About NLX NLX Corridor NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS Public Open House
ST. LOUIS Lake Duluth Superior
Superior
CARLTON
35 FEBRUARY 24, 2016 FRIDLEY COMMUNITY CENTER DOUGLAS FRIDLEY, MN
MINNESOTA WISCONSIN FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Next generation high-speed locomotive. PINE UNION DEPOT Hinckley DULUTH, MN KANABEC The Northern Lights Express is a FEBRUARY 29, 2016 proposed high speed intercity passenger CAMBRIDGE CITY CENTER CAMBRIDGE, MN rail service that would operate between 35 Cambridge Minneapolis and Duluth on approximately ISANTI MARCH 3, 2016 152 miles of railroad track within an HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON HIGH SCHOOL LEGEND HINCKLEY, MN Rendering of a typical NLX station. existing BNSF rail corridor. The purpose ANOKA 94 Station Coon of NLX is to provide fast, convenient and Rapids NLX Corridor affordable intercity passenger rail service HENNEPIN The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting a Minneapolis between Minneapolis and Duluth that 94 public meeting to present information on the current planning will provide an alternative transportation and design phase for the Northern Lights Express (NLX). mode to automobile, bus or plane. MnDOT has completed analyses for station locations and alternative site locations for layover and maintenance facilities. Today, you will be able to review concept plans for station, layover and maintenance facility sites. Displays also provide Provide Your Feedback Learn More Online information on the project status and activities.
At today’s meeting, please be sure to talk with Please visit the NLX Project MnDOT will consider public input tonight and continue project staff and have your questions answered. website at www.mndot.gov/ coordination with local communities and agencies as it Or, you may fill out a comment form and return nlx if you would like to view completes environmental studies through 2016. The findings it to a staff member. After the meeting, you may meeting materials or learn more of the Tier 2 Project Level Environmental Assessment (EA) submit comments to: The NLX project corridor. about the proposed NLX service and completed preliminary engineering information will be Frank Loetterle, NLX Project Manager and the ongoing NLX Project presented in a future public meeting in early 2017. [email protected] activities.
(651) 366-3194 or (800) 657-3774
395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155-1899 To sign-up for NLX Project updates: www.mndot.gov/nlx and click on Connect with us in the lower right corner of the home page.
NLX Highlights Preliminary Engineering and Tier 2 Project Level MnDOT’s preliminary analysis has determined that the Northern Lights Environmental Assessment Express can improve the level and quality of passenger rail service in MnDOT is continuing preliminary engineering of track Minnesota by offering a safe, reliable and frequent service between infrastructure and railroad crossings, and is initiating the cities of Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, Superior environmental evaluation of the proposed improvements. and Duluth. The environmental studies will identify impacts, as well as benefits of proposed infrastructure needed for NLX LENGTH OF PROJECT NUMBER OF STATIONS passenger service. NLX will improve 152 MILES 6 STATIONS transportation service and on existing BNSF railway track including layover/maintenance facilities The Tier 1 Service Level Environmental Assessment prepared quality of life by providing: in 2013 evaluated impacts of the project as a whole, FREQUENCY TRAVEL TIME about compared multiple corridor alternatives, and selected a A safe and reliable travel 4 TRAINS 2.5 HOURS per day in each direction between the Twin Cities & the Twin Ports preferred corridor for passenger rail service. The Tier 2 alternative to service business Project Level EA will update impacts described in the Tier 1 and tourism between SPEED up to IMPLEMENTATION COST EA, using detailed information from preliminary engineering Minneapolis and Duluth. 90 MILES per hour $500-$600 MILLION and site planning completed for track infrastructure, crossings, stations, and layover and maintenance facilities. Improved freight safety OPERATING COST in the range of REVENUE FROM FARES in the range of The NLX Project corridor. The Tier 2 Project Level EA will evaluate potential social, and movement. $17.5 MILLION per year $12.8 MILLION per year cultural, environmental and transportation-related impacts of average for first 5 years of operation average for first 5 years of operation the NLX Project. An alternative to auto and air travel that is convenient, RIDERSHIP NEW JOBS PER YEAR The Federal Railroad Administration is the lead federal agency overseeing preparation of the Tier 2 Project Level EA 700,000-750,000 annual riders in 2020 3,100 JOBS annually during construction with MnDOT, and in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. After a formal public comment less stressful, and allows period on the Tier 2 Project Level EA, the FRA and MnDOT will prepare a final decision to implement the NLX Project. passengers to work, socialize, 900,000-1 MILLION annual riders in 2040 an average of 380 JOBS annually during first 5 years of operation When the NLX Project has environmental approval, MnDOT can move forward with final design and construction. read and enjoy other activities while traveling. Train Schedules Schedule A viable transportation Train schedules allow for convenient and productive one-day business Preliminary Engineering and the environmental review will be completed in early 2017. MnDOT, in consultation option for non-drivers or travel, and full weekends. with the NLX Project partners, will be preparing a Financial Plan outlining the federal and state funding required to for those who prefer the advance the project, as well as the manner in which an operating subsidy will be funded. If funding is available in a convenience of passenger rail. Sample NLX Schedule: Four Round Trips at 90 MPH timely manner, service could begin as early as 2020. More jobs and tax revenue. TRAIN TRAIN READ 7003 7007 7009 7013 Station 7002 7006 7010 7014 DOWN Station-area investments such 4:57 7:17 12:34 5:14 Duluth 11:18 2:18 7:58 11:43 as pedestrian improvements 5:13 7:33 12:50 5:30 Superior 11:02 2:02 7:42 11:27 and transit-oriented 6:14 8:34 1:51 6:31 Hinckley 9:56 12:56 6:36 10:26 development opportunities 6:44 9:09 2:26 7:06 Cambridge 9:26 12:26 6:06 9:56 that create compact, livable, 7:11 9:36 2:53 7:33 Coon Rapids 8:59 11:59 5:39 9:29 and walkable communities. 7:30 9:55 3:12 7:52 Target Field Station 8:40 11:40 5:20 9:10 2h 33m 2h 38m 2h 38m 2h 38m Trip Time 2h 38m 2h 38m 2h 38m 2h 33m READ UP PM times in bold
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS TARGET FIELD STATION
NLX Corridor LEGEND
ST. LOUIS Lake Proposed Railroad Duluth Superior Superior Existing Railroad
CARLTON 4th St. North Ramp from I-94 3rd St. North Ramp to I-94 Existing Light Rail Tracks
35
DOUGLAS NLX Track
MINNESOTA WISCONSIN 5th St. North St. 5th PINE Hinckley No. 11 Turnout Existing KANABEC Northstar Shelter
490’ Platform Extension BNSF Mainline Washington Ave. Cambridge 35 ISANTI LEGEND
Station 22’ ANOKA 40’
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids Existing Northstar HENNEPIN Minneapolis 94 Platform
420’ Platform 525’ Train Storage NLX Dock Street Apartments Platform Northstar Track Extension
Existing LRT NLX Station and Platform Hines Development Facility Locations
STATIONS NLX will have six stations located in downtown Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, Superior and Duluth. LAYOVER FACILITIES NLX will need two layover facilities. Potential sites are being considered in Sandstone and Duluth. An NLX platform proposed at Target Field Station would extend from the north side of the existing Northstar Commuter Rail platform. The platform MAINTENANCE FACILITY NLX will require one extension could be constructed without directly impacting adjacent property owners and the Cedar Lake Regional Trail. The layover functions would be maintenance facility in either integrated with the proposed NLX passenger platform. The layover facility will coordinate the use of existing Northstar Commuter Rail layover facilities Sandstone or Duluth. and platforms to inspect and clean train equipment and conduct minor repairs.
Utilizing Target Field Station for a platform and layover functions is cost effective because it takes advantage of existing station facilities which minimizes construction costs.
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS COON RAPIDS FOLEY BOULEVARD STATION
NLX Corridor LEGEND
ST. LOUIS Property boundaries Lake Duluth Superior Superior Railroad
CARLTON
35
DOUGLAS MINNESOTA WISCONSIN
PINE Hinckley
0’ KANABEC 3
55
Cambridge 35 4’ 2 55 ISANTI LEGEND 51 30’ Station ANOKA
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids
HENNEPIN Minneapolis 94
Basic Station Program Elements
NLX stations will be designed to meet the needs of a modern intercity passenger rail service and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Station features include:
500-foot-long platform with warming shelters Climate controlled station building with passenger waiting area On-site ticket kiosk machines The Coon Rapids station site is large enough to accommodate all station program elements in a typical configuration. Developing a passenger rail station Short-term and long-term in this location is consistent with the city’s land use planning and transportation goals identified in theFoley Boulevard Station Area Plan. The site has parking for NLX customers convenient local and regional access and is connected to existing transit services at the Foley Boulevard Park and Ride facility. Multimodal access with efficient passenger, taxi and bus drop off
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS CAMBRIDGE CITY CENTER STATION
NLX Corridor 30’ 24’ LEGEND
ST. LOUIS Property boundaries Lake Duluth Superior Superior Railroad 24’ CARLTON
35
DOUGLAS 30’ MINNESOTA WISCONSIN
PINE Hinckley
KANABEC 24’ 24’
Cambridge 35 ISANTI LEGEND
Station ANOKA
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids
HENNEPIN Minneapolis 94
Basic Station Program Elements
NLX stations will be designed to meet the needs of a modern intercity passenger rail service and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Station features include:
500-foot-long platform Note: This is a conceptual design. Detailed design and snow 95 with warming shelters removal plan will be provided during final design. Climate controlled station building with passenger waiting area On-site ticket kiosk machines MnDOT has selected the Cambridge City Center as the preferred NLX station site. The City Center site is centrally located and well connected to local Short-term and long-term and regional transportation facilities and is accessible to pedestrians, transit users and vehicles. The Cambridge Common Council passed a resolution in parking for NLX customers support of the site in November 2014. Public input from the December 2014 public meeting also showed support for the site because of its convenient Multimodal access with efficient and central location. passenger, taxi and bus drop off
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS HINCKLEY DOWNTOWN STATION
NLX Corridor LEGEND
ST. LOUIS Lake Property boundaries Duluth Superior Superior Railroad CARLTON
35
DOUGLAS MINNESOTA WISCONSIN
PINE Hinckley
KANABEC
Cambridge 35
ISANTI LEGEND 24’
Station ANOKA
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids 30’
HENNEPIN Minneapolis 94
Basic Station Program Elements
NLX stations will be designed to meet the needs of a modern intercity passenger rail service and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Station features include:
500-foot-long platform with warming shelters Climate controlled station building with passenger waiting area On-site ticket kiosk machines MnDOT selected the downtown Hinckley site as the preferred station location. The site is centrally located within the city and does not have substantial Short-term and long-term railroad operational conflicts. The city of Hinckley supports the site to help bring activity to downtown and support local businesses. Construction parking for NLX customers measures can be taken to reduce grade changes and minimize impacts to adjacent properties. Multimodal access with efficient passenger, taxi and bus drop off
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS POTENTIAL SANDSTONE FACILITY SITE OPTIONS
OPTION 1: NLX Corridor Maintenance Facility
ST. LOUIS Lake Duluth Superior
Superior 23 CARLTON 23
35
DOUGLAS 123 MINNESOTA WISCONSIN
PINE Hinckley 23 23
KANABEC
123 Cambridge 35 123 ISANTI LEGEND
Station ANOKA
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids OPTION 2: HENNEPIN Minneapolis 94 Layover Facility
123 23 23 Sandstone is being considered for a potential NLX maintenance facility and/or layover facility. The site’s size and configuration accommodates the23 length of 23 NLX trains and accommodates all required program elements 123 including two maintenance 123 123 bays and yard tracks. The site allows for efficient operations and can accommodate train car switching and maneuvering Basic Program Elements without conflicting with BNSF MAINTENANCE FACILITY LAYOVER FACILITY mainline operations. The selected The maintenance facility will contain a building that is The layover facility site will contain maintenance and layover capable of enclosing two trainsets and a maintenance two yard tracks that connect with facility sites will be based on pit that runs the entire length of the building. The the mainline tracks on each end of the facility. The site will also include the NLX operations plan and 123 building will also include employee offices, a loading dock, spare part storage, a work room and other a small support building for the environmental evaluations support functions. A separate enclosed structure train crew and the maintenance and during Tier 2 Project Level will house the automatic washer system designed to cleaning forces. Environmental Assessment. clean locomotives and coach cars. Yard tracks will be provided for overnight train storage.
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS SUPERIOR DOWNTOWN STATION
NLX Corridor LEGEND
ST. LOUIS Lake Property boundaries Duluth Superior Superior Railroad CARLTON
35 30’ DOUGLAS MINNESOTA WISCONSIN 24’ PINE Hinckley
KANABEC
Cambridge 35 30’ ISANTI LEGEND
Station ANOKA
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids
HENNEPIN Minneapolis 24’ 94
Basic Station Program Elements
NLX stations will be designed to extension meet the needs of a modern intercity passenger rail service and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Station features include:
500-foot-long platform with warming shelters Climate controlled station building with passenger waiting area On-site ticket kiosk machines MnDOT selected the downtown site as the preferred location for a station in Superior primarily due to its location and less potential to impact natural Short-term and long-term resources. parking for NLX customers The downtown site is centrally located and well connected to local and regional transportation networks. The site would provide convenient access Multimodal access with efficient to pedestrians, transit users and vehicles. The site also supports the city’s efforts to attract additional activity generators to encourage downtown passenger, taxi and bus drop off redevelopment. Public input from the December 2014 public meeting also showed support for the site because of its convenient downtown location.
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS POTENTIAL DULUTH FACILITY SITE OPTIONS
OPTION 1: NLX Corridor Maintenance Facility
ST. LOUIS Lake Duluth Superior
Superior
CARLTON
35
DOUGLAS MINNESOTA WISCONSIN
PINE Hinckley
KANABEC
Cambridge 35 ISANTI LEGEND
Station ANOKA
94 NLX Corridor Coon Rapids OPTION 2: HENNEPIN Minneapolis 94 Layover Facility
Duluth is being considered for a potential NLX maintenance facility and/or layover facility. MnDOT determined the NLX maintenance and/or layover facility would be feasible and functional at the Railroad Street site. The site’s size and configuration accommodates the length of NLX trains and accommodates all required program elements including Basic Program Elements two maintenance bays and yard MAINTENANCE FACILITY LAYOVER FACILITY tracks. The selected maintenance The maintenance facility will contain a building that is The layover facility site will contain and layover facility sites will be capable of enclosing two trainsets and a maintenance two yard tracks that connect with based on the NLX operations pit that runs the entire length of the building. The the mainline tracks on each end of plan and environmental building will also include employee offices, a loading the facility. The site will also include dock, spare part storage, a work room and other a small support building for the evaluations during the Tier 2 support functions. A separate enclosed structure train crew and the maintenance and Project Level Environmental will house the automatic washer system designed to cleaning forces. Assessment. clean locomotives and coach cars. Yard tracks will be provided for overnight train storage.
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS DULUTH STATION
9’
9’
12’
9’
12’
12’
12’
12’
11’
12’
11’
11’
Radius = 42’
11’ Radius = 42’
11’
11’ Radius = 42’
11’
11’
11’
18’
18’ 12’
18’ 12’
12’
802’ Storage length 802’ Storage length 802’ Storage length
The Duluth Station at Union Depot NLX Corridor meets the functional requirements
as a passenger rail station for ST. LOUIS Lake Duluth Superior
NLX service, while still serving the Superior multiple functions at the Depot. CARLTON 35
Modifications would include adding a DOUGLAS new passenger entrance on the north MINNESOTA WISCONSIN side of the building at track level, and PINE Hinckley
constructing a new passenger waiting KANABEC area in place of the existing ticket
office for the North Shore Scenic 35 Cambridge ISANTI LEGEND Railroad. Also, a new NLX platform VIEW FROM EXISTING PARKING & WAITING AREA VIEW FROM PROPOSED UNION DEPOT Station would be constructed at the lower View of existing parking and waiting area (left); view toward proposed Duluth Station (right) ANOKA UNION DEPOT - DULUTH UNION DEPOT - DULUTH 94 NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS - 10% CONCEPTUAL DESIGN NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS - 10% CONCEPTUAL DESIGN NLX Corridor Coon level. Passenger parking would be Rapids
HENNEPIN provided at existing parking decks to Minneapolis 94 north and south of Union Depot.
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS To sign-up for NLX Project updates: Northern Lights Express www.mndot.gov/nlx and click on Connect with us in the lower right Update - February 2016 corner of the home page.
Estimated Ridership, Project Cost and Benefits In December 2015, project representatives released estimated project costs, preliminary operating schedule, projected ridership, and project benefits. About NLX A summary of these findings is below: TOTAL IMPLEMENTATION COST: Estimated between $500 million and $600 million. The Northern Lights Express is a proposed high speed intercity INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: Upgrading safety measures at grade crossings; adding track and platforms at both Target Field Station in Minneapolis and passenger rail project to provide rail The Depot in Duluth; upgrading the rail track to allow for higher train speed and more service between Minneapolis and consistent travel times; and constructing stations in Coon Rapids, Cambridge and Duluth. The NLX Project would Hinckley, MN, and in Superior, WI. operate on approximately 152 miles of existing BNSF railway track. OPERATING SCHEDULE: Four round trips per day at speeds up to 90 miles per hour with an end-to-end travel time of approximately 2 ½ hours. The NLX Project is being managed by PROJECTED RIDERSHIP: 700,000-750,000 annual riders in the first year of operation and the Minnesota Department of increasing to 900,000-1,000,000 riders in 2040. Transportation in consultation with OPERATING COSTS: An estimated $17.5 million per year average for the first five years. the Federal Railroad Administration BENEFITS: The enhanced regional transportation infrastructure and services and with cooperation from the provided by NLX will result in economic, safety and quality of life benefits by Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior strengthening the region’s intercity connections. Passenger Rail Alliance, Wisconsin ECONOMIC GROWTH: Preliminary analysis shows that NLX will support existing Department of Transportation, and industries and the growth of new businesses by improving access between communities, local communities. creating more temporary and permanent jobs, increasing tax revenue, and fostering tourism activity throughout the corridor. The anticipated economic growth generated by the operation of NLX will exceed the initial investment in the service. Next Steps MnDOT is currently conducting preliminary engineering and completing the Tier 2 Project Level environmental review. This phase of the NLX project will be completed in early 2017. MnDOT, in consultation with the NLX project partners, will be preparing a Financial Plan that outlines the federal and state funding required to advance the project as well as the manner in which the operating subsidy will be funded. If funding is available in a timely manner, service could begin as early as 2020.
Additional Questions or Comments? www.mndot.org/nlx • [email protected] Frank Loetterle, NLX MnDOT Project Manager Bob Manzoline, NLX Alliance Executive Director [email protected] or 651-366-3194 [email protected] or 218-744-2653 To sign-up for NLX Project updates: www.mndot.gov/nlx and click on Northern Lights Express Connect with us in the lower right corner of the home page. Frequently Asked Questions
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS PROJECT About NLX
The Northern Lights Express is a pro- What is the Northern Lights Express? posed high speed intercity The Northern Lights Express is a proposed high speed intercity passenger rail project to provide rail passenger rail service that would operate between Minneapolis service between Minneapolis and and Duluth on approximately 152 miles of railroad track within an Duluth. The NLX Project would op- existing BNSF railway track. erate on approximately 152 miles of existing BNSF railway track. What agency is responsible for the planning and The NLX Project is being managed by implementation of the Northern Lights Express? the Minnesota Department of Planning and implementation of the Northern Lights Express is Transportation in consultation with being managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation the Federal Railroad Administration, in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration and with and with cooperation from the cooperation from the Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance, Wisconsin Alliance, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and local Department of Transportation, and communities. local communities. What is the purpose of the Northern Lights Express? The purpose of the Northern Lights Express is to provide fast, NLX Corridor Map convenient and affordable intercity passenger rail service between Minneapolis and Duluth that will provide an alternative to travel by automobile, bus or plane.
What is high speed intercity passenger rail service? High speed intercity passenger rail service operates between two distinct metropolitan areas on shared or dedicated rights of way at speeds equal to or greater than 90 mph. Service is provided throughout the day.
How does intercity passenger rail service differ from commuter rail service? Commuter rail service, such as Northstar Commuter Rail, is local short distance passenger rail service operating on existing rail cor- ridors between a central city and adjacent suburbs with schedules oriented toward providing service inbound to the central city in the morning and outbound to the suburbs in the afternoon.
Updated 2/2016 Page | 1 What is the Northern Lights Express What are the benefits of this high speed Project? intercity passenger rail project? The NLX Project includes all activities that need to NLX will provide an alternative to car or air travel happen in order to begin NLX Service: that is convenient, less stressful and allows pas- • planning sengers to work, socialize, read and activities while • environmental review travelling. NLX would also provide a transportation • engineering option for those unable to drive or for those who • design prefer passenger rail because of the convenience. • procurement of equipment • completion of all necessary agreements and How will the travel time of NLX compare construction of the infrastructure, including to car or air travel? stations, required to implement daily train NLX travel time is anticipated to be comparable to service car travel and comparable to air travel when time for security, boarding and disembarking is included. Where are the proposed NLX stations going to be located? Will new railroad tracks be built for NLX? Stations are proposed for Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, NLX will operate primarily on existing track owned Cambridge, Hinckley, and Duluth in Minnesota and by the BNSF Railway. New track may be needed to Superior in Wisconsin. extend existing sidings, create new sidings or create double track sections. Any new track will be along- How fast will NLX travel? side existing track and within the existing BNSF Wherever possible, track will be improved to allow right of way. a maximum speed of 90 mph for passenger trains. Actual speed will vary by location based upon track What is the BNSF Railway? geometry, adjacent land use and other factors. The BNSF Railway is a private railroad company that provides primarily freight rail service over tracks How long will it take to travel between that it owns, leases or shares with other railroad Minneapolis and Duluth on NLX? companies. Although most of the rail traffic on BNSF Travel time between Minneapolis and Duluth is tracks is freight, BNSF does provide passenger rail anticipated to be around 2½ hours. service in such places as Chicago and Seattle. BNSF also operates the Northstar Commuter rail service How frequently will NLX run? that travels between Minneapolis and Big lake in Minnesota under contract to Metro Transit. It is anticipated that there will be four roundtrips scheduled at convenient times throughout the day, What other facilities will be required to allowing riders to travel and conduct business in Minneapolis or Duluth as part of a single-day trip. operate NLX? The final determination of NLX’s schedule will be NLX will require a layover facility in Duluth and po- based on the Financial and Ridership Study, which tentially one other location to park trains overnight. will be completed by the end of 2016. NLX will also require a light maintenance facility to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs. A How much will it cost to ride NLX? location for the light maintenance facility has not been determined. Fare estimates for NLX are part of the Financial Plan. Although ridership forecasts and preliminary reve- nue projections were completed in December 2015, final revenue projections and a complete financial analysis will not be completed until the end of 2016.
Page | 2 What is the anticipated cost to What is happening right now? construct, operate and maintain? MnDOT is currently conducting preliminary The total cost to establish reliable, daily, high-speed engineering and preparing the Tier 2 project level inter-city passenger rail service on this route, environmental review. This phase of the NLX Project including infrastructure improvements and train is anticipated to be completed by early 2017. equipment is estimated between $500 million and $600 million. Once the Northern Lights Express train What happens after preliminary is operational, current estimates put operating and engineering and environmental review is maintenance costs at $17.5 million per year for the complete? first five years. Revenue from fares is expected to cover most of this cost, with an anticipated subsidy Upon completion of preliminary engineering and of between $3 million and $5 million per year, for the Tier 2 environmental review, the project will be the first five years, and will drop over time as eligible to apply for federal funding by the ridership grows. beginning of 2017 to enter into final design and construction. Who will pay for the construction of When would construction of NLX begin? the NLX Project? The initiation of final design and construction Funding for final design and construction of the depends upon the availability of funding. NLX Project and future operation of NLX Service will not be determined until the completion of the preliminary engineering and environmental review When will NLX service begin? of the Project, which is anticipated in early 2017. Fu- If funding is available when needed, service could ture funding may come from public sources (federal begin as early as 2020. and state), private investment or a combination of the two.
Who will own and maintain NLX? The BNSF Railway will retain ownership of the track that NLX would use. MnDOT will own and maintain facilities constructed specifically for the NLX Project. In some cases, MnDOT may lease facilities owned by other public agencies. MnDOT will also own and maintain the locomotives and coaches.
HINCKLEY LOOP FEASIBILITY STUDY
What is the NLX Hinckley Loop Feasibility Study? relocating a planned station from downtown The feasibility study completed for the NLX Project Hinckley to the Grand Casino Hinckley, two miles in 2007 suggested that providing a direct east, would add substantial riders and revenue to connection to the Grand Casino Hinckley could the overall system. The Hinckley Loop study is increase overall NLX ridership and revenues. The expected to be completed in early 2016. Hinckley Loop is a proposed route currently under study by MnDOT. The study is examining whether
Page | 3 STAKEHOLDER/PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Who are NLX Project stakeholders? Will future meetings for the NLX Project or NLX Project stakeholders are interested in the Hinckley Loop Study offer time for staff outcomes of the project. Stakeholders may include: and project sponsors to dialogue with residents, business owners, prooperty owners, stakeholders, property owners, and other future riders, elected officials, members of people interested in the project? organizations with an interest in the project, and local, state and federal agencies. Yes. Project staff will use a number of formats for public meetings to facilitate a range of activities and conversations. Regardless of format, staff will always How will people know that their concerns be available to answer questions and discuss the are being heard? project with attendees. Project staff will track changes made to the project’s design and budget due to stakeholder input on How do we learn about the project and the project. This information will be shared on the future meetings or provide feedback? project website as the NLX Project and NLX Hinckley Loop Study proceed. Please sign up for project email updates including upcoming meetings under “connect with us” on the NLX website at www.mndot.gov/nlx. You can also email the project at [email protected], or visit the project website for more information. Feedback on the project can be submitted via email, on the website or by phone: 651-366-3194.
Additional Questions or Comments?
www.mndot.gov/nlx [email protected]
Francis Loetterle NLX Project Manager [email protected] 651-366-3194 Page | 4