E. In 2020, city staff partnered with Mn/DOT, Anoka and Ramsey County, City of North Oaks, White Bear Township, area businesses, White Bear Lake Chamber, NorthMetro Chamber and State Legislators to seek funding for the improvements. Every two years, the Regional Solicitation distributes federal transportation funds to locally initiated projects that meet regional transportation needs. Ramsey County is preparing an application, on behalf of the partnership, for funding available in 2022. Local support for the improvements is an important component of the application process. The City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), discussed the project at its February 6th meeting and recommended support for the project.