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20 11 11 , e 9 0 • The NMMA Board of Directors has adopted the following 2002-2004 Work Plan. The 2002-2004 Work Plan includes tasks focused on: ■ transportation and transit projects, and related funding needs, ■ creation of new economic redevelopment and development tools and funding, ■ redistricting, ■ creation of additional funding resources for housing programs, ■ modifications to recent tax reform law, • protection of the current fiscal disparities law, ■ participate in the drafting of the Metropolitan Council Region Blue Print, and ■ public relations and marketing communication. These issue areas have been the "bread and butter"focus for the organization since inception and continue to be the primary focus as the Association works to achieve balanced public and private investment in the Region. TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT Background The State has not increased transportation funding since 1988, except for one-time funding for highway projects in the 1999 Session from State budget surpluses. Those funds are just now emerging in actual projects due to the start up time and effort needed to prepare the required documentation and design specifications. Despite this influx of additional funding, there are many unmet needs for funding for transportation improvement projects in NMMA cities and elsewhere in the State of Minnesota. The one-time funding did not address the needs for improved transit services in the State and metropolitan area. The need for adequate long term multi-modal funding remains a critical concern. NMMA has long operated under a collaborative principal that if a sister city in the North Metro area gets transportation and transit projects funded and constructed, regardless of location, the overall North Metro area transportation infrastructure system benefits. Thus, NMMA has been successful in securing federal, State and regional dollars over the years for numerous projects that would not have occurred but for the collaborative effort of NMMA members working together. The critical shortage of funding for transportation continues, in spite of the growth of population, employment, economic development and housing. This growth has placed increased pressure on existing transportation facilities, resulting in congestion, safety and access problems. The continued failure to adequately fund needed transportation improvements results in several significant impacts: • Delayed construction of needed improvements result in ultimately increased costs due to the escalating price of improvements currently.growing at 6-8% per year. • Delayed construction of needed improvements result in increased costs due to safety problems, congestion delays, air pollution and constraints on mobility and economic development. UMMMAN2002-2004 WorkPlan\FINAL2002-2004 NMMA Work Plan.doc