05-23-2006 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Y MnDOT Memo May 9, 2006 Page 2 of 3 • Benefit/cost Analysis: the through-town route has the highest benefit/cost ratio (3.7 versus 2.5) • Right of Way Impacts: The through-town route has the least right-of-way and relocation impacts • Wetlands: the through-town route has the least wetland impacts • Corridor Management: TH 371 North of Baxter is managed as an expressway with traffic signals and direct access to the highway. The through-town route best matches the existing corridor management philosophy. • Community Preference: The through-town route has the most community support. • IRC Performance Study: There is a minimal difference in IRC performance target when comparing the through-town route to bypass alternatives (i.e. even at the slower posted speed,the existing alignment alternative is just as fast as the bypasses). PUBLIC CONCERN I understand that there is public concern regarding the through-town decision. I also understand that the citizens may be asking the Council to put a question on the ballot regarding this decision. The LMC and the County Auditor have indicated that this is not possible. If this is pursued by the citizens, I recommend that we get a legal opinion from our attorney regarding this issue. Another issue I believe the public is concerned about is the cost to the City to go through town. I believe the City is doing all it can to bring the issue of cost to smaller cities for this type of a project to the legislature. Another point to be made is that negotiations are not complete with MnDOT and there may be room for MnDOT to increase its participation with the City within the guidelines of MnDOTS's cost participation policy. One other point to consider is that some of the items the City wishes to pursue with the highway expansion project may not have to be done at the same time as the highway project. And one final thought is that the City will continue to look for grant money to assist with all aspects of this project.