Transportation Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities

. ACTION TRANSMITTAL No. 2013-17

DATE: March 14, 2013 TO: Transportation Advisory Board FROM: Kevin Roggenbuck, TAB Coordinator PREPARED BY: Kevin Roggenbuck, TAB Coordinator (651-602-1728) SUBJECT: Public Comment Report on the 2013-2016 TIP Amendment for the 2015-2016 Regional Solicitation Projects and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program Projects REQUESTED Staff requests that the TAB accept the public comment report with ACTION: the recommended changes. RECOMMENDED Recommend that the Transportation Advisory Board accept the MOTION: public comment report with changes to the draft amendment to the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to add approximately $159 million in federal funding as the 2015-2016 allocations of federal Surface Transportation Program (STP), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Transportation Alternatives (TA), and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program funding.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF ACTION: At its June 21, 2012, meeting, the TAB approved projects selected from the 2011 Regional Solicitation for four federal funding programs in 2015 and 2016: Surface Transportation Program (STP), Bridge Improvement and Replacement (BIR), Transportation Enhancements (TE), and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ). Typically, the selection of projects would occur in time to add them to the draft Transportation Improvement Program so they could be part of the public involvement process. Because the selection was made after the public hearing process had begun for the draft 2013-2016 TIP, the projects could not be added to the draft TIP and would have to be amended into the approved TIP.

The TIP amendment to include the regional solicitation projects also includes projects solicited and recommended for funding by MnDOT in the Railroad Highway Safety Crossing program. These projects were not part of the regional solicitation and were not part of the public involvement process.

Also, because of the magnitude of the amendment, an opportunity for public involvement was included in the TIP amendment process, similar to the public involvement opportunity for the draft TIP. Staff developed a TIP amendment schedule with a 21-day public comment period in consultation with the Federal Highway Administration and MnDOT, and the TAB approved the schedule in February, 2013.

390 North Robert St., St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1805 (651) 602-1000 Fax (651) 602-1739 The attached public comment report documents the outreach efforts to gain public involvement and all the public comments received, and includes staff responses to the public comments.

RELATIONSHIP TO REGIONAL POLICY: Typically, the projects selected for funding through the regional solicitation process would be included in the draft Transportation Improvement Program that is adopted by the TAB for public comment and a public hearing. Because the selection of projects in the 2011 regional solicitation was made too late to be part of the draft 2013-2016 TIP and its public involvement process, a similar public involvement process was developed and implemented.

STAFF ANALYSIS: Staff has three recommendations that are already reflected in the TIP amendment and more fully described in the public comment report. 1. Revise the description of the rail crossing project in Carver County to correctly locate the project in Dahlgren Township. 2. Revise the amendment to program Hennepin County STP project on CSAH 81 in program year 2017 and Hennepin County STP project CSAH 53 in 2016. 3. Revise the amendment to program $2.4 million of CMAQ funds and the remaining $9.024 million as Advance Construction in program year 2015 and Advance Construction payback of $3.76 million in program year 2016.

COMMITTEE COMMENTS AND ACTION: The public comment period began on February 20, 2013 and ran through March 13, 2013; during the time the TAB’s technical committees met and discussed the amendment. The technical committees provided the opportunity for public comment at their meetings, but because the comment period was held during their meetings, this public comment report was not available for their review and recommendation.

ROUTING

TO ACTION REQUESTED DATE COMPLETED TAC Funding & Programming None Committee Technical Advisory Committee None Transportation Advisory Board Review & Accept Metropolitan Council Information Transportation Committee Metropolitan Council Information

Page 2 Transportation Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities

TO: Transportation Advisory Board

FROM: Kevin Roggenbuck, TAB Transportation Coordinator

DATE: March 14, 2103

RE: Public Comment Report on the draft 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program amendment to include the projects selected in the 2011 regional solicitation and the recommended Railroad Highway Crossing Safety projects. ______

The Transportation Advisory Board held a 21-day public comment period on the draft 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program amendment to include the 2011 regional solicitation projects selected by the TAB to receive federal funding from the Surface Transportation Program, the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program , the Transportation Enhancements Program and the Bridge Improvement and Replacement Program. The Metropolitan Council sought public involvement by sending notices directly to project sponsors and other stakeholders, by publishing a notice on the metropolitan Council website and through social media. The public outreach efforts are documented in Appendix A. The public comment period began on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 than ended on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. All written comments and a summary of the comments received by telephone by the close of the public comment period are attached as Appendix B. Below is a summary of the three comments received during the public comment period with staff response and recommendations.

COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Multiple emails and telephone messages from residents in and around the city of Plymouth Staff received 35 emails and 17 telephone messages during the public comment period and each had nearly identical comments requesting that I-494 be reconstructed to six lanes between I-394 and I-94.

Staff response and recommendation: The roadway improvement projects funded through the Surface Transportation Program in the regional solicitation are limited to “A” Minor Arterials and Non-freeway Principal Arterials. I-494 is an Interstate freeway, part of the National Highway System, and not eligible for funds through the 2011 regional solicitation process. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over the Interstate system and is responsible for programming improvements to this portion of I-494.

Lyndon Robjent, Carver County Engineer Staff received an email on March 6 stating that there is a typo in the description of the RR project on CSAH 41 in Carver Co. The description states that the project is in Randolph Township but it is actually in Dahlgren Township.

Staff response and recommendation: This error will be corrected in the amendment before it is sent to the TAB for adoption.

2013-16 public comment responses. page 2

James Grube, Hennepin County Engineer. Staff received an email dated February 14 in response to a request from Kevin Roggenbuck to allow the region to program Hennepin County STP project on CSAH 53 in program year 2017. Mr. Grube replied to program a different STP project on CSAH 81 in 2017. Staff inadvertently listed the CSAH 53 project in 2017. This error was brought to the staff’s attention during the public comment period.

Staff response and recommendation: This is a staff error. The TIP amendment will be revised to show the CSAH 81 STP project in program year 2017 and the CSAH 53 STP project in program year 2016 as requested by Mr. Grube.

Jonathan Vlaming, Associate Superintendent, Three Rivers Park District. Staff received a letter dated February 21 providing air quality assessment of the Nine Mile Creek TE project, allowing it to be programmed as a CMAQ project in 2016. Mr. Vlaming’s letter also requested that the project be programmed in 2015, if possible. Staff consulted with MnDOT Metro Program Management regarding the availability of CMAQ funds in 2015, and forwarded their generally affirmative response to Mr. Vlaming. Also attached is an email dated March 13 from Mr. Vlaming agreeing to have $2.4 million in CMAQ funds programmed in 2015 with the balance of the total project cost Advance Constructed in 2015 and the remainder of the federal funds listed as Advance Construction payback in 2016.

Staff response and recommendation: The TIP amendment should be revised to show the funding for the Nine Mile Creek CMAQ project funded as described in both program years 2015 and 2016.

390 Robert Street No. St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (651) 602-1728 Fax (651) 602-1739

Appendix A: Notification of the opportunity for public involvement.

Announcement sent to project sponsors and other stakeholders. Announcement published on the metropolitan Council’s website. Announcement sent on Twitter. From: Schallberg, Heidi Subject: Public comment period open for Twin Cities draft TIP amendment Date: Thursday, February 21, 2013 5:04:22 PM

The Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) is receiving public comment on the draft amendment to the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The proposed amendment includes 74 new projects, using $159 million in funding, chosen through the TAB’s regional solicitation process for construction in years 2015-16. The regional solicitation process includes projects from several federal funding programs: the Surface Transportation Program (STP), Bridge Improvement and Replacement (BIR), Transportation Enhancements (TE), and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ). The draft amendment also includes allocations for the federal Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). More information on the proposed amendment and the public comment period is available at: http://www.metrocouncil.org/news/2013/TIPAmendmentFeb21.htm The public comment period on the draft amendment is open through 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 13. Heidi Schallberg, aicp Senior Planner | Metropolitan Council [email protected] P. 651.602.1721 | F. 651.602.1739 390 North Robert Street | St. Paul, MN | 55101 | metrocouncil.org Metropolitan Council - Public comment period open for $159 million TIP amendment skip to content ● Communities ● Parks ● About Us ● Transportation ● News & Events ● Wastewater & Water ● Data & Maps ● Housing ● Publications ● Planning ● ● Doing Business ● Council Meetings ● Contact Us

Public comment period open for $159 million TIP amendment Upcoming Events

Posted In: Transportation Date: ● Transportation Advisory Board selected projects 2/21/2013 Metro Mobility Public Forums Three forums March 18, 21 & 22 for federal funding provide an opportunity for Metro Mobility riders and their ST. PAUL – Feb. 20, 2013 – The Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) is receiving public comment caregivers to ask questions, on the draft amendment to the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The proposed amendment provide feedback about current includes 74 new projects, using $159 million in funding, chosen through the TAB’s regional solicitation process for service and learn more about construction in years 2015-16. the future of Metro Mobility. Date: 3/18/2013 The regional solicitation process includes projects from several federal funding programs: the Surface Transportation Time: 11:00 AM Program (STP), Bridge Improvement and Replacement (BIR), Transportation Enhancements (TE), and Congestion Location: 2 locations--see details Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ). The draft amendment also includes allocations for the federal Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). More Details ● Notable projects in the draft amendment include: Notice of Public Hearing on West Suburban Transit Service ● $20.5 million for construction of an interchange at Highway 101 and County Highway 144 in Rogers, with trail and Changes sidewalk improvements. ● $11.4 million for a pedestrian/bicycle trail between Tracy and France avenues in Edina. The Metropolitan Council/Metro ● $11.4 million to reconstruct county highway 116 in Andover and Ham Lake into a four-lane road, with a separated Transit will hold two public bike/pedestrian feature and improved rail crossing. hearings on proposed changes to west suburban transit service. ● $11.2 million to reconstruct county highway 81 in Brooklyn Park into a multi-lane highway with median and multi- use trail. Date: 4/1/2013 ● $10 million to extend the eastern end of Pierce Butler Route in St. Paul, with bike lanes and sidewalks. Time: 6:30 PM ● $9.3 million to rehabilitate the 10th Ave. S.E. bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Location: 2 locations--see details ● $9.1 million for reconstruction of Hennepin/Lyndale Avenue near Dunwoody Blvd., I-94, and Loring Park in Minneapolis, with pedestrian and bicycle improvements. More Details ● $8.4 million for reconstruction of Scott County highway 17 into a four-lane highway with a multi-use trail between county highways 78 and 42. ● $8.1 million to reconstruct county highway 34/Normandale Blvd., in Bloomington into a four-lane highway with multi-use trails. ● $8.8 million for limited stop transit service on Chicago and Portland avenues in Minneapolis and Richfield, and ENewsletter American Blvd. in Bloomington. ● $7.5 million for limited stop transit service in St. Paul and Maplewood. Subscribe to our newsletter Details about the TIP amendment, including the full list of projects (pdf).

http://www.metrocouncil.org/News-Events/Transportation/News-Articles/Public-comment-period-open-for-$159-million-TIP-am.aspx (1 of 3) [3/13/2013 1:19:25 PM] Metropolitan Council - Public comment period open for $159 million TIP amendment Comments The public comment period on the draft amendment is open through 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 13. To comment, the public may: Share ● Write to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101 ● Email to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at [email protected] ● Find us on Facebook ● Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904) ● Fax to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at 651.602.1464. ● Follow us on Twitter The public may also attend either committee meeting below, where the draft amendment will also be discussed: ● Watch us on YouTube

● Thursday, Feb. 21: Technical Advisory Committee’s Funding and Programming Committee, 1:30 p.m.

● Wednesday, March 6: Technical Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.

The Transportation Advisory Board will consider the draft amendment at its March 20 meeting. The Metropolitan Council will consider the TAB’s action at a future meeting. The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system and Northstar commuter rail, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Posted In: Transportation Tags: TIP,TIP improvement plan

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Appendix B: Copies of all public comments received.

Summary of telephone comments recorded on the information comment line. Copies of the email comments received at the email comment address. Email comment from Carver County. Email comment from Hennepin County. Letter and email from Three Rivers Park District.

From: O"Connell, Pat To: Schallberg, Heidi; Roggenbuck, Kevin; Subject: 494/94 3-lane expansion Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:30:56 AM

I received calls from Residence of Plymouth on public information comment line. Noreen Dillon 763-559-9344 Julie Tripp 612-508 3057 Scott Wyner, 15605 – 61st Av. N., 612-618-8000 763-551-8270 763-559-9490 Mary Groetken, 14530 15th Av. N., 763-473-9051 Paul Bierhaus, 763-559-0800 Jim Heathstad, 1215 Kingsview Ln. N., 763-543-9003 Lydia Kroeten, 763-383-7653 Cheryl Michele, 763-509-0930 Kathy McClure, 763-557-5727 Connie Crownhart, 4565 Glacier Ln. N., 763-557-1270 Russ Thour, 14635 39th Av. N., 763-557-0269 Jane McConnach, 763-432-0050 763-553-1746 Laura Peterson, 16010 4th Av. N., 763-670-5444

All said the same. Please reconsider adding this to the list of projects you recommend to MNDOT. Please consider the expansion of I-494 north of Hwy. 55 to three lanes in both directions to be a high priority in your upcoming planning for future projects in the coming year. This bottle-neck has existed since I-494 was expanded south of Hwy. 55 and has gotten considerably worse in recent years. Rush hour traffic delays are consistent and prolonged. With the huge amount of new residential construction happening in the Plymouth and Maple Grove area this traffic issue will only worsen. This is the only area of the metro beltway that is not 3 lanes or more--in one of the largest growth areas of the metro! This issue must be addressed, and soon. Thank you

It is embarrassing to live in Minneapolis and have fewer freeways around our outer city, than DeMoines Iowa. Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

1) From: Fred Stelter [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 1:53 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of I 494 N to 3 lanes

I am disturbed to have learned that currently the METC is excluding the expansion of I 494 north bound from its list of projects. As I travel about the Twin Cities for work and live in Plymouth, I do not find another stretch of Interstate that is so desperately in need of expansion to eliminate the significant daily backups through Plymouth and I seriously hope that this project is added.

Sincerely,

Fred Stelter 14505 43rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55446 612-325-7414

2) From: Forrest Harstad [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 2:02 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: public comment on the draft of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

Public comment on the draft of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP):

I live in Plymouth.

I would like to see 610 completed and 494 improved.

Forrest Harstad

3) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 2:14 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: I-494 Lane Expansion

The expansion of I 494 to three full lanes North and South from I394 to I 94 is badly needed. This should be done without taking away the median and with adequate sound barriers. The noise from 494 in the vicinity of county rd 6 is already excessive. I live near county road 6 and already do not use 494 unless I relly need to after 3 PM.

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

Vern Gaarder 14315 14th Ave N Plymouth, MN 55447

4) From: Craig Anderson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 1:51 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: ** I-494 EXPANSION **

I respectfully request that the expansion of I-494 be included on the TIP list. The bottleneck is simply intolerable & frankly, unnecessary.

Craig Anderson 4550 Ranchview Lane Plymouth MN 55446

5) From: Brian Hayes [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 2:16 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Request

Hello,

I would like to request that a wall to reduce noise, as seen on many other roads in the metro area, be erected on the west side of I-494 from 394 north to the Highway 6 exit - the noise from the highways is quite loud, and can be a significant detriment to my neighborhood's quality of life. I know of many other neighbors who also would like a wall installed.

The east side of this area is commercial and light industrial, so it would not need a similar wall.

Best regards,

Brian Hayes 14410 10th Ave N (612) 599 1352

6) From: Robert Dahl [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 2:24 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: I-494 bottleneck

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

I live in the East side of Plymouth. I understand you are planning future highway improvement projects, and I understand that the bottleneck on I-494 between hi ways 55 and I94 is not on your current list. I travel this route frequently, and it is often stop-and-go, especially rush hour. Please consider widening this section to 3 lanes in both Directions. Thanks, Bob Dahl

7) From: Stephen Smith [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 2:39 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Please expand I-494 to 3 lanes

I am writing to request that the expansion of 494 to at least 3 lanes all around the city be added to the list of MNDOT projects.

Thanks Stephen Smith Plymouth, MN

8) From: Dave Johnson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 11:19 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expand 494 in Plymouth

Please consider expanding 494 in Plymouth to 3 full-time lanes.

9) From: John Kallerup | 612-747-2448 [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 9:02 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: Comment on Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

I want to express my dismay that the plan DOES NOT include I-494 to be expanded to three full- time lanes. This is desperately needed!

John Kallerup Wayzata, MN

10) From: Emily Lange [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 3:33 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of I-494 near Hwy 55 to 3 Lanes

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

Hello -

Please consider the expansion of the I-494 near Hwy 55 to three full-time lanes! This is a very important expansion and affects the residents of MN and Plymouth greatly. My name is Emily Lange and I live in Plymouth at 14205 44th Place N #3, Plymouth, MN 55446.

Emily Lange

11) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 3:50 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Widening of I494 in Plymouth

I live in Plymouth and am constantly reminded that I live near the only portion of Interstate 494 that is only two lanes wide. I want to strongly request that action be taken to intiate and complete a project to permanently widen the lanes of I494 from the current congested condition. I'm reminded of the inadequacy in this area anytime that I need to go out for any reason and use this portion of highway. Totally unsatisfactory!!

Jim Unterseher 3350 Zircon Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55447 763-449-8837

12) From: Debbie Cisewski [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 3:55 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Include the expansion of I-494 on the TIP list

Please include the expansion of I-494 on the TIP list. The bottleneck that happens in Plymouth affects many Northwest suburbs including Plymouth, Maple Grove, Rogers, Dayton and anyone commuting north on I-94. There have been too many years that this project has been shelved.

Thank you,

Debbie Cisewski [email protected] 4410 Norwood LN N Plymouth, MN 55442 (763) 551-0275

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

13) From: Carlson, Russ [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:16 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of Interstate 494, i.e., adding a permanent 3rd lane to the stretch north of the MN Highway 55 interchange.

Dear Sir/Madam:

My understanding is that the Transportation Improvement Plan developed by the Met Council does not include this project and I feel that is a grave mistake and/or oversight.

U.S. Energy is an 80 employee company on MN Highway 55, just east of the intersection of Interstate 494 and Highway 55. A number of our employees who live NW of us would normally go south and north on Interstate 494 to go to and from work daily. However, they have to take alternative, less efficient routes to and from work due to the impossible congestion on Interstate 494 as it narrows from 3 lanes to 2 lanes north of the Highway 55 intersection. The traffic is a nightmare during morning and evening rush hours which seem to lengthen every year. In addition to our employee issues with the current situation, we have many clients and vendors visiting our offices that also must contend with this difficult transportation situation as well.

This one stretch of Interstate 494 is the only section of the Interstate Highway that is 2 lanes. All the rest of the freeway is at least 3 lanes.

I ask that you add this project to your improvement plan as it currently exists.

Thank you for your consideration of my request.

Russel E. Carlson | Chief Financial Officer | U.S. Energy Services, Inc.

Office: 763-543-4600 | Fax: 763-543-4603 | Mobile: 952-693-1092 | Email: [email protected] 605 North Highway 169, Suite 1200, Plymouth, MN 55441 | www.usenergyservices.com

14) From: Steve Frick [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:46 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Please widen interstate 494 to 3 lanes

Please stop wasting our money on expensive lite transit that very few people will use. Please improve the roads that we have. Please widen interstate 494 to 3 lanes and widen 394 to remove bottlenecks too. Thank you!

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

Steve Frick 2615 Alvarado Lane No Plymouth, MN 55447

15) From: Comcast [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 5:25 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: I-494 Expansion

To Whom It may Concern, I live in Plymouth and I would like to see MNDOT put in their plans to expand I-494 to three lanes in Plymouth and Maple Grove. Traffic is absolutely terrible during rush hour. Thank you!

Richard & Darlene Cook 13319 39th Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441

16) From: gary eikum [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 5:42 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: 494 expansion

Please expand 494 in Plymouth and Maple Grove NOW. It has been a bottle neck for a very long time and a waste of time and money no tot fix it. 20 years from now is not the answer.

Gary Eikum Plymouth resident.

17) From: Bugg Products LLC [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 6:30 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: I-494 expansion

Dear Sirs,

Please add the expansion of 494 to three lanes (both directions) in Plymouth to the list of projects as soon as possible. This bottleneck down to 2 lanes was horrendous again today. Three full time lanes are needed for safety and traffic flow.

Thank you.

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

Regards, Brian Weekley 630 Lanewood Lane N Plymouth, MN 55447

18) From: Loras Holmberg [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 6:58 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expand 494 Lanes In Plymouth

This definitely should be on the Transportation Improvement Plan(TIP)!

Loras Holmberg 12904 45th Ave N Plymouth, MN 55442 763.551.4824

19) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7:30 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: I-494

Please expand I-494 to 3 full lanes in each direction in Plymouth! I’ve lived in Plymouth for over 7 years now and the traffic backup northbound I-494 in the afternoon is terrible. This project should be a priority.

Jason Balken Plymouth, MN [email protected]

20) From: Mike Forsyth [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7:20 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: i-494 Expansion

Please add 494 expansion to TIP. Thanks!

Mike Forsyth 4624 Dallas Ln N Plymouth, MN 55446

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

21) From: kristina deRosier [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 9:57 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: 494 expansion

Please expand 494 to 3 lanes at 55 ! Bottleneck is terrible !

Kristina DeRosier 9158 woodlark way Maple grove 7634162153

22) From: Lisa Stinchfield [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:00 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of I-494 north of 55

To Whom It May Concern, Please consider the expansion of I-494 north of Hwy. 55 to three lanes in both directions to be a high priority in your upcoming planning for future projects in the coming year. This bottle-neck has existed since I-494 was expanded south of Hwy. 55 and has gotten considerably worse in recent years. Rush hour traffic delays are consistent and prolonged. With the huge amount of new residential construction happening in the Plymouth and Maple Grove area this traffic issue will only worsen. This is the only area of the metro beltway that is not 3 lanes or more--in one of the largest growth areas of the metro! This issue must be addressed, and soon. Thank you. Lisa Stinchfield 16155 49th Pl N Plymouth, MN 55446 612-708-5291 [email protected]

23) From: Jean Seppelt [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:46 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of I-494

I am asking that the expansion of I-494 to three full-time lanes in both directions be included in the TIP list.

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

Thank you, Jean C. Seppelt 5930 Kirkwood Circle Plymouth, MN 55442-1503

24) From: Scott Leech [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 3:39 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: MNDOT planning and 494

It was brought to my attention that expanding 494 to 3 full lanes on the West side of the metro (Plymouth) is not in any current list of projects for MNDOT. I wanted to voice my concern. I assumed this was just a matter of course (continuing from projects farther South) because the need is so great.

Please reconsider adding this to the list of projects you recommend to MNDOT.

Thank you,

Scott ______Scott Leech BrandSpeak Communications [email protected] www.brandspeak.com

430 First Avenue North Suite 640 Minneapolis, MN 55401 office: (612) 332-9585 cell: (612) 868-4036

25) From: Lisa Schuler [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 7:43 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: Add I-494 Expansion to TIP List Importance: High

Attention Met Council - As a resident affected by the bottleneck of traffic on 494 in the northwest suburbs, I would like to request that the expansion of I-494 to three lanes in both directions be included on the TIP list.

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

Regards...

~~~ Lisa Schuler 12705 54th Ave N. Plymouth, MN 55442 612.237.5010

26) From: John R. Hinz [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:11 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: expansion of 494

Dear Sir/Madam:

Please consider expanding I494 to three lanes. As a Plymouth resident, I frequently have to take a pass on 494 because it is at a stand still.

John R. Hinz 763-559-1656 Securities and Advisory Services offered through VSR Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. J.R. Hinz & Associates, Inc. is independent of VSR

27) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:25 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: TIP - I-494

Attention Met Council - As a resident affected by the bottleneck of traffic on 494 in the northwest suburbs, I request that the expansion of I-494 to three lanes in both directions be included on the TIP list.

28) From: Janchoromanski [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:22 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: 494 expansion to 3 lanes

I have lived in Dayton for over 30 years and have seen the 494 & 169 interchange be reconstructed 3 times. I was thrilled when the announcement was made that 494 was being expanded to three lanes, only to find the expansion ended at Hwy 55. Why??? With summer coming it gets even worse as people head north to their cabins.

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

I noticed there are plans to improve access to 94 in Rogers. Once that is completed it will allow people faster access to 94 adding to the 2 lane issue on 494.

Why are the northern suburbs always the last to see improvements to their roads? There is not a major road in the Northwest side that does not have major congestion during peak times due to lack of lanes, or stop lights.

169 is another example. Improvements were made south of 494 to remove all the stop lights. Why have't all the lights been removed from 169 going north? Millions were spent to upgrade the 81 & 169 interchange. But traffic is still backed up to that intersection every evening due to the light on Cty Rd 30. Close that intersection and add a lane between 81 & 610. The backup would lessen dramatically as 60 % of the traffic is trying to get to 610.

Speaking of 610, another project that was started but not fully completed. Love the access as do many others, but then the traffic dumps onto 81 which goes from 2 lanes to one leading to massive backups especially during the summer. Check the number of accidents that occurred in the area of 81 & Fernbrook.

When a new intersection is needed on the north end. We need to fund it I.e. Brockton Lane.

Do we need better representation that will fight for better roads?

Please review and consider north end traffic issues. The environment is also being affected by all the traffic sitting for hours on the roads. Please help us!

Jan Choromanski

29) From: John [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:19 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: TIP

John Plumhoff 6368 Pineview Lane N Maple Grove, Mn

30) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:17 AM

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of 494

31) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 11:13 AM To: PublicInfo Subject: Expansion of I-494

My name is Laurie Kovalik and I live in the West Metro area (Plymouth). I recently learned that the expansion of I-494 to 3 lanes in both directions was not on the Transportation Improvement Plan. I would like to express my concern about this and encourage that this be added to the TIP.

Thank you, Laurie Kovalik

32) From: Nancy Fabian [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 1:09 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: I-494

As a resident of Plymouth who uses I-494 on a daily basis to and from work in St. Louis Park, I would like to request your consideration in expanding I-494 to three full time lanes. Traffic has become increasingly congested from Hwy.55 northward.

Thank You, Nancy Fabian

33) From: John Stemper [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 2:53 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: 494 expansion Plymouth

I would strongly encourage this to be a priority for the Met Council to assist in reducing traffic congestion.

Sincerely,

Public Comments Received on Draft TIP Amendment for 2015-2016 Projects from the Regional Solicitation

John Stemper

34) From: Lois Dahl [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 2:41 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: 494 expansion

Please add the expansion of 494 from 55 to 694 to the TIP list. I travel part of this stretch on my way home from work in NE MPLs to Rockford road and it almost always clogs when I get onto 494 from 394 and then frees up after 494 goes down to 2 lanes at 55. Adding another lane through the point that 494 and 694 splits is much needed given the previous expansion of lanes on 494. Thank you for your consideration.

Lois Dahl 4835 Ithaca Lane N, Plymouth 55446

35) From: Susan Anderson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 4:44 PM To: PublicInfo Subject: TIP Public Comment

Dear METC Council members,

I would like to express my concern that the expansion of 494 to at least 3 lanes in both directions, north of Highway 55 is not on the list of priority projects. 494 north of Hwy 55 is backed up for a significant number of hours during the day and also affects 494 traffic south of Hwy 55. With more growth in the NW suburbs and up 94, I don't know how you can continue to ignore this area of chronic congestion.

Please add 494 expansion to 3 lanes in both directions to your TIP list.

Thank you, Susan Anderson 4715 Ithaca Ln N Plymouth, MN 55446-3437 763.577.0843.

Sent from my iPhone

From: Lyndon Robjent To: Roggenbuck, Kevin; Subject: RR project in proposed TIP Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 3:16:38 PM

Kevin, There is a typo in the description of the RR project on CSAH 41 in Carver Co. Says Randolph Township. Should be Dahlgren Twp. I think Randolph is in Dakota County Lyndon Robjent, P.E. | Division Director, County Engineer | Carver County Public Works 11360 Highway 212, Suite 1, Cologne, MN 55322 Tel: 952.466.5206 | Fax: 952.466.5223 [email protected]

“The unauthorized disclosure or interception of e-mail is a federal crime. See 18 U.S.C. SEC. 2517(4). This e-mail is intended only for the use of those whom it is addressed and may contain information which is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under the law. If you have received this e-mail in error, do not distribute or copy it. Return it immediately to the sender with attachments, if any, and notify the sender by telephone.” From: [email protected] To: Roggenbuck, Kevin; cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; Subject: Re: Hennepin County STP projects in program year 2016. Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013 8:05:19 PM

Good day Kevin, Hennepin County is willing to allow AA-11-05, or the CSAH 81 project, to be moved to 2017. If there is anything more we can do for you, please get in touch. Jim

From: "Roggenbuck, Kevin" To: "'[email protected]'" Date: 02/12/2013 08:32 AM Subject: Hennepin County STP projects in program year 2016.

Jim, Good morning. I just wanted to follow up with you about programming one of two Hennepin County STP projects from the 2011 regional solicitation in 2017 instead of 2016 as requested. Below I cut and pasted the two projects we briefly discussed after the CIC meeting last Friday.

AA-11-05 Hennepin |Reconstruction of CSAH 81 from north of 63rd avenue North to north of CSAH 8 in Brooklyn Park to a multi-lane divided roadway including concrete median and with a mutli-use trail. Requested program year 2016. EA approved but need ROW and railroad agreement. Move to 2017?

AR-11-06|Hennepin |Reconstruct CSAH 53 from 150 feet west of Washburn Avenue to 16th Avenue in Richfield, to a 3-lane section center turn lane, raised concrete median, signal replacement, sidewalks, and on-road bikeways. Requested program year 2016 Need ROW and railroad agreement. Move to 2017?

We are getting a TIP amendment ready for the TAC Funding & Programming Committee meeting on February 21 but we need to balance as much as possible the funding available with the funding requested in 2015 and 2016. The project that goes into 2017 will not be amended into the current (2013-2016) TIP, but it will be included in the draft 2014-2017 TIP that MnDOT is preparing in March. The amendment will be approved by FHWA n May or June while the 2014-2017 TIP will be approved by FHWA in December. Thanks. Please contact me if you have any questions. Kevin.

Kevin Roggenbuck, Transportation Coordinator Transportation Advisory Board 390 Robert Street North St. Paul, MN 55101 phone: 651-602-1728 email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: Information in this message or an attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13, may be subject to attorney-client or work product privilege, may be confidential, privileged, proprietary, or otherwise protected, and the unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or other use or disclosure of the information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error and then promptly delete this message from your computer system. From: Jonathan Vlaming To: Roggenbuck, Kevin; cc: [email protected]; Subject: RE: CMAQ request for Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail funding in 2015 Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 11:54:11 AM

Hi Kevin, That is excellent news about the CMAQ funding qualification. Thank you. With regard to the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail Project in Edina, Three Rivers requests that $2.4 million of the Federal Grant be available for funding in the 2015 program, and the remainder ($3.76 million) be available for funding in the 2016 program as a reimbursement for work done in 2015. Three Rivers will provide the full local match and amount to be considered for reimbursement for the project in 2015. If other projects fall behind schedule and additional funds become available, Three Rivers requests that the $3.76 million in the 2016 program be moved forward to the 2015 program.

Jonathan Vlaming Associate Superintendent - Planning, Design and Technology Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center 3000 Xenium Lane N Plymouth, MN 55441 763.694.7632 612.490.5220 (cell)

From: Roggenbuck, Kevin [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 11:12 AM To: Jonathan Vlaming Subject: RE: CMAQ request for Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail funding in 2015

Jonathan, Thank you for providing the air quality documentation for the Nine Mile Creek project. The FHWA staff has indicated that it is acceptable and the project can be programmed using Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program funds. I treated your request to have the Nine Mile Creek project programmed in 2015 as a comment during the public comment period. I forwarded your request to MnDOT Metro Program Management, the people who track all the federal funds, and their reply is below: Our STIP Guidance indicates we have to program within 10% of the amount for each Federal apportionment type and within 2% of all federal funds in each FY. There is some room in CMAQ, FY15. . .we could put about $2.4M of the project in FY15 and AC the remainder with a payback in FY16. The project (091-090-028) requesting to be in FY15 has $6.16M of federal total. Is this something to consider? Translating the message, it means $2.4 million of your $6.16 million project could be funded in 2015, but your agency would be responsible for providing the rest of the federal funds ($3.76 million) plus the local match in 2015. Your agency would be reimbursed for the federal portion in 2016.

Please let me know if you would like to pursue this or just keep the project in program year 2016 by tomorrow afternoon if possible. As I mentioned before, there are always opportunities to move projects up one program year as others tend to fall behind schedule. If the Nine Mile Creek project is programmed in 206 but read for authorization in 2015, it is very likely that it can be moved up and authorized in 2015.

Sincerely, Kevin. Kevin Roggenbuck, Transportation Coordinator Transportation Advisory Board 390 Robert Street North St. Paul, MN 55101 phone: 651-602-1728 email: [email protected]