Item Description:
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Neg Agmt PR00007055 with the Met Council and cities of Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plymouth and Medina for a BRT study along Hwy 55; 02/01/25-07/31/26; NTE $193,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreement PR00007055 with the Metropolitan Council and the cities of Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plymouth and Medina to complete a Bus Rapid Transit study on State Highway 55, during the period February 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026, with a not to exceed amount of $193,000; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the Authority; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
The Highway 55 Corridor is an east to west connector into downtown Minneapolis that serves urban to exurban communities.
Highway 55 is identified as a potential location for a Bus Rapid Transit line in the Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan. In 2021, the Minnesota State Legislature authorized $250,000 to complete a feasibility study of a new transit service in this corridor, running from Medina to Minneapolis, provided that local governments likewise supply $250,000 for this purpose. This resolution would authorize this study and provide for the required local match for this purpose, of which $193,000 would be contributed by Hennepin County. The transit study is to be administered by Metro Transit and will be coordinated with other studies being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the nonprofit organization Our Streets for potential roadway changes and pedestrian infrastructure needs in this corridor.
The transit study would recommend a preferred transit service from downtown Minneapolis to Medina, and include station locations, transit service plans, identification of infrastructure improvements, cost estimates for capital and operations, and ridership estimates.
Current Request:
Authorize negotiation of Agreement PR00007055 with the Metropolitan Council and the cities of Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plymouth, and Medina for the period February 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026, with a not to exceed amount of $193,000.
Impact/Outcomes:
This action supports the county’s disparity reduction efforts by investing in transportation infrastructure that reduces climate impacts and gives people transportation choices and access to housing, jobs, schools, medical facilities and other destinations of choice.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval