2019.01.23 CC Packet - Goal Setting Session

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Transportation • Metro Cities supports the broad goal of providing MSP-impacted communities greater representation on the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). Metro Cities wants to encourage continued communication between the MAC commissioners and the cities they represent. Balancing the needs of MAC, the business community and airport host cities and their residents requires open communication, planning and coordination. Cities must be viewed as partners with the MAC in resolving the differences that arise out of airport projects and the development of adjacent parcels. Regular contact between the MAC and cities throughout the project proposal process will enhance communication and problem solving. The MAC should provide full funding for noise mitigation for all structures in communities impacted by flights in and out of MSP; and • Metro Cities supports noise abatement programs and expenditures and the work of the Noise Oversight Committee to minimize the impacts of MAC operated facilities on neighboring communities. The MAC should determine the design and geographic reach of these programs only after a thorough public input process that considers the priorities and concerns of impacted cities and their residents. The MAC should provide full funding for noise mitigation for all structures in communities impacted by flights in and out of MSP. 5-J Funding for Non -Municipal State Aid (MSAS) City Streets Cities under 5,000 in population do not directly receive any non -property tax funds for collector and arterial streets. Cities over 5,000 residents have limited eligibility for dedicated Highway User Tax Distribution Fund dollars, which are capped by the state constitution as being available for up to twenty percent of streets. Current County State Aid Highway (CSAH) distributions to metropolitan counties are inadequate to provide for the needs of smaller cities in the metropolitan area. Possible funding sources include the five -percent set -aside account in the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, modification to county municipal accounts, street improvement districts, and/or state general funds. The 2015 Legislature created a Small Cities Assistance Account that is distributed through a formula to cities with populations under 5,000. While the account will remain in statute, future appropriations will have to be appropriated by future legislatures. Cities need long-term, stable, funding for street improvements and maintenance. Metro Cities supports additional resources and flexible policies to meet local infrastructure needs and increased demands on city streets. Metro Cities also supports sustainable state funding sources for non-MSAS city streets, including funding for the Small Cities Assistance Account as well as support for the creation and funding of a Large Cities Assistance Account. 5-K County State Aid Highway (CSAH) Distribution Formula Significant resource needs remain in the metro area CSAH system. Revenues provided by the Legislature for the CSAH system have resulted in a higher number of projects being completed, 2019 Legislative Policies 55