Item Description:
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Neg Agmt PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for federal lobbying services, 01/01/26-12/31/26, NTE $245,000; and neg Agmt A2513185 with the Metropolitan Council for federal lobbying participation, 01/01/26-12/31/26, (est recv $122,500)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreement PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for the provision of federal lobbying services during the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $245,000; 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; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreement A2513185 with the Metropolitan Council for its portion of the federal lobbying services provided by Cardinal Infrastructure LLC during the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with an estimated receivable amount of $122,500; 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 accept and disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Hennepin County and the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority are critical local partners for transit projects in the county and region, including the METRO Green Line Extension and Blue Line Extension. Both projects are part of the Federal Transit Administration New Starts Capital Investment Grant program.
Federal funding for major transportation discretionary grant projects is extremely competitive. Cardinal Infrastructure LLC is an experienced, bipartisan lobbying firm, focused on transportation and community and economic development.
Current Request: This request seeks authorization to negotiate Agreement PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC with the not to exceed amount of $245,000 and negotiate Agreement A2513185 with the Metropolitan Council with an estimated receivable amount of $122,500 for federal lobbying services during the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Impacts/Outcomes: Federal funding is needed for these projects to help eliminate disparities in our communities by ensuring our transit and transportation systems are accessible, affordable and climate friendly.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval