Agenda Packets - 1995/12/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT PAGE TWO DECEMBER 4, 1995 Motorists would also need to purchase a transponder, a three inch by three inch box, and mount it in their vehicle. Each time the vehicle passed a toll reader on the road, the necessary information would be read by the Revenue Management System without requiring the driver to stop. The toll rate would then be billed to the drivers account. The cost of the transponder would range from $20 to $30. Any vehicle not traveling a toll road enough to warrant the purchase of a transponder would have an image of their vehicle taken by the toll reader and saved for toll collection later. What would happen if the tolls did not pay for the roads? According to Zauner, "It would be the investors' problem." PROJECT GOALS: Benefits, as mentioned by the development group, include: improved safety, reduced congestion, ramp meter bypass lanes (for a fee), and reduced pollution. TOLL RFP TIMELINE: July 26, 1995- MnDOT issued RFP November 22, 1995- Initial proposals were due February 29, 1996- Community support proposals due May 10, 1996- Commissioner approves proposals and the thirty day veto period starts COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The Minnesota Transportation Group has until February 29, 1996 to win community support for the proposed Highway 160 project before MnDOT will give serious consideration. Due to state law giving city councils veto power over toll projects, an early municipal veto would be likely to "knock the proposal out of consideration." Attached are informational articles, a letter from Robert Zauner, and an opposition stance from the North Metro Mayors Association (dated November 28, 1990). Sarah Nelson, of the North Metro Mayors states that 3/4 of the construction has already been funded; the only section of highway without funding is from 169 to 94. The 610 Crossing Coalition also opposes the proposed road toll for various reasons. I will keep Council updated on what is happening with the proposed toll on Highway 610. If you would like to speak will Robert Zauner directly, he can be reached at 858-9410. MnDOT's contact person is Bob Winter, who can be reached at 582-1357.