Item Description:
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Amd 1 to PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for federal lobbying, ext end date to 12/31/27 and incr NTE by $245,000 for a new total NTE of $490,000; neg Agmt A2613632 with Met Council, 01/01/27-12/31/27, est recv $122,500
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to execute Amendment 1 to Agreement PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for the provision of federal lobbying services, extending the period through December 31, 2027, and increasing the amount by $245,000 for a revised amount not to exceed $490,000; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the Authority; and that the Controller be authorized to accept the funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreement A2613632 with the Metropolitan Council for its portion of the federal lobbying services provided by Cardinal Infrastructure LLC, during the period of January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with an estimated receivable in the 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.
On November 18, 2025, the HCRRA authorized Agreement PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for federal lobbying services during 2026 (Resolution 25-HCRRA-0022). In 2027, Cardinal Infrastructure LLC will continue providing these services.
Current Request:
This request seeks authorization to negotiate the following:
• Amendment 1 to PR00007914 with Cardinal Infrastructure, extending the period through December 31, 2027, and increasing the amount to $490,000.
• Agreement A2613632 with the Metropolitan Council for participation in federal lobbying services provided by Cardinal Infrastructure LLC, during the period of January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, with an estimated receivable amount of $122,500.
Impacts/Outcomes:
Federal funding is needed to advance regional transit projects to help eliminate disparities in our communities by ensuring our transit and transportation systems are accessible, affordable and climate friendly.
This request funds services that are: core services
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval