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JUL-10-1995 17:12 FROM ST. MARY'S MNPLS. CENItk TO 7843462 P.01 <br /> JFAX to City of Mounds View - 3462 <br /> FROM - Linka Holey, Director of institutional Research, Saint Mary's University - <br /> 874-9877 Ext. 112 <br /> July 9, 1995 <br /> TO: Members of the Mounds .ew City Council <br /> - / I • <br /> FR: Linka , ResLdent an• •-st member of the Trailways Advisory Group <br /> and the Focus 2000 - Housing and Neighborhood Task Force <br /> RE: Funding for Pedestrian Bridge across Highway 10 <br /> The concern over the division of our community by Highway 10 has been <br /> expressed since I moved into Mounds View in 1976. Both the social and safety <br /> implications have been widely discussed in many public forums. The <br /> construction of a pedestrian briJge is a vital response to this long-standing <br /> problem. f <br /> I was delighted to hear that the city had received a federal transportation grant <br /> with an unbelieveable match of 20/80 percent. As a former grant writer, I am <br /> well aware of theup front and background work required to obtain such a deal. <br /> My respect for the city staff continues to rise as I hear of this type of action on <br /> community-generated concerns. <br /> I was totally shocked to hear tilt the Council may not fund the 20% to secure <br /> the grant. I cannot comprehend why any Council member would vote against a <br /> highly public supported project.with such a positive return on investment. This <br /> project has support of ail ages within the population. Is this support not <br /> understood by the Council? Are there particular costs that make this project not <br /> as cost beneficial as one would expect? Even a 50/50 match would be good. <br /> I feel strongly that the Council should support this project. You can use this <br /> project to publicize your commitment to addressing big probems like the <br /> division of a city by a major higif way. Your attention to cost by successfully <br /> competing for the 20/80 grant 4 also an example of your fiscally conservative <br /> management approach. You saw the positive energy of a city brought together <br /> for the Festival in the Park today. The parade, the activities, and the fireworks <br /> were grand! The investment irif the symbolic and functional pedestrian bridge <br /> will bring you the same, if not rijore, public support as the annual festival has <br /> brought you today. <br /> ( <br />