Transit, transportation issues dominate District Dialogue

Council Chair Peter Bell, Council members meet with officials in Ramsey County

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
(651) 602-1357

ST. PAUL – Aug. 26, 2009 – Ramsey County officials advocated for more transit investments in the east metro area during a meeting between members of the Ramsey County League of Local Governments and the Metropolitan Council Aug. 20.

Council Chair Peter Bell and Council members Rick Aguilar, Kirstin Sersland Beach, Georgie Hilker and Kris Sanda joined the group in Little Canada for the second meeting of the District Dialogues for 2009. The annual series provides an opportunity for Council officials to meet with city, county and state officials to discuss top local and regional concerns.

Bell noted that the Central Corridor project crossed a significant milestone last week by receiving a “Record of Decision” from the Federal Transit Administration that will position the project to move into the final design phase. Though there are still issues to resolve with the University of Minnesota, Bell said, the action also allows utility relocation work to continue through 2010, while those negotiations continue.

Bell said the Central Corridor is also a key piece of an east-metro multi-modal transit hub at the Union Depot, a project for which the Council expects to allocate $500,000 in transit bonding.

Several attendees asked about plans for additional transit improvements in the eastern metropolitan area, including options for those traveling both to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. One attendee cited the success of bus Route 288 from Forest Lake to Minneapolis, which was initiated following the collapse of the I-35W bridge. That route is being continued, as evidence there are both interest and potential riders along the northeast metro corridors.

Arlene McCarthy, director of Metropolitan Transportation Services, said transit alternatives are being analyzed for various east-metro corridors, including I-94, Highway 36, and I-35W, as identified in the Transportation Policy Plan approved by the Council in early 2009. In addition, the Rush Line corridor is in the midst of its public comment process.

The policy plan also identifies the Snelling Avenue/Highway 51 and East 7th and West 7th Street corridors in the east metro.

Ultimately, Bell said, projected ridership and geographic balance are key factors in developing transit corridors. “Density is the indispensable ingredient in transit,” he said.

Bell also updated the group on several other regional priorities, including the transit budget outlook following the 2009 legislative session, and future challenges related to funding streams that support wastewater treatment.

With fewer people purchasing cars, the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) revenues have dropped significantly and don’t provide adequate support for transit, Bell said. To support the budget, the Legislature approved some shifts in other funds, as well as use of federal stimulus funds.

“One of the things that the public is asking all of government to do is prioritize,” Bell said.

In terms of wastewater treatment funding, the Council is exploring some changes to manage the two sources of revenue – the Service Availability Charge (SAC) and the quarterly flow charges. With development at historic lows and a dry summer, the region is experiencing lower revenues for sewer infrastructure, Bell said.

Proceeds from the constitutional amendment to designate a portion of the state’s sales tax to the environment and arts are also improving park facilities in Ramsey County. And a new Regional Parks Foundation is working to raise funds to meet the Council’s challenge of increasing the current regional park system to nearly 70,000 acres and regional trail miles to 877.

Bell also thanked community leaders and their staff members for their efforts to submit comprehensive plan updates on time. Council staff members are currently reviewing the plans and several have already received Council approval.

“These plans give us a sense of our region and help us plan for efficient growth,” he said.

Several attendees raised the issue of greater coordination of planning efforts in a sub-regional manner – or across municipalities in a certain area. Rep. Alice Hausman from

St. Paul noted that when local communities work together to shed light on an issue on a sub-regional basis, they garner attention from the state and the Council.

Others agreed that east metro communities could collaborate more to promote issues and show value, particularly in terms of transit corridor development. Meetings such as the District Dialogue aid in those discussions.

“I’m really pleased to have this opportunity,” said Ady Wickstrom, president of the Ramsey County League of Local Governments, and Shoreview City Council member. “This has been a very valuable discussion, and I hope we can continue our conversations as we plan for the future.”

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. It runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, manages regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

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