2017.01.17 CC Packet - Goal Setting Session

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GATEWAY GOLD LINE BUS RAPID TRANSIT Position: The Washington County Regional Railroad Authority (WCRRA) is requesting $3 million in state funds for engineering, environmental analysis, and preparation of an application to seek Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds. Issue: The Gateway Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit depends on State funding to continue development. This transitway is critical to providing east metro residents a public transportation option. Respondents to the 2015 Washington County Residential survey scored "availability of public transportation" as the lowest rated characteristic of Washington County. By 2030 communities along the corridor will grow by 40% and add more than 60,000 jobs. Every day more than 90,000 vehicles cross over the St. Croix River. By the time a commuter reaches downtown Saint Paul, the number of vehicles increases to 150,000. The project will create new, consistent, and all - day service within a dedicated guideway, in conjunction with existing express service. This will provide connections to key destinations, improve mobility, provide a cost-effective solution, promote economic development, and preserve community quality of life. In 2017, Gateway Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit will transition to the State to complete the project development phase of work, which includes completion of an environmental assessment and preliminary engineering (approximately 30% design). This will take approximately two years to complete. Support and Opposition: Support has come from the Gateway Corridor Commission; the Woodbury, Oakdale, and St. Paul business chambers; the Metropolitan Council; the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB), East Metro Strong, and others associated with the implementation of multi -modal transportation options. In addition, at a press conference in Woodbury on September 1, 2016, Governor Dayton announced he would include the $3 million state funding request in his 2017 bonding bill. In addition to the support of Governor Dayton, this project also enjoys bipartisan support from area legislators. Opposition may come from those opposed to expansion of transit in the region. Previous Consideration: The WCRRA requested $5 million in state bond funds in 2014 for this work and was awarded $2 million. The WCRAA requested the balance of $3 million in 2015 and 2016. This amount was not awarded. This request for the balance of $3 million is still needed to fully fund the next phase of work. No Action: The next phase requires approval from the FTA. The FTA will not grant approval until the state share of funding is committed to the project. If the request is not met, work will be delayed. The annual cost of a project delay is $15 million. Financial Implications: Allocation of $3 million in state funds for preliminary engineering would go towards the state's 10% overall share. Contact Person: Jan Lucke, Transit/Transportation Planning Manager Washington County Public Works 651-430-4316 14