HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.h. Federal Funding ApplicationsAGENDA ITEM: Federal Funding Applications
AGENDA SECTION:
Consent
PREPARED BY: Andrew J. Brotzler, PE, City Engineer WAGENDA
NO. °1.H,
ATTACHMENTS: Applications (3)
APPROVED BY:
0
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Authorize the Submittal of Federal Funding
Applications for the Following Projects: 1) TH Pedestrian Underpass; 2) TH 3 Aesthetic
Improvement; 3) Non motorized Railroad Crossings.
4 ROSEMOUNT
City Council Meeting: June 2, 2009
BACKGROUND:
The Metropolitan Council is beginning the 2009 Regional Solicitation of Federal Transportation Projects
for federal funding in federal fiscal years 2013 and 2014. Staff has prepared federal fund applications for
three potential candidate projects. As previously discussed at the February 11, 2009 Council Work Session
the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) is preparing the application for federal Congestion
Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds for the Downtown Park and Ride project. Therefore this project
and so it is not included in this list. The three potential projects with completed federal funding
applications attached for Council consideration are summarized below:
1. TH 3 Pedestrian Underpass
Application(s): Transportation Enhancement (FE)
Description:
CITY COUNCIL
2. TH 3 Aesthetic Improvement
Application: Transportation Enhancement (TE)
Description:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The city's Park Master Plan identifies the future construction of a grade
separated crossing of TH 3. In 2007, the Park and Recreation Commission
reviewed a feasibility report which addressed the proposed construction of
a pedestrian overpass of TH 3 at Connemara Trail and a pedestrian
underpass south of the Community Center at the Glen Rose development.
The preferred alternative was identified to be the future construction of a
pedestrian underpass. The estimated construction cost is $849,000. A local
share of 20% of the construction cost is necessary and has been identified
to be funded from park dedication funds or other available grant monies.
Connected with the downtown redevelopment, library and former St.
Joseph's Church site, staff has developed an application for Transportation
Enhancement funding to landscape the TH 3 corridor from 145t Street to
the Community Center. The application also includes the burying of
G: \Grants Applications \6 -2 -09 CC FederalFunding.doc
3. Non Motorized Railroad Crossings
overhead power lines and installation of lighting for the existing trail and
proposed trail extension to Connemara Trail. The estimated construction
cost is $345,000. A local share of 20% of the construction cost is necessary
and has been identified to be funded from future SKB funds.
Application: Transportation Enhancement (TE)
Description:
City staff has investigated the replacement and extension of railroad track
crossing surfaces on 145t Street and Biscayne Avenue to address the
deteriorated condition of the track crossing surfaces and to accommodate
the extension of trails and sidewalks across the railroad tracks. Through
discussions with the Union Pacific Rail, the railroad will participate in 50%
of the cost for replacement of the existing track crossing surface; the
extension of the track crossing surface to accommodate trail and sidewalk
crossings of the railroad tracks will be 100% local cost.
Staff has prepared an application for Transportation Enhancement funding
for the completion of the improvements. The estimated construction cost
is $455,000. A local share of 20% of the construction cost is necessary and
has been identified to be funded from Park Dedication funds, Municipal
State Aid funds, General Fund Street Maintenance budget for "Pedestrian
Improvements" or other grants.
The final applications are due June 15, 2009. Project applications are reviewed by Metropolitan Council in
October /November 2009 and funding scheduled to be awarded in December 2009 or January 2010.
SUMMARY:
Staff recommends City Council authorize submittal of the three federal funding applications as included
herein.
G: \Grants Applications \6 -2 -09 CC FederalFunding.doc 2
INSTRUCTIONS: Complete and return completed application to Kevin Roggenbuck,
Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Advisory Board, 390 North Robert
St., St. Paul, Minnesota 55101. (651) 602 -1728. Form 1 needs to be filled out
electronically. Please go to Metropolitan Council's website for instructions.
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM or postmarked on June 15, 2009. *Be sure
to complete and attach the Project Information form. (Form 2)
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. APPLICANT: City of Rosemount
Office Use
Only
2. JURISDUCTIONAL AGENCY (IF DIFFERENT):
3. MAILING ADDRESS: 2875 145 Street West
CITY: Rosemount
STATE: MN ZIP CODE: 55068
4. COUNTY: Dakota
5. CONTACT PERSON: Andy Brotzler, PE
TITLE: City Engineer
PHONE NO.
(651)322 -2025
CONTACT E -MAIL ADDRESS: andy .brotzler @ci.rosemount.mn.us
II. PROJECT INFORMATION
6. PROJECT NAME: TH 3 Aesthetic Improvement
7 .BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION for database (Include location, road name, type of improvement, etc... A
more complete description must be submitted later in the application): TH 3 is the gateway from the north
into the developed and developing portion of Rosemount. The proposed project corridor extends from 143 St W to
Connemara Trl. There are important civic buildings on the west side of corridor, including schools and the
Rosemount Community Center, and significant residential development is anticipated to the east. This stretch of TH
3 has a rural section design and has the feel of a rural highway. The City proposes to add a 1500 -foot trail segment
on the west side, linking two trails along TH 3 and Connemara TrI. The City will also enhance the aesthetics of the
project corridor and make it more consistent with the aesthetic treatments that the City recently implemented for TH 3
between 143 St W and CSAH 42. This will include burying the overhead power utilities west of the roadway (entire
corridor); adding decorative lighting and landscaping treatments adjacent to an existing trail on the west side of the
roadway; and adding landscaping treatments on the east side of the roadway (between 143 St W and 140 Circle).
8. TE PROJECT CATEGORY Check only one project
considered (see p. 85).
Environmental Bicycle /Pedestrian
III. PROJECT
9 Are you applying for funds from another source(s)
If yes, please identify the source(s):
grouping in which you wish your
project to be
Historic /Archaeological
No0
i1Streetscape
FUNDING
to implement this project? Yes
10. FEDERAL AMOUNT: $276,000
13. SOURCE OF MATCH FUNDS: City of Rosemount
11. MATCH AMOUNT: $69,000
14. MATCH OF PROJECT TOTAL: 20
12. PROJECT TOTAL: $345,000
2014
15. PROGRAM YEAR: .1 2013
16. SIGNATURE
17. TITLE: City Engineer
Federal Transuortation Enhancement Fund Application
PROJECT INFORMATION (Form 2)
(To be used to assign State Aid Project Number after project is selected)
Please fill in the following information as it pertains to your proposed project. Items that do not
apply to your project, please label N /A. Do not send this form to the State Aid Office. For
project solicitation package only.
COUNTY, CITY, OR LEAD AGENCY: City of Rosemount COUNTY OR CITY NO.: 208
FUNCTIONAL CLASS OF ROAD: "A" Minor Arterial (Expander)
ROAD SYSTEM: TH (TH, CSAH, MSAS, CO. RD., TWP. RD., CITY STREET)
ROAD NO.: 3
NAME OF ROAD: Robert Trail (Example; 1st ST., MAIN AVE)
LOCATION: From: Connemara Trail
To: 143 Street West (DO NOT INCLUDE LEGAL DESCRIPTION)
SECTION TOWNSHIP -RANGE OF ONE END OF PROJECT: T115, R19, S29
TYPE OF WORK: Bike Bath, Decorative Trail Lights, Bury Overhead Utilities, Landscaping
(Examples: GRADE, AGG BASE, BIT BASE, BIT SURF, SIDEWALK, CURB AND GUTTER,
STORM SEWER, SIGNALS, LIGHTING, GUARDRAIL, BIKE PATH, PED RAMPS, ETC.)
BRIDGE /CULVERT PROJECTS
OLD BRIDGE /CULVERT NO.N /A NEW BRIDGE/CULVERT NO.N /A
STRUCTURE IS OVER N/A
NAME OF TWP.: N/A
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS PROJECTS PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Please provide the following general information about your proposal. Failure to provide this
information will result in the application being disqualified.
Provide a map of the project location within the context of its city and county.
Describe the opportunity that the proposed project is taking advantage of or the nature of the problem
that it aims to address:
Rosemount is a 151-year-old community that seeks to maintain its hometown feel in the face of
substantial growth and changes in transportation and aesthetic trends. The TE project proposed here
meets the challenges of development patterns in the 21s' century while enhancing the walkability of
the community and preserving the central business district from the pressures of suburban sprawl,
meeting the needs of a growing and diverse population for alternatives to the use of private vehicles
for some of their travel.
A regional location map is provided as Figure 1, attached. The project location on a City scale is
identified on Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the project corridor and the enhancement elements proposed
in this TE application. The project location is along TH 3 between 143'' Street West and Connemara
Trail in Rosemount. The location is a highly traveled section of TH 3 that does not have the same
visual and pedestrian treatment as the southern portion of TH 3 through the urbanized portion of
Rosemount.
A new 1500 foot trail segment connecting two terminated paths along TH 3, an "A" Minor Arterial
and Connemara Trail, a designated Major Collector, is proposed. Construction did not occur
previously due to difficult topography and lack of development in the northern portion of the area.
Recent developments, including an affordable rental townhouse project constructed by Dakota
County Community Development Agency at the northwest corner of Connemara Trail and TH 3,
demands that the access link be installed. The alignment will skirt around an existing cemetery and
will need some retaining wall work to ensure the trail has appropriate grades. The link to the south
serves as the regional gateway into Downtown Rosemount, which is a destination for residents north
of the project. It is expected that both future trail extensions and the City's redevelopment of its
Downtown will continue to draw both local and regional users to the trails system along TH 3.
As part of previous enhancement projects along TH 3, Downtown aesthetic treatments were
completed in 2000 and 2002 from 143 Street south to CSAH 42. Between Connemara Trail and
143r Street West, TH 3 has a rural section design with overhead power lines; thus, the overall
appearance of the roadway and the pedestrian experience are very different from the Downtown area
south of 143 Street West. The City made a significant investment to make TH 3 south of 143 Street
West an aesthetically pleasing design, including removal of overhead power lines, installation of
decorative lighting, landscaping and other features. The unenhanced roadway section between
Connemara Trail and 143 Street West has the potential to be well traveled by pedestrians and
bicyclists. Important civic attractions are in close proximity, including Rosemount Elementary,
Middle and High Schools and the Rosemount Community Center, and the new Dakota County library.
City Hall and Central Park are immediately south of the project site.
1
Project Element
Estimated Cost
Bury overhead utilities
$150,000
Decorative lighting
$125,000
Trees and general landscaping
25,000
Trail (includes necessary retaining
wall)
45,000
Total
$345,000
Provide a description (no more than one page) of the project.
The proposed project is summarized on Figure 3. Today, a pedestrian/bike linkage is missing in this
highly traveled corridor. With the City's efforts to revitalize its Downtown, and the important civic
buildings in the area, pedestrians and cyclists need to reach important destinations without using the
automobile. Consistent with the goals of the City's Development Framework for Downtown
Rosemount, the City set out goals of pedestrian access, increasing TOD opportunities and promoting
the Downtown as a gathering place. Installation of the trail link would further the implementation of
those goals. In an effort to enhance the corridor and create a sense of place along TH 3 for
pedestrians, including recreational users and students, and for bicyclists using the constructed trail
on the west side of TH 3 to access Downtown Rosemount, the City proposes to bury overhead electric
utilities for the entire length of the project corridor. In addition, decorative lighting will be installed
along the trail to provide additional safety. Landscape treatment along the trail and roadway,
primarily between 142 Street West and 143 Street West, will provide additional continuity with the
aesthetic treatment to the south. The proposed improvements will significantly enhance the human
scale experience for pedestrians, bicyclists and travelers using the roadway.
The estimated eligible costs for the project are summarized in the following Table:
2
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS PROJECTS QUALIFYING CRITERIA
Projects must be coordinated with all affected communities and other levels and units of government. The
applicant must show that the project meets each of the following ten qualifying criteria to qualify for
scoring under the prioritizing criteria. Answer each criterion in a numbered sequence. Failure to
respond to any of the qualifying criteria will result in a recommendation to disqualify your project.
1. Qualifying Activities. The applicant must show that the proposed project falls under at least one of
the following list of twelve qualifying activities and must state the specific category(ies) the project
qualifies under. The list of qualifying TE activities provided in 23 U.S.C. 101(ax35) of SAFETEA-
LU is intended to be exclusive, not illustrative. That is, only those activities listed therein are eligible
as TE activities.
1. Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.
2. Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites including historic battlefields.
4. Scenic or historic highway programs (including the provision of tourist and welcome center
facilities).
5. Landscaping and other scenic beautification.
6. Historic preservation.
7. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities (including
historic railroad facilities and canals).
8. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use thereof for
pedestrian or bicycle trails).
9. Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising.
10. Archaeological planning and research.
11. Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle
caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity.
12. Establishment of transportation museums.
One or more of these activities must constitute at least 70% of the project cost. Unlisted ancillary
activities such as paving a parking lot, constructing buildings or providing restrooms must constitute
no more than 30% of the total project cost. Applicants whose project is part of a larger transportation
project must provide a construction cost summary demonstrating that at least 70% of the project is
eligible for Transportation Enhancement funds.
Many projects include a number of activities some which are on this list and others that are not.
Only those project activities that are on the list may be counted as TE activities. For example, a rest
area might include a historic site purchased and developed as an interpretive site illustrating local
history. The historic site purchase and development would qualify as a transportation enhancement
activity.
Work that is made possible because a project presents an opportunity to improve and enhance the
environment and or aesthetics in the vicinity of a project may be eligible for enhancement funding.
For example, a construction project may present an opportunity to improve the condition of an
adjacent stream bed to improve water quality, construct a vital link for a community bikeway system
and develop a landscaped green area to enhance the downtown environment.
Activities that are not explicitly on the list may qualify if they are an integral part of a larger
qualifying activity. For example, if the rehabilitation of a historic railroad station required the
construction of new drainage facilities, the entire project could be considered for TE funding.
3
RESPONSE: The proposed project falls under Item 1 and 5 of the list of qualifying TE activities: (1)
Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, and (5) Landscaping and other scenic
beautification.
2. The funded activities must be accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad segment of the
general public, and must be ADA compliant.
RESPONSE: The proposed project will be accessible to the general public and, where applicable,
will be ADA compliant.
3. Projects must relate to surface transportation.
Project Linkage (from federal guidance)
To comply with Federal guidelines for eligibility there are two basic considerations:
Is the proposed action one of the listed activities in the TE defmition in SAFETEA -LU?
How does the proposed action relate to surface transportation?
The applicant must provide a clear statement describing this linkage.
The defmition of TE activities includes the phrase, "transportation enhancement activities means,
with respect to any project or the area to be served by the project, any of the following activities, if
such activity relates to surface transportation:..."
The nature of a proposed TE project's relationship to surface transportation should be discussed in the
project proposal that you submit. For example, where runoff from an existing highway contaminates
an adjacent water resource and a transportation enhancement activity is proposed to mitigate the
pollution caused by the run off a clear highway or transportation relationship exists. Another example
might involve the acquisition of a scenic easement. The acquisition would be in connection with the
preservation of a scenic vista related to travel along a specific route.
Where a TE activity is for acquisition for scenic preservation purposes, and proposes to contribute to
the visual experience of the traveler, but is a substantial distance away with respect to a highway or
transportation project, the TE activity must be determined to make a substantial contribution to the
scenic viewshed.
Given the nature of the list of eligible activities, it is not necessary that each TE activity be associated
with a specific surface transportation project to be eligible for funding. Examples which illustrate this
include: the rehabilitation of a historic train structure, the provision of a bike or pedestrian path, or the
establishment of a transportation museum.
Proximity to a highway or transportation facility alone is not sufficient to establish a relationship to
surface transportation. Additional discussion, beyond proximity, is needed in the TE project proposal
to establish the relationship to transportation. For example, an historic barn that happened to be
adjacent to a particular highway facility would not automatically be considered eligible for TE funds
simply because of its location; visibility to the traveler in a way that substantially enhances the
traveling experience could qualify. Specific documentation of the enhanced experience is required;
conversely, a historic structure, such as the barn in the above example, could not be disqualified from
consideration because it was not adjacent to a particular Federal -aid facility, as long as some other
relationship to surface transportation could be established.
It is not necessary to have a TE activity function as an active transportation facility, either past or
current, to qualify as an eligible TE activity. For example, a scenic or historic site may have a
relationship to transportation but not function as a transportation facility.
4
Once a relationship to surface transportation is established, TE activities can be implemented in a
number of ways. For example, they can be developed as parts of larger joint development projects, or
as stand -alone projects.
RESPONSE: The proposed project contains two of the eligible TE activities as identified above.
Provision of the trail linkage will provide an opportunity for alternate transportation modes
paralleling an existing "A" Minor Arterial. The project also represents installation of a missing link
in the overall local system which connects neighborhoods from the north to the core Downtown and
its retail, amenities, and community gathering spots. As part of the project, the City will enhance the
visual appeal of the corridor by extending the landscape treatment already installed south of the site
along TH 3. Landscaping, undergrounding of power lines, and decorative lighting will create a more
aesthetic experience for vehicular travelers, both local and regional, using this gateway roadway into
Rosemount. With street lighting, it will also create a safer and more inviting environment for
pedestrians and bicyclists using the trail network along TH 3.
4. The project must be included in, be part of, or relate to a problem, need or direction discussed in: 1) a
local or county comprehensive plan found to be consistent with Metropolitan Council plans; 2) a
locally approved capital improvement program; 3) an officially adopted corridor study reflected in the
local plan; or 4) the official plan or program of the applicant agency. The applicant must reference
the appropriate comprehensive plan, CIP, corridor study document, or other plan or program and
provide copies of the applicable pages. Because all communities in the seven- county Twin Cities
region are currently in the process of updating their local comprehensive plans, applications in the
2009 Solicitation may be for projects included in the most recent local comprehensive plan that was
found to be consistent with Metropolitan Council plans. It also must not conflict with the goals and
policies in these adopted regional plans: the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, the 2030 Regional
Framework, and the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. Trail projects that claim to be part of the
regional trail network as defined in the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan must be identified in a
Metropolitan Council approved trail master plan.
RESPONSE: The trail segment proposed for installation is part of the approved sidewalk and trail
plan. The Plan was adopted by the City in 2005. The plan is attached to this funding application.
Beatification of the gateways into Downtown is consistent with the goals and policies of the
Development Framework for Downtown Rosemount approved in 2004. Relevant pages are attached
to this application.
5. Typically a transportation project involves mitigation, work in addition to immediate construction
activities, that is negotiated with permitting agencies and local governments as a condition of
obtaining permit approval. Activities that are normally part of the mitigation of a transportation
project are not eligible.
NOT ELIGIBLE Work that is required as a condition of obtaining a permit or concurrence for a
different transportation project is not eligible for enhancement funding. For example, a city may
require a highway expansion project to include streetscape enhancements in order to gain municipal
consent. In that case, streetscape work performed to satisfy the municipal consent requirement is not
eligible for Transportation Enhancement funding. Federal permitting and authorizing agencies may
include the U.S. Forest Service, U. S. Corps of Engineers, and others. State permitting agencies may
include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office. Regional agencies may include watershed
districts and metropolitan planning organizations. Local agencies may include counties and cities.
RESPONSE: The proposed project is not a mitigation element of another construction project.
6. The applicant must assure it will operate and maintain the property and facility of the project for the
useful life of the improvement, and not change the use of any right -of -way acquired without prior
approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
5
The FHWA requires that states agree to operate and maintain facilities constructed with federal
transportation funds for the useful life of the improvement, and not change the use of any right -of-
way acquired without prior approval from the FHWA. TAB has determined that this requirement will
be applied to the project applicant. FHWA considers most physical constructions and total
reconstructions to have a useful design life of 10 years or more, depending on the nature of the
project. Bridge constructions and total reconstructions are considered to have useful lives of 50 years.
The useful life of the project will be defined in the inter agency maintenance agreement that must be
prepared and signed prior to the project letting.
RESPONSE: The City of Rosemount will maintain the improvements associated with the proposed
project through their useful lives. The City will not change the use of any right -of -way acquired
without prior approval from Mn/DOT and FHWA.
7. Projects must have an estimated total cost of at least $125,000. There are significant federal project
processing requirements that come with federal funds. These requirements translate into
expenditures of time and money on the parts of both the agency proposing/developing the project
and the state agency administering the federal funds for the project. Project applicants can "bundle"
projects together to meet this minimum. (Example: bundled projects could consist of signing and
lighting a number of bike trails in several counties.) Communities may want to consider using joint
powers agreements for implementing bundled projects.
RESPONSE: The eligible costs associated with the proposed project are in excess of $125,000.
8. TAB will not award more than $1,000,000 in TE funds to a specific project. Other federal funds
may be combined with TE funds.
RESPONSE: The requested TE grant amount is less than $1,000,000.
9. Projects must have an assured local (nonfederal funds) match of at least 20% of the estimated total
cost of the proposed project. At the time of application, the applicant must assure the local match will
be available when the project is authorized in the requested program year. If the applicant expects
any other agency to provide part of the local match, the applicant must include a letter or resolution
from the other agency agreeing to financially participate. TAB will not award additional points for
providing a match in excess of 20
The local match can be provided in the form of cash up front "hard dollars" or a "soft match A
"soft match" may include donated labor or construction materials if adequate documentation of its
equivalent dollar value and availability can be provided. Donated labor must have expertise and
experience in the type of labor required for the project and valued at rates consistent with rates
ordinarily paid for similar work. Some type of time sheet must support donated labor. Donated
materials, e.g., railroad ties, asphalt pavement, or wiring necessary to run a street car, must meet all
standards and specifications. Caution in using a "soft match" should be taken to ensure the donated
materials or labor during actual construction does not fall below the 20% non federal match required
to be able to receive 100% of the federal funds. Applicants wishing to use a soft match should first
contact John Lindemer at Mn/DOT at 651/366 -3764 to determine its value and eligibility.
RESPONSE: The City will provide a 20% hard match to the project, consistent with the
requirements of the grant.
10. Proposed designs for bikeways and for combined bike /pedestrian facilities must meet MN/DOT State
Aid standards. Exceptions to the State Aid standards may be granted during final design if warranted
based on social, economic or environmental alternatives, not through this solicitation process.
Failure to meet the standards or justify exemptions will result in the loss of federal funds.
RESPONSE: The City of Rosemount understands that applicable design elements involving the trail
portion of this project must meet Mn/DOT State Aid standards. If Design Exceptions are required,
they would be addressed through State Aid's final design process, not through this federal funding
solicitation process.
6
11. Projects must be coordinated with all affected communities and other levels and units of government.
Coordination is defined as written communication from the applicant to all affected communities
informing them of the project. The applicant must provide a copy of the written communication as
proof of coordination.
RESPONSE: The proposed project will involve close coordination with Mn/DOT, which owns and
maintains TH 3. A letter of support for the proposed project from Mn/DOT is attached. A letter of
support for the project from the Rosemount Senior High School Principal is also attached.
7
TE PROJECTS PRIORITIZING CRITERIA
Instead of the past practice of having general prioritizing criteria to which all projects must respond, the
prioritizing criteria are now split into category and general/integrative criteria, as outlined on the
following pages. Projects will be scored through the category and general/integrative criteria as follows:
a) Category Criteria. All applications must be submitted in one of three categories: Scenic and
Environmental; Bicycle and Pedestrian; and Historical and Archaeological. Applicants must submit
their project under the proper category as outlined below. However, projects that incorporate more
than one of the eligible TE activities will receive priority under the third category criterion,
Relationship Between Categories. If prospective applicants are uncertain which category most
appropriately includes their project, they should contact Council staff.
The 12 Qualifying Activities (as listed and described in Qualifying Criterion #1 on previous pages)
fall under those 3 categories as follows:
1. Scenic and Environmental:
QA 0, Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;
QA #4, Scenic or historic highway programs;
A QA #9, Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising; and
QA #11, Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or
reduce vehicle caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity.
2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections:
A QA #1, Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists;
QA #2, Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists; and
QA #8, Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use
thereof for pedestrian and bicycle trails).
3. Historic and Archaeological:
QA #6, Historic preservation (with relationship to transportation, see Qualifying Criterion
#2);
QA #7, Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or
facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals);
A QA #10, Archaeological planning and research (with relationship to transportation, see
Qualifying Criterion #2); and
A QA #12, Establishment of transportation museums.
4. Streetscape/Pedestrian Enhancements:
A QA #5, Landscaping and other scenic beautification;
QA #1, Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
b) Final Ranking. The Category Criteria scores will be added to the Maturity of Project Concept
criterion score to give fmal project scores. Projects will be ranked against other applications in their
category to develop four ranked lists of TE projects, which will be evaluated all together by a
multidisciplinary team of scorers, who will develop a single list of recommended projects. The TAB
may or may not choose to fund projects from each category.
8
Transportation Enhancements Category Criteria (800 points)
Each qualified project will be scored under five common category criteria within its TE project group:
urgency; impact; relationship between TE categories; and relationship to intermodal/multimodal
transportation; and implementation of the Development Framework. This will allow projects to be scored
under these criteria relatively equally across the different categories while addressing the particular
attributes of the project type. An explanation of each of the four common category criteria and reasons
for their inclusion follows:
1. Urgency /Significance. This criterion measures how critical or time sensitive the problem is that is
being addressed by a regionally significant project. Examples might include seizing a timely
opportunity to preserve a scarce or endangered resource or addressing a critical need.
2. Impact. This criterion quantifies the benefit from the project, without specifically relating it to how
the larger public will benefit (that calculation will be made in part 2. of the general/integrative
criteria).
3. Relationship between Categories. This criterion is being presented under the assumption that the
region recognizes that there is a value in having projects that provide more than one of the eligible TE
activities. Examples might include the reconstruction of a bicycle /pedestrian trail leading to a historic
transportation structure.
4. Relationship to Intermodal/Multimodal Transportation System. This criterion measures how the
proposed project clearly and credibly relates to the surface transportation system. Surface
transportation is defined to include all modes of travel with the exception of aviation and military
transportation. Federal TE guidance states that proximity to a transportation facility alone is not
sufficient to establish a relationship.
5. Development Framework. This criterion measures how the proposed project relates to the goals for
land use development, resource protection and transportation described in the 2030 Regional
Development Framework and 2030 Transportation Policy Plan.
Streetscape/Pedestrian Enhancements (Qualifying Activities 1 5)
1. Urgency /Significance (250 points). Discuss if/how the project proposes or addresses each of the
following:
Takes advantage of a time- sensitive opportunity, e.g., a willing landowner, cost savings,
affiliation with another project, competing development opportunities
RESPONSE: There is not a major time- sensitive opportunity associated with the proposed
project. However, development in the area, including an affordable housing project and the
redevelopment activities in the Rosemount Downtown, now make the trail link more important
than before, when development in the area was somewhat limited.
Addresses a significant opportunity, un -met need or problem as relates to the development of
a pedestrian transportation network or providing a safe and pleasant pedestrian route and
supporting transit riders.
RESPONSE: Currently, there is a multi -use trail along the west side of TH 3 and along
Connemara Trail, a major collector in the community. The ability to link these two trails will
provide connectivity currently lacking in the City system. The resulting trail corridor provides
non motorized access to a number of public facilities and resources including the elementary,
middle and high schools, the Rosemount Community Center, National Guard Armory, Carrolls
Woods Park and Schwarz Pond Park The proposed lighting will make use of this trail safer,
and the aesthetic treatments including the decorative nature of the lights and landscaping will
make the route more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.
9
2. Impact (250 points). Discuss how the project addresses each element below. Projects will score
higher if it is located on an important transit route and significantly improves the pedestrian
environment.
Describe the existing conditions for pedestrian safety and circulation along the project
segment.
RESPONSE: There currently is an 8-foot multi -use trail west of TH 3 extending from 143
Street West north to 150 Circle. The project extends the trail north to Connemara Trail,
providing safer and better pedestrian access from the northerly neighborhoods to the Downtown.
This link has been missing and therefore pedestrian safety and security have been decreased from
what is desirable in a local trail system. The addition of the link will address this problem. At
143 Street West, the trail connects to 5-foot sidewalk, which extends on both sides of TH 3 south
to CSAH 42.
The current trail segment in the project corridor is under overhead power utilities, is open to the
roadway, and is illuminated only by high cobra streetlights. Removal of the overhead power lines
and the introduction of additional landscaping and trail lighting will enhance the
pedestrian/bicyclist experience and provide additional safety to users..
Describe all functional improvements to pedestrian safety and circulation that will be
included as part of this project (such as sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals,
etc.)
RESPONSE: The project will include a trail segment which will provide corridor safety by
separating motorized from non motorized traffic. All applicable State Aid design standards
involving safety will be addressed in the project.
Provides more than a local benefit: What are the number of transit lines and the daily
frequency of transit service along the segment of roadway being improved and on any
roadways connecting to the segment of roadway being improved?
RESPONSE: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) currently operates express transit
service to and from downtown Minneapolis with a stop at the Rosemount Community Center,
which can be accessed with the existing multi -use trail west of TH 3. The southerly access point
to the Community Center is across from 140`" Circle. There are two buses north to downtown
Minneapolis in the morning, and two buses south from Minneapolis in the late afternoon. This
commuter service has been operating since fall 2009. Modifications to the route to increase local
ridership will be implemented later this year.
Provides benefit to significant numbers of people: Metropolitan Council staff will determine
this by using the population and employment density within one mile of the project area.
Is the roadway being improved in a business district? If so, describe the business district
(number of businesses, nature of businesses, etc.).
RESPONSE: The proposed project is an extension of an effort completed by the City in 2003 -04
to improve the aesthetics and sense of place along TH 3 through the traditional Downtown
district. Consistent with a traditional downtown, existing businesses are a combination of retail
and professional services. It is estimated that 55 businesses are currently located within
Rosemount's Downtown. The City is implementing an extensive Downtown Revitalization effort
and received a Livable Communities grant from the Metropolitan Council to assist in the first
phase, Waterford Commons. This is a mixed -use project that contains 108 rental units, including
20% affordable, and 13,000-square feet of commercial space. Dakota County opened a new
Rosemount library in February 2009, which is located at the north end of the Downtown, near
the proposed project.
10
What pedestrian amenities will be installed with the project (vegetation, benches, wayfmding,
pedestrian-scale lighting, etc.)?
RESPONSE: The project will include the trail link, landscaping including boulevard plantings
consistent with other sections of the corridor, and trail lighting.
Describe the design intent for the landscaping improvements being proposed. Provide any
visual examples or plans if they are available.
RESPONSE: Landscaping will primarily involve equally spaced deciduous tree boulevard
plantings. Some additional native species will be grouped in several locations to add color and
provide screening from the trail.
3. Relationship between Categories (100 points). Projects will score higher if they provide
multiple benefits toward the purpose of the Transportation Enhancements program. Applicants should
review the respective category criteria to determine the extent to which the project relates to the other
two categories:
What is the relationship with the Bicycle/Pedestrian Connections group? Does the project
include amenities or facilities for bicycles? Does it facilitate any new connections pedestrian
or bicycle connections?
RESPONSE: As discussed previously, the proposed project will provide a critical link in the
local trail system: connecting growing residential neighborhoods to the core Downtown. The
enhancements proposed as part of the project will enhance the experience of the trail user by
providing more appropriate lighting, removing overhead power lines, and installing attractive
landscaping.
What is the relationship to the Environmental group? For example, how does the project
provide a natural resource enhancement and address environmental mitigation?
RESPONSE: The proposed project will make the trail adjacent to TH 3 safer and more inviting
for non motorized travel. This trail can be used to access Carrolls Woods Park and Schwarz
Pond Park. The proposed project will increase the utilization of these natural areas.
What is the relationship to the Historic and Archaeological group? For example, how does
the project take advantage of or enhance historic and cultural resources or provide
orientation/interpretation to users?
RESPONSE: There is not anticipated to be a substantial relationship to the Historic and
Archaeological Group.
4. Relationship to Intermodal/Multimodal Transportation System (100 points). Discuss how
the project will function as a component and/or enhancement of the transportation system:
How will the project benefit multiple modes of transportation? An example of a project that
would do this would be a project connecting to a transit center or on an important transit route
or a project that is a component of a transit oriented development.
RESPONSE: The proposed project will enhance non motorized access to the express transit
service along TH 3 as discussed previously. It will be an extension of improvements to the
bike /pedestrian system, which links to the historic Downtown area. This area has mixed land
uses and a comprehensive sidewalk network. The City is currently in the process of implementing
a Downtown revitalization plan, and enhanced non- motorized access to the Downtown area will
be a beneficial part of this process.
11
Development Framework (100 points)
How does the project improve the accessibility and ease of use of transit?
RESPONSE: The proposed project will improve non motorized access to the express transit
service along TH 3 as discussed previously.
General Criteria (200 points)
Maturity of Project Concept. 200 points
Projects selected through this solicitation will be programmed for construction in 2013 or 2014. That is a
fairly long time but it takes several years to complete preliminary engineering, environmental studies and
acquire right -of -way. The region must manage the federal funds in each year of the TIP. Projects that are
not implemented in their original program year create problems. Proposed projects that have already
completed some of the work is a plus. A schedule is important to know what kind of work might be
needed. Large projects that need right -of -way require more work than others that do not.
0-200 points Applications involving construction must complete the project implementation
schedule found in Appendix K. A detailed schedule of events is expected for all
phases of the project. Applications involving non construction projects must
include a detailed discussion of the timeframes involved for initiating and
completing each phase of planned activities. Points under this criterion are
assigned based on how many steps have been taken toward implementation of the
project. These steps reflect a federally funded project development path.
TOTAL: 1000 POINTS
RESPONSE: Please see attached Project Implementation Schedule
12
c
a L
Q a
mE
c g
171
C a. p S e
C 2
CU I
L
a
W
u
Q
N I 4
n
O
Z
V
v
B
B
u_
0
0
0
ci
0
7.11 0
a
a
c E
W c
a
m
1
1 -a
W M
tL
N H
142nd: St'
„"H:
1131 k
Install Landscaping
Proposed Bituminous Trail
Existing Facilities
Bituminous Trail
Sidewalk
Jr-- Railroad
Legend
Proposed Improvements
WEZEIDBury Overhead Utilities
Install Decorative Trail Lighting
osernount
Elementar`School'
c ry-
ROSEMOUNT SAFETEA LU TE Funding Application
MINNESOTA TH 3 Aesthetic and Trail Improvements
IFile: T:\petedSRosemount 2009 Fed Funding Apps \TH 3 Aesthetic and Trail \Graphics\Project_Map.rnxd, May 26. 2009 11:47:59 AM
Figure 3
0 350 Feet
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachments will be included in the final submittal to the Metropolitan Council
Letter of support for project from Mn/DOT
Letter of support for project from Rosemount Sr. High School
Rosemount Pedestrian Facilities Improvement Plan (2005)
Material from City's Development Framework for Downtown Rosemount (2004)
applicable to aesthetic and "character" improvements for the downtown area and access
into it
Project implementation schedule
INSTRUCTIONS: Complete and return completed application to Kevin Roggenbuck,
Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Advisory Board, 390 North Robert
St., St. Paul, Minnesota 55101. (651) 602 -1728. Form 1 needs to be filled out
electronically. Please go to Metropolitan Council's website for instructions.
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM or postmarked on June 15, 2009. *Be sure
to complete and attach the Project Information form. (Form 2)
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. APPLICANT: City of Rosemount
Office Use
Only
2. JURISDUCTIONAL AGENCY (IF DIFFERENT):
3. MAILING ADDRESS: 2875145 Street West
CITY: Rosemount
STATE: MN f ZIP CODE: 55068
4. COUNTY: Dakota
5. CONTACT PERSON: Andy Brotzler, PE
TITLE: City Engineer
PHONE NO.
(651)322 -2025
CONTACT E -MAIL ADDRESS: andy.brotzler @ci.rosemount.mn.us
II. PROJECT INFORMATION
6. PROJECT NAME: Non motorized Railroad Crossings
7 .BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION for database (Include location, road name, type of improvement, etc... A
more complete description must be submitted later in the application): The proposed project has two
elements, both of which involve closing gaps in non motorized facilities and providing associated railroad crossings.
The first location is at 145 Street West where it crosses the Union Pacific line and the Progressive Rail line just east
of Brazil Avenue. The second location is on Biscayne Avenue were it crosses the Union Pacific line south of Belfast
Street West. The 145 street element will include construction of approximately 225 feet of concrete sidewalk, and
approximately 400 feet of bituminous trail. The Biscayne Avenue element will include approximately 2,300 feet of
concrete sidewalk, and approximately 150 feet of bituminous trail. Closing these gaps will enhance the connectivity
and safety of the existing non motorized facility network serving Rosemount.
8. TE PROJECT CATEGORY Check only one project
considered (see p. 85).
grouping in which you wish your project to be
❑Streetscape Historic /Archaeological
Environmental ►1 Bicycle /Pedestrian
III. PROJECT FUNDING
9 Are you applying for funds from another source(s) to implement this project? Yes No
If yes, please identify the source(s):
L
10. FEDERAL AMOUNT: $364,000
13. SOURCE OF MATCH FUNDS: City of Rosemount with
contribution from Union Pacific Railroad
11. MATCH AMOUNT: $91,000
14. MATCH OF PROJECT TOTAL: 20
12. PROJECT TOTAL: $455,000
2014
15. PROGRAM YEAR: 2013
16. SIGNATURE
17. TITLE: City Engineer
Federal Transportation Enhancement Fund Application
St W
PROJECT INFORMATION (Form 2)
(To be used to assign State Aid Project Number after project is selected)
Please fill in the following information as it pertains to your proposed project. Items that do not
apply to your project, please label N /A. Do not send this form to the State Aid Office. For
project solicitation package only.
COUNTY, CITY, OR LEAD AGENCY: City of Rosemount COUNTY OR CITY NO.: 208
FUNCTIONAL CLASS OF ROAD: 145 St W: Major Collector; Biscayne Ave: Major Collector
ROAD SYSTEM: 145 St W: MSAS; Biscayne Ave: MSAS (TH, CSAH, MSAS, CO. RD., TWP.
RD., CITY STREET)
ROAD NO.: 145 St W: 103; Biscayne Ave: 108
NAME OF ROAD: 145 St W; Biscayne Ave
LOCATION: From: 145 St W: Burnley Ave; Biscayne Ave: Approx 200 feet south of 139 St W
To: 145 St W: Approx 50 feet east of UPRR line; Biscayne Ave: Approx 50 feet north of Beech
SECTION TOWNSHIP -RANGE OF ONE END OF PROJECT: Ti 15, R19, S29
TYPE OF WORK: 145 St: surface replacement at crossings, multi -use trail construction, sidewalk
construction, utility pole relocation; Biscayne Ave: multi -use trail construction, sidewalk
construction
(Examples: GRADE, AGG BASE, BIT BASE, BIT SURF, SIDEWALK, CURB AND GUTTER,
STORM SEWER, SIGNALS, LIGHTING, GUARDRAIL, BIKE PATH, PED RAMPS, ETC.)
BRIDGE /CULVERT PROJECTS
OLD BRIDGE /CULVERT NO.: N/A NEW BRIDGE /CULVERT NO. N/A
STRUCTURE IS OVER: N/A
NAME OF TWP.: N/A
145 St W
Utility Relocation
90,000
Surface Replacement at Crossing
$210,000
Trail and Sidewalk
35,000
Biscayne Ave
Trail and Sidewalk
95,000
Easements
25,000
TOTAL
$455,000
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Please provide the following general information about your proposal. Failure to provide this
information will result in the application being disqualified.
Provide a map of the project location within the context of its city and county.
Describe the opportunity that the proposed project is taking advantage of or the nature of the problem
that it aims to address:
As the City of Rosemount has grown and expanded its bike /pedestrian facility network accordingly,
certain railroad crossing locations impede the completion of the network. The most significant
locations are: a) 145 street at its crossing of the Union Pacific and Progressive Rail lines just east
of Brazil Avenue, and b) Biscayne Avenue at its crossing of the Union Pacific line south of Belfast
Street West. These locations are depicted at a regional scale on attached Figure 1, and at a local
scale on Figure 2. These gaps make the bike /pedestrian facilities less attractive to would -be users,
and create potentially unsafe conditions for those that do use the discontinuous facilities and may
bike /walk in the street shoulder.
Provide a description (no more than one page) of the project.
145 Street: The proposed improvements at the 145 Street location are presented on Figure 3.
Approximately 225 linear feet of 5-foot concrete sidewalk will be required on the north side of the
roadway, and approximately 400 feet of 8-foot bituminous trail will be required on the south side to
close the gap and cross the railroad tracks. In addition, surface replacement will be required to
provide a smooth, continuous crossing surface for bikes and pedestrians. Three overhead utility
poles will need to be relocated.
Biscayne Avenue: The proposed improvements at the Biscayne Avenue location are presented on
Figure 4. Approximately 2,300 feet of 5-foot concrete sidewalk are required on the west side of the
roadway, and approximately 150 feet of bituminous trail are required on the east side to close the
gap and cross the railroad tracks. Surface replacement is anticipated to be performed as part of a
separate project in 2009 and is therefore not included in this funding application. Some easement
will be required for the proposed project.
The anticipated eligible costs (construction and right -of -way) are summarized in the table below:
1
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS PROJECTS QUALIFYING CRITERIA
Projects must be coordinated with all affected communities and other levels and units of government. The
applicant must show that the project meets each of the following ten qualifying criteria to qualify for
scoring under the prioritizing criteria. Answer each criterion in a numbered sequence. Failure to
respond to any of the qualifying criteria will result in a recommendation to disqualify your project.
1. Qualifying Activities. The applicant must show that the proposed project falls under at least one of
the following list of twelve qualifying activities and must state the specific category(ies) the project
qualifies under. The list of qualifying TE activities provided in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(35) of SAFETEA-
LU is intended to be exclusive, not illustrative. That is, only those activities listed therein are eligible
as TE activities.
1. Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.
2. Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites including historic battlefields.
4. Scenic or historic highway programs (including the provision of tourist and welcome center
facilities).
5. Landscaping and other scenic beautification.
6. Historic preservation.
7. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities (including
historic railroad facilities and canals).
8. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use thereof for
pedestrian or bicycle trails).
9. Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising.
10. Archaeological planning and research.
11. Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle
caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity.
12. Establishment of transportation museums.
One or more of these activities must constitute at least 70% of the project cost. Unlisted ancillary
activities such as paving a parking lot, constructing buildings or providing restrooms must constitute
no more than 30% of the total project cost. Applicants whose project is part of a larger transportation
project must provide a construction cost summary demonstrating that at least 70% of the project is
eligible for Transportation Enhancement funds.
Many projects include a number of activities some which are on this list and others that are not.
Only those project activities that are on the list may be counted as TE activities. For example, a rest
area might include a historic site purchased and developed as an interpretive site illustrating local
history. The historic site purchase and development would qualify as a transportation enhancement
activity.
Work that is made possible because a project presents an opportunity to improve and enhance the
environment and or aesthetics in the vicinity of a project may be eligible for enhancement funding.
For example, a construction project may present an opportunity to improve the condition of an
adjacent stream bed to improve water quality, construct a vital link for a community bikeway system
and develop a landscaped green area to enhance the downtown environment.
Activities that are not explicitly on the list may qualify if they are an integral part of a larger
qualifying activity. For example, if the rehabilitation of a historic railroad station required the
construction of new drainage facilities, the entire project could be considered for TE funding.
2
RESPONSE: The project falls under the first of the qualifying activities: provision of facilities for
pedestrians and bicycles.
2. The funded activities must be accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad segment of the
general public, and must be ADA compliant.
RESPONSE: The proposed project elements will be built for public use and will be ADA compliant.
3. Projects must relate to surface transportation.
Project Linkage (from federal guidance)
To comply with Federal guidelines for eligibility there are two basic considerations:
Is the proposed action one of the listed activities in the TE definition in SAFETEA -LU?
How does the proposed action relate to surface transportation?
The applicant must provide a clear statement describing this linkage.
The definition of TE activities includes the phrase, "transportation enhancement activities means,
with respect to any project or the area to be served by the project, any of the following activities, if
such activity relates to surface transportation:..."
The nature of a proposed TE project's relationship to surface transportation should be discussed in the
project proposal that you submit. For example, where runoff from an existing highway contaminates
an adjacent water resource and a transportation enhancement activity is proposed to mitigate the
pollution caused by the run off a clear highway or transportation relationship exists. Another example
might involve the acquisition of a scenic easement. The acquisition would be in connection with the
preservation of a scenic vista related to travel along a specific route.
Where a TE activity is for acquisition for scenic preservation purposes, and proposes to contribute to
the visual experience of the traveler, but is a substantial distance away with respect to a highway or
transportation project, the TE activity must be determined to make a substantial contribution to the
scenic viewshed.
Given the nature of the list of eligible activities, it is not necessary that each TE activity be associated
with a specific surface transportation project to be eligible for funding. Examples which illustrate this
include: the rehabilitation of a historic train structure, the provision of a bike or pedestrian path, or the
establishment of a transportation museum.
Proximity to a highway or transportation facility alone is not sufficient to establish a relationship to
surface transportation. Additional discussion, beyond proximity, is needed in the TE project proposal
to establish the relationship to transportation. For example, an historic barn that happened to be
adjacent to a particular highway facility would not automatically be considered eligible for TE funds
simply because of its location; visibility to the traveler in a way that substantially enhances the
traveling experience could qualify. Specific documentation of the enhanced experience is required;
conversely, a historic structure, such as the barn in the above example, could not be disqualified from
consideration because it was not adjacent to a particular Federal -aid facility, as long as some other
relationship to surface transportation could be established.
It is not necessary to have a TE activity function as an active transportation facility, either past or
current, to qualify as an eligible TE activity. For example, a scenic or historic site may have a
relationship to transportation but not function as a transportation facility.
3
Once a relationship to surface transportation is established, TE activities can be implemented in a
number of ways. For example, they can be developed as parts of larger joint development projects, or
as stand -alone projects.
RESPONSE: The proposed project is one of the qualfing TE activities (provision of facilities for
bicycles and pedestrians). The project will remove gaps in coverage of the bike /pedestrian facility
network and will improve the safety of the crossing locations.
4. The project must be included in, be part of, or relate to a problem, need or direction discussed in: 1) a
local or county comprehensive plan found to be consistent with Metropolitan Council plans; 2) a
locally approved capital improvement program; 3) an officially adopted corridor study reflected in the
local plan; or 4) the official plan or program of the applicant agency. The applicant must reference
the appropriate comprehensive plan, CIP, corridor study document, or other plan or program and
provide copies of the applicable pages. Because all communities in the seven -county Twin Cities
region are currently in the process of updating their local comprehensive plans, applications in the
2009 Solicitation may be for projects included in the most recent local comprehensive plan that was
found to be consistent with Metropolitan Council plans. It also must not conflict with the goals and
policies in these adopted regional plans: the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, the 2030 Regional
Framework, and the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. Trail projects that claim to be part of the
regional trail network as defined in the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan must be identified in a
Metropolitan Council- approved trail master plan.
RESPONSE: The City's Pedestrian Facilities Improvement Plan adopted by the City Council on
November 15, 2005, identifies the planned connection of pedestrian/trail facilities on 145` and
Biscayne Avenue across the railroad tracks. The project does not conflict with the identified regional
plans.
5. Typically a transportation project involves mitigation, work in addition to immediate construction
activities, that is negotiated with permitting agencies and local governments as a condition of
obtaining permit approval. Activities that are normally part of the mitigation of a transportation
project are not eligible.
NOT ELIGIBLE Work that is required as a condition of obtaining a permit or concurrence for a
different transportation project is not eligible for enhancement funding. For example, a city may
require a highway expansion project to include streetscape enhancements in order to gain municipal
consent. In that case, streetscape work performed to satisfy the municipal consent requirement is not
eligible for Transportation Enhancement funding. Federal permitting and authorizing agencies may
include the U.S. Forest Service, U. S. Corps of Engineers, and others. State permitting agencies may
include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office. Regional agencies may include watershed
districts and metropolitan planning organizations. Local agencies may include counties and cities.
RESPONSE: The proposed project is not a mitigation element for another construction project.
6. The applicant must assure it will operate and maintain the property and facility of the project for the
useful life of the improvement, and not change the use of any right -of -way acquired without prior
approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
The FHWA requires that states agree to operate and maintain facilities constructed with federal
transportation funds for the useful life of the improvement, and not change the use of any right -of-
way acquired without prior approval from the FHWA. TAB has determined that this requirement will
be applied to the project applicant. FHWA considers most physical constructions and total
reconstructions to have a useful design life of 10 years or more, depending on the nature of the
project. Bridge constructions and total reconstructions are considered to have useful lives of 50 years.
The useful life of the project will be defined in the inter agency maintenance agreement that must be
prepared and signed prior to the project letting.
4
RESPONSE: The City of Rosemount will operate and maintain the properties and facilities of the
project for the useful life of the improvement. It will not change the use of any right -of -way acquired
without prior approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration.
7. Projects must have an estimated total cost of at least $125,000. There are significant federal project
processing requirements that come with federal funds. These requirements translate into
expenditures of time and money on the parts of both the agency proposing/developing the project
and the state agency administering the federal funds for the project. Project applicants can "bundle"
projects together to meet this minimum. (Example: bundled projects could consist of signing and
lighting a number of bike trails in several counties.) Communities may want to consider using joint
powers agreements for implementing bundled projects.
RESPONSE: The combined project (includes both locations) has total eligible costs in excess of
$125,000
8. TAB will not award more than $1,000,000 in TE funds to a specific project. Other federal funds
may be combined with TE funds.
RESPONSE: The City is requesting a grant of less than $1,000,000.
9. Projects must have an assured local (nonfederal funds) match of at least 20% of the estimated total
cost of the proposed project. At the time of application, the applicant must assure the local match will
be available when the project is authorized in the requested program year. If the applicant expects
any other agency to provide part of the local match, the applicant must include a letter or resolution
from the other agency agreeing to fmancially participate. TAB will not award additional points for
providing a match in excess of 20
The local match can be provided in the form of cash up front "hard dollars" or a "soft match A
"soft match" may include donated labor or construction materials if adequate documentation of its
equivalent dollar value and availability can be provided. Donated labor must have expertise and
experience in the type of labor required for the project and valued at rates consistent with rates
ordinarily paid for similar work. Some type of time sheet must support donated labor. Donated
materials, e.g., railroad ties, asphalt pavement, or wiring necessary to run a street car, must meet all
standards and specifications. Caution in using a "soft match" should be taken to ensure the donated
materials or labor during actual construction does not fall below the 20% non federal match required
to be able to receive 100% of the federal funds. Applicants wishing to use a soft match should first
contact John Lindemer at Mn/DOT at 651/366 -3764 to determine its value and eligibility.
RESPONSE: The City will provide a local match of 20 percent of the eligible project costs, with a
contribution from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). The specific level of this contribution will be
determined upon award of SAFETEA -LU funding. Applicable correspondence from UPRR is
attached
10. Proposed designs for bikeways and for combined bike /pedestrian facilities must meet MN /DOT State
Aid standards. Exceptions to the State Aid standards may be granted during fmal design if warranted
based on social, economic or environmental alternatives, not through this solicitation process.
Failure to meet the standards or justify exemptions will result in the loss of federal funds.
RESPONSE: The project will be designed to meet Mn/DOT State Aid standards. The City
understands that if exceptions are required, they will be reviewed and granted through the final
design process, and not through this Transportation Enhancement grant process.
11. Projects must be coordinated with all affected communities and other levels and units of government.
Coordination is defined as written communication from the applicant to all affected communities
informing them of the project. The applicant must provide a copy of the written communication as
proof of coordination.
RESPONSE: The project does not involve facilities owned and/or maintained by neighboring
communities, Dakota County, or Mn /DOT.
5
TE PROJECTS PRIORITIZING CRITERIA
Instead of the past practice of having general prioritizing criteria to which all projects must respond, the
prioritizing criteria are now split into category and general/integrative criteria, as outlined on the
following pages. Projects will be scored through the category and general/integrative criteria as follows:
a) Category Criteria. All applications must be submitted in one of three categories: Scenic and
Environmental; Bicycle and Pedestrian; and Historical and Archaeological. Applicants must submit
their project under the proper category as outlined below. However, projects that incorporate more
than one of the eligible TE activities will receive priority under the third category criterion,
Relationship Between Categories. If prospective applicants are uncertain which category most
appropriately includes their project, they should contact Council staff.
The 12 Qualifying Activities (as listed and described in Qualifying Criterion #1 on previous pages)
fall under those 3 categories as follows:
1. Scenic and Environmental:
QA #3, Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;
QA #4, Scenic or historic highway programs;
QA #9, Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising; and
QA #11, Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or
reduce vehicle- caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity.
2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections:
QA #1, Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists;
QA #2, Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists; and
QA #8, Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use
thereof for pedestrian and bicycle trails).
3. Historic and Archaeological:
QA #6, Historic preservation (with relationship to transportation, see Qualifying Criterion
#2);
QA #7, Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or
facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals);
QA #10, Archaeological planning and research (with relationship to transportation, see
Qualifying Criterion #2); and
QA #12, Establishment of transportation museums.
4. Streetscape/Pedestrian Enhancements:
QA #5, Landscaping and other scenic beautification;
QA #1, Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
b) Final Ranking. The Category Criteria scores will be added to the Maturity of Project Concept
criterion score to give fmal project scores. Projects will be ranked against other applications in their
category to develop four ranked lists of TE projects, which will be evaluated all together by a
multidisciplinary team of scorers, who will develop a single list of recommended projects. The TAB
may or may not choose to fund projects from each category.
6
Transportation Enhancements Category Criteria (800 points)
Each qualified project will be scored under five common category criteria within its TE project group:
urgency; impact; relationship between TE categories; and relationship to intermodal/multimodal
transportation; and implementation of the Development Framework. This will allow projects to be scored
under these criteria relatively equally across the different categories while addressing the particular
attributes of the project type. An explanation of each of the four common category criteria and reasons
for their inclusion follows:
1. Urgency /Significance. This criterion measures how critical or time sensitive the problem is that is
being addressed by a regionally significant project. Examples might include seizing a timely
opportunity to preserve a scarce or endangered resource or addressing a critical need.
2. Impact. This criterion quantifies the benefit from the project, without specifically relating it to how
the larger public will benefit (that calculation will be made in part 2. of the general/integrative
criteria).
3. Relationship between Categories. This criterion is being presented under the assumption that the
region recognizes that there is a value in having projects that provide more than one of the eligible TE
activities. Examples might include the reconstruction of a bicycle /pedestrian trail leading to a historic
transportation structure.
4. Relationship to Intermodal/Multimodal Transportation System. This criterion measures how the
proposed project clearly and credibly relates to the surface transportation system. Surface
transportation is defined to include all modes of travel with the exception of aviation and military
transportation. Federal TE guidance states that proximity to a transportation facility alone is not
sufficient to establish a relationship.
5. Development Framework. This criterion measures how the proposed project relates to the goals for
land use development, resource protection and transportation described in the 2030 Regional
Development Framework and 2030 Transportation Policy Plan.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Group (Qualifying Activities 1, 2, and 8)
1. Urgency /Significance (250 points). Discuss how the project proposes or addresses each of the
following:
Takes advantage of a time sensitive opportunity, e.g., a willing landowner, cost savings,
affiliation with another project, competing development opportunities
RESPONSE: The City wishes to expand its bike /pedestrian facility network to meet the needs of
a growing population. As long as gaps such as those addressed in this application exist, the
network cannot realize its full value and usefulness in terms of recreation, access, and safety.
Addresses a significant opportunity, un -met need or problem as relates to the development of
an integrated bicycle or pedestrian transportation network; or providing a safe /enjoyable
bicycle or pedestrian route.
RESPONSE: Please refer to Figure 2 for information regarding the overall bike/pedestrian
facility network serving the City and the importance of the two gap locations to be addressed with
the proposed project.
145 Street: 145 Street West is an important roadway connecting new development east of TH 3
with the traditional downtown area and to TH 3. Both the downtown area and TH 3 have
important non motorized facilities to tie into. The 145" Street project location is less than a city
block from City Hall. 145 Street has adjacent trail and sidewalk facilities east of the project
location that penetrate into developing residential areas. (The Biscayne Avenue project element
will extend this coverage into new development more fully). Closing the bike /pedestrian gap at
7
145` Street and the railroad tracks will be very important to linking non motorized access in the
eastern portion of the developed /developing area of the City to the downtown area, and to TH 3
with further connections north and south along that facility.
Biscayne Avenue: Biscayne Avenue is a major collector roadway that provides an important
north -south transportation connection in an area of Rosemount that is anticipated to see a large
amount of residential growth in the coming years. It connects Connemara Trail at the north with
145 Street West at the south. Both of these major collector east -west facilities have trail on one
side of the roadway, and sidewalk on the other.
2. Impact (250 points). Discuss how the project addresses each element below (respond as
appropriate to A. or B., not both):
A. Bike/Ped Infrastructure (QA #1, and QA #8):
Fills gaps, overcomes barriers, connects system segments and/or otherwise seizes on a
significant opportunity in pedestrian/bicycle network. The applicant should provide a map
showing the location of the project within the context of an existing and planned bicycle
or pedestrian network. If the project is removing a barrier, the applicant should demonstrate
the magnitude of the barrier (number of lanes, average daily traffic, posted speed, etc.) and
how the proposed project will improve travel across that barrier.
RESPONSE: Because this is a project to fill gaps and connect system segments, the response to
this question is the same as second response under Item 1, above (Urgency /Significance).
Project provides a high- demand facility or program. Relative levels of demand will be
determined using population density and connections to significant travel attractors.
Metropolitan Council staff will determine population density using 2000 residential
population within one mile of the project. The applicant should also list below significant
destinations that are near the facility or that the facility provides close connections to.
Destinations can be recreation areas such as parks, beaches, rivers, lakes, etc; or commercial
or mixed -use districts, major employment areas or other major cultural destinations.
RESPONSE: Significant destinations that the proposed project elements provide enhanced non-
motorized access to are listed below. They can be identified on Figure 2.
145 Street West Railroad Crossing:
City Hall
Historic Downtown Revitalization District
Robert Trail Library
Central Park
Public Schools
MVTA transit stop (Route 420)
Biscayne Avenue Railroad Crossing:
Closing this gap will better connect residential areas along Biscayne Avenue to the
bike /pedestrian systems along 145` Street (to the south) and Connemara Trail (to the north). The
145 Street West bike /pedestrian system links bicyclists and walkers to the destinations
summarized above. The Connemara bike /pedestrian system has expansive east -west coverage
linking numerous residential areas.
8
Addresses safety concerns. The applicant should describe how the project addresses an
identified safety problem.
RESPONSE: Discontinuous bike and pedestrian facilities can represent safety concerns because
many non motorized travelers will move into the shoulder of the roadway to cross the gap. This
may be of greater concern at railroad crossing locations because of the added element of train
traffic. The proposed project will keep travelers out of the vehicular areas, and the crossings at
both 145 Street and Biscayne Avenue will comply with all applicable State Aid safety design
requirements.
For Applications for Qualifying Activity #8 only: Who owns the railway corridor property
and will there be an agreement to ensure the preservation and protection of the corridor?
RESPONSE: N/A
B. Bike/Ped Programs (QA #2):
Significantly improves safety/behavior of bicyclists and pedestrians
RESPONSE: N/A
Increases market share /use of bicycling and walking
RESPONSE: N/A
Fills gaps in existing programs. Describe the target audience in this program and how they
would benefit from these activities or programs.
RESPONSE: N/A
Provides more than a local benefit. An example of such a program is a bicycle /pedestrian
safety program conducted in several school districts.
RESPONSE: N/A
3. Relationship between Categories (100 points). Projects will score higher if they
provide multiple benefits toward the purpose of the Transportation Enhancements program.
Applicants should review the respective category criteria to determine the extent to which the
project relates to the other two categories:
What is the relationship to the Scenic and Environmental group? For example, how does the
bike /ped project provide a natural resource enhancement?
RESPONSE: The proposed project will allow better non motorized access to, and fuller use of,
the many parks and associated green spaces in the City.
What is the relationship to the Historic and Archaeological group? For example, how does
the bike /ped project take advantage of or enhance historic and cultural resources or provide
orientation/interpretation to users?
RESPONSE: The proposed project is not anticipated to have a substantial relationship to the
Historic and Archaeological Group.
4. Relationship to Intermodai/Multimodal Transportation System (100 points). Discuss how
the project will function as a component and/or enhancement of the transportation system:
How will the bicycle or pedestrian facility benefit the experience of users of the
transportation system?
9
RESPONSE: The City of Rosemount considers pedestrians and bicyclists to be important users
of the overall transportation system. The proposed project elements will make the
bike /pedestrian network more attractive for residents to use, and will improve safety conditions
for non motorized transportation.
The proposed project will enhance safety conditions for vehicular traffic as well as non
motorized traffic because it will separate motorized from non motorized traffic.
How will the project benefit multiple modes of transportation? An example of a project that
would do this would be a bicycle facility that connects to a transit center or a mixed -use
pedestrian- oriented district, or a pedestrian project that is a component of a transit- oriented
development.
RESPONSE: The proposed project elements, in particular the improvements at 145 Street
West, will improve non motorized access to the Flex -Route 420 stop at Rosemount Plaza at 145`
Street West and Burma Avenue (see Figure 2 and Figure 3). Flex -Route 420 provides service
along the CSAH 42 corridor west to the Apple Valley Transit Station, where connections can be
made to many transit lines accessing other routes and destinations throughout the Twin Cities.
In general, the proposed improvements will improve non motorized linkage between the portions
of the City anticipated to see large amounts of growth in the future and the traditional downtown
area. This area has mixed land uses and a comprehensive sidewalk network. The City is
currently in the process of implementing a downtown revitalization plan, and increased non
motorized access to the downtown area will be a beneficial part of this process. The City has
received a Livable Communities Grant from the Metropolitan Council to advance the
revitalization process.
How does the facility serve trips that could otherwise be made by motor vehicles?
RESPONSE: The proposed project will make the bike /pedestrian network safer and more
inviting to use for all ages. Therefore, it should decrease the number of vehicular trips from the
developing areas east of TH 3 to the traditional downtown area and other destinations such the
Robert Trail library, as well as schools and parks in the vicinity of TH 3.
5. Development Framework (100 points)
If the project is a trail project, does it help to connect to or complete the Metropolitan
Council's Regional Trail network? How so? If the project is on part of the Regional Trail
system, it must be identified in a Metropolitan Council- approved master plan.
RESPONSE: N/A
Briefly describe how the project implements the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan in the 2030
Transportation Policy Plan (2009).
RESPONSE: Policy 18 of the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan reads: "The Council, state
and local units of government will support efforts to increase the share of trips made by
bicycling and walking and develop and maintain efficient, safe and appealing pedestrian and
bicycle transportation systems." As discussed previously in this application, the proposed
project elements will enhance the access, safety, and network connectivity of the local
bike /pedestrian system.
General Criteria (200 points)
10
Maturity of Project Concept. 200 points
Projects selected through this solicitation will be programmed for construction in 2013 or 2014. That is a
fairly long time but it takes several years to complete preliminary engineering, environmental studies and
acquire right -of -way. The region must manage the federal funds in each year of the TIP. Projects that are
not implemented in their original program year create problems. Proposed projects that have already
completed some of the work is a plus. A schedule is important to know what kind of work might be
needed. Large projects that need right -of -way require more work than others that do not.
0 -200 points Applications involving construction must complete the project implementation
schedule found in Appendix K. A detailed schedule of events is expected all
phases of the project. Applications involving non construction projects must
include a detailed discussion of the timeframes involved for initiating and
completing each phase of planned activities. Points under this criterion are
assigned based on how many steps have been taken toward implementation of the
project. These steps reflect a federally funded project development path.
RESPONSE: Please refer to attached Project Implementation Schedule.
TOTAL: 1000 POINTS
11
0 H
73 al
a y
I FS
C o
L
a
I
W H
3 t
s
3
aCC
W t
W
CO O.
0
r
O
0
G)
LL
1
1
4aed puouiem A
N
L
LL
m
0
0
0
ri
1
1
tom
0
w0)
a u)
Q o
0)v
c 'v
c
W
Y pqN
M
W
H H
W
U. V
v a g
o
N p
LL
W g
1 g
LE
Legend
Proposed Improvements
Proposed Bituminous Trail
Proposed Sidewalk
Existing Facilities
Existing Bituminous Trail
Exisitng Sidewalk
Railroad
ROSEMOLINT SAFETEA LU TE Funding Application
MINNESOTA Pedestrian/ Bike Railroad Crossings
File: T: \peterl1Rosemount 2009 Fed Funding Apps1 Gaps -RR graphics BiscayneAvemxd, May 26, 2009 3:54:02 PM
Figure 4
0 400 Feet
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachments will be included in the final submittal to the Metropolitan Council
Letter from Union Pacific Railroad identifying it will pay a portion of the surface
replacement costs at 145 Street West
2005 Pedestrian Facilities Improvement Plan (map)
Project Implementation Schedule