Item Description:
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Various agmts related to accessibility and safety improvements on various county roadways along METRO E Line (CP 2202300); right of way acquisition; est county cost: $2,000,000 federal funds, $3,019,106 state aid; est (recv -$1,325,893)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement PW 51-67-23 (Council Agreement No. 23I083) with the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) for cost participation, maintenance responsibilities, and right of way acquisition, including permanent and temporary easements, through direct negotiation, condemnation, and related pleadings for acquisition for multimodal improvements on intersections along County State Aid Highways (CSAHs) 17 (France Avenue), 36 (University Avenue), and 52 (Hennepin Avenue) as part of the Metro Transit E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in the cities of Minneapolis and Edina, county project (CP) 2202300, at an estimated project cost of $6,344,999; that upon review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement PW 53-20-23 with the City of Minneapolis for cost participation and maintenance responsibilities for multimodal improvements at intersections along France, University, and Hennepin avenues as part of the Metro Transit E Line BRT project in Minneapolis, CP 2202300, at estimated county receivable of $859,519 (received into capital budget); that upon review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement PW 54-11-23 with the City of Edina for cost participation and maintenance responsibilities for multimodal improvements at intersections along France Avenue, as part of the Metro Transit E Line BRT project in Edina, CP 2202300, at estimated county receivable of $466,374 (received into capital budget); that upon review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement PW 52-40-23 (State Contract No. 1054665) for authorizing the Commissioner of Transportation to act as the county’s agent in accepting federal funds on its behalf for the multimodal improvements on France Avenue (CP 2202300), (SP 027-617-036), in the amount of $2,000,000; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, §161.36, the Commissioner of Transportation be appointed as agent of Hennepin County to accept Federal Funds which may be available for CP 2202300.
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Background:
Met Council is introducing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along existing Route Six, also known as E Line, to provide faster, more reliable, and more comfortable transit service. Service will extend along France, University, and Hennepin avenues, connecting Southdale Transit Center with downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota.
The Metro Transit E Line BRT project includes 34 new BRT stations, many that will impact intersections with county roadways. Met Council is upgrading pedestrian facilities and sidewalks in quadrants with BRT stations (typically in two of the four intersection quadrants). The county is upgrading accessibility in the remaining two intersection quadrants of county roadways along the corridors.
To minimize construction impacts and disruption to the public, the county will cost participate with Met Council in the E Line BRT project for safety and accessibility improvements at the following intersections:
• France Avenue (CSAH 17) at:
§ 44th Street
§ Sunnyside Road
§ 47th Street
§ 50th Street
§ 54th Street
§ 62nd Street
• University Avenue at 27th Avenue and Malcom Avenue SE
• Hennepin Avenue at Second Street N
Met Council began an E Line Corridor Study in 2018 to evaluate corridor alignment and terminal location alternatives. Based on the study and public engagement, the E Line alignment was recommended and adopted by Met Council in January 2020.
In spring 2022, Met Council re-engaged customers and community members to ask for feedback on the recommended corridor plan. After considering the feedback, Met Council approved the revised final METRO E Line corridor plan on June 22, 2022. Approval of the plan allowed the project to move into the design phase. Met Council will continue to engage the public to share feedback and project updates, and will be responsible for delivering the project, scheduled to begin construction in 2024.
The county’s estimated project cost for safety and accessibility improvements along the Metro E line is $6,344,999 with funding requested in the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program.
Since the county received $2,000,000 in federal funds through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) for only a portion of the project, expenses will be tracked within the following subprojects:
• CP 2202301 E Line Additional Scope CSAH 17
• CP 2202302 E Line Additional Scope CSAH 36 & 52
Current Request: This request is for authorization to negotiate and execute various agreements related to safety and accessibility improvements as part of CP 2202300.
• PW 51-67-23 (Council Agreement No. 23I083) with Met Council for cost participation, maintenance responsibilities, and right of way acquisition at the identified intersections on France, University, and Hennepin avenues, at an estimated county cost of $6,344,999
• PW 53-20-23 with the City of Minneapolis for cost participation and maintenance responsibilities of the improvements on France, University, and Hennepin avenues, at estimated county receivable of $859,519
• PW 54-11-23 with the City of Edina for cost participation and maintenance responsibilities of the improvements on France Avenue, at estimated county receivable of $466,374
• PW 52-40-23 (State Contract No. 1054665) with MnDOT to act as the county’s agent in accepting federal funds on its behalf and allows the county to receive $2,000,000 in federal funding.
Impacts/Outcomes: This action supports the county’s Mobility 2040 goals, climate action, and disparity reduction efforts by improving accessibility and enhancing safety for multi-modal transportation users. This project aligns with the county safety plan, comprehensive plan, and complete and green streets policy.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval