Agenda Gateway Corridor Commission Thursday December 8, :00 PM

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1 NOTE LOCATION AND TIME CHANGE Agenda Gateway Corridor Commission Thursday December 8, :00 PM Washington County Government Center Room 14 Lower Level nd Street North Stillwater, MN Item Presenter Action Requested 1. Introductions 2. Approval of Agenda Approval 3. Summary Previous Meetings* a. October 13, 2011 b. November 10, Consent Items a. Checks and Claims* 5. Gateway Corridor AA a. Update on Study b. Outreach Activities* 6. Final 2012 Work Plan and Budget* a. Communications Consulting Contract 7. Communications a. Google Analytics Update October* 8. Legislative Update a. State b. Federal* 9. Other a. Meeting Dates Summary* b Meeting Dates and Times* 10. Adjourn Washington County Washington County Washington County Ramsey County Washington County Approval Approval Information Approval Approval Information Information Information Approval *Attachments For questions regarding this material, please contact Ted Schoenecker, Washington County at (651) or at

2 Washington County Government Center Hours: Monday - Friday (except recognized holidays) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Telephone: nd Street North PO Box 6 (for mailing purposes) Stillwater, MN Directions to the Government Center and Law Enforcement Center from St. Paul Go east on State Highway #36 to its intersection with Fourth Street (Osgood Avenue North). Make a left turn and go north on Fourth Street to 62nd Street North. Make a right turn onto 62nd Street North and proceed one block east. The Washington County Government Center will be on your right. At this point, make a right turn onto Oxboro Avenue North and proceed south to Parking Lot A which will appear on your left and south of the Government Center. (Parking Lot B is for employee parking.) Or, continue on 62nd Street North to Panama Avenue North and turn right (south) to enter Parking Lot C (the top level of a parking ramp) at the Law Enforcement Center. Government Center The entrance to the east of Parking Lot A provides the main access to: County Board / Office of Administration Public Health and Environment Community / Social Services County Surveyor Human Resources Veterans Services

3 Gateway Corridor Commission Meeting Summary Agenda Item #3a October 13, 2011 Woodbury City Hall, Birch Room Members Agency Present Rafael Ortega Ramsey County X Lisa Weik Washington County X Kathy Lantry St Paul X Will Rossbach Maplewood X Paul Reinke Oakdale Mary Giuliani Stephens Woodbury X Dean Johnston Lake Elmo X Randy Nelson Afton Dan Kyllo West Lakeland X Brian Zeller Lakeland X Victoria Reinhardt, Alternate Ramsey County Gary Kriesel, Alternate Washington County Paul Rebholz, Alternate Woodbury Brett Emmons, Alternate Lake Elmo Pat Snyder, Alternate Afton X Dave Schultz, Alternate West Lakeland Peg Larson, Alternate Lakeland Ex-Officio Members Agency Present Mike Amundson Baytown Township Greg Watson Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Richard McNamara Oakdale Business and Professional Association Doug Stang 3M Tim Ramberg St. Croix County X Zach Schwartz St Paul Chamber of Commerce X Others Mike Rogers Ted Schoenecker Lyssa Leitner Allen Lovejoy Rachel Horn David Jessup Stephanie Eiler Pat Thompson Roger Rebholz Sally Eral Stephen Ebner Josh Straka Agency Ramsey County RRA Washington County Washington County City of St. Paul Congresswoman Michele Bachmann s Office City of Woodbury CH2M Hill St. Croix County St. Croix County City of Landfall Village West Lakeland Township US Representative Betty McCollum s Office

4 The Gateway Corridor Commission convened at 3:35 p.m. by Chair Weik. Agenda Item #1. Introductions Introductions were made by those present. Agenda Item #2. Approval of Agenda No changes were made to the agenda. Motion made by Rossbach to approve agenda. Seconded by Giuliani Stephens. Approved. Motion carried. Agenda Item #3. Summary August 11, 2011 Meeting No changes were made to the August 11, 2011 meeting summary. Motion made by Rossbach to approve August 11, 2011 meeting summary. Seconded by Johnston. Approved. Motion carried. Agenda Item #4. Consent Items Item 4a. Checks and claims: Motion made by Johnston to approve checks and claims. Seconded by Ortega. Approved. Motion carried. Agenda Item #5. Gateway Corridor AA Update Item 5a. Update on Study Stephanie Eiler distributed and presented a PowerPoint presentation on the revisions to the Alternatives that were recommended by the PAC and TAC along East 7 th Street and White Bear Avenue. Lantry encouraged the Commission to drive the area. The residents on East 7 th Street have alleys with single-car garages; so, if you remove all off-street parking, parking may be an issue. The idea that 34 residences and 8 businesses are going to be removed is a concern. If traffic were re-routed onto Kennard, it would be a major problem, and Ruth Street is not a viable alternative for White Bear Avenue. Lantry added that no one else will have disruption except in this area; the rest of the transitway is going down the freeway. Motion made by Rossbach to retain Alternatives 4 and 6, and conduct analysis that would seek to minimize land use impacts on East 7 th Street and White Bear Avenue based on the assumptions agreed upon between St. Paul and Ramsey County staff. Seconded by Ortega. Approved. Motion carried. Eiler presented the revisions to the Alternatives recommended by the TAC and PAC on proposed station location modifications. Zeller asked if these requested approvals are for the purpose of study. Eiler said yes; we will have specific information on the ridership at each station and clear picture of where the demand is. Weik asked if there could be a BRT line that had a scaled stop approach. Eiler said that is a valid operating strategy; it s not proposed at this point but it could be. Motion made by Johnston to shift Johnson Parkway Station to Earl Street in Alternatives 3 (BRT) and 5 (LRT) along I-94; and add a new station to serve Metro State along Mounds Boulevard in Alternatives 3 (BRT) and 5 (LRT) along I-94. Seconded by Ortega. Approved. Motion carried. Eiler said the consulting team will now dig into the technical work; ridership, capital costing, and

5 operating and maintenance costing on the build alternatives. Schoenecker said, because of where we are in this process, the contingencies are a big piece. The FTA requires they be included in your cost estimate mandated. Zeller asked if the Commission is aware that the Tourism Center in Wisconsin near Carmichael Road may be coming up for sale, and that there may be a need or use for that parcel. Schoenecker said the site is owned by the WI/DOT and the rest area has been deemed as right-of-way that they don t need. The City of Hudson has that area zoned as public use, and for the purposes of this study, we are moving forward with the assumption that it ll still be there. Item 5b. Outreach Activities Schoenecker referred to the ongoing list of outreach activities included in the packet. Weik said the Woodbury Community Foundation presentation was very well attended. Giuliani Stephens said they are the business forum group of local business leaders as well as other executives who live in Woodbury. Weik said the Oakdale Business and Professional Association presentation will be broadcast on Channel 6 metro-wide. The presentations are having good turnouts with good questions and a lot of support. Weik suggested Commission members contact Schoenecker or Leitner if they know of any interested groups for presentations. Agenda Item #6. Preliminary 2012 Work Plan and Budget Item 6a State Bond Funds Schoenecker gave an overview of the State Bonding Bill as outlined in the packet. The Washington County Board has sent a letter to the Metropolitan Council requesting that the bond funds go to the Newport Park-and-Ride and have submitted an application to CTIB for those types of funds. One reason for that action is that bond money can definitely be used for construction and engineering. By moving the bond money to Newport, we are using that money specifically for a construction project. Reallocating money from CTIB to Gateway is putting money towards the development of a transitway. Schoenecker presented the work plan as detailed in the packet stating it is almost identical to The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is the big item added in Zeller asked how do we spend $3 million dollars on the DEIS. We re a small community and residents are asking how come we are spending so much money on a study. Schoenecker said he could bring more information to the next meeting to detail the costs of the DEIS. The big thing is the level of detail for the DEIS; once we get into the specifics, we will be bringing in very technical professional people. Giuliani Stephens asked, assuming the AA is completed in the spring, what is the time frame for the DEIS study to be completed. Schoenecker said 18 to 24 months after hiring the consultant. When the completion of the AA occurs, it should be a short turnaround time from the end of AA to the start of DEIS. Giuliani Stephens asked, if approved, would the CTIB money be dedicated funding to Gateway or is that something the State Legislature could decide to tap into. Schoenecker said the risk will be there either way. They could turn around and take the State Bond money, but it s much more guaranteed once it gets into a grant agreement. Indication now is that we don t feel it s a great risk. Ortega said he feels there is zero risk with the CTIB money. It is a commitment that was made to Washington County. Rossbach asked why the AA money isn t shown in the budget. Weik said it was paid from 2011 and prior budgets, and is not an expenditure in Schoenecker said this budget is a snapshot of what s

6 going to occur in The AA is still ongoing, and we have the revenue set aside to pay for it. Weik commented that in the Commission s update to citizens, they should highlight in the good news column that these revenues necessary to complete the federally required studies have been coming from sales tax revenues, not real estate taxes. In general, CTIB grants are not to be used for studies, but Washington County was able to negotiate in order to catch up and get our studies done. Agenda Item #7 Communications Item 7a. Google Analytics Update July/August Schoenecker distributed a sheet showing the number of visitors to the web site each month with spikes in the periods when communication is high. We are seeing a consistently higher number of people checking the web site. Weik asked why the big drop between Open House #1 and Open House #2. Schoenecker said it is because we, as an organization, aren t continuing to put information in front of people; they get excited around the open houses and visits drop when we don t have public activities. Item 7b. Talking Points Weik said these are the types of things we need to give a 30-second elevator speech. Schoenecker said it gives the Commission members some quick short items to discuss when they re out and about. The six points in the packet give quick facts about this corridor, other transit corridors, and the process being taken to help educate on transit types. Ramberg said they had their area representatives and legislators at the Wisconsin Gateway meeting. The connotation was rail; it was beneficial for them to hear that it is methodical and there are more options. We re in a better position to get more attention from Madison knowing that this is data driven. Agenda Item #8. Bus Tour Schoenecker referred to the options and costs on tour possibilities and costs presented in the packet. Weik said she would be interested in a formal narrated tour, but we would need enough people attending to cover the costs. Giuliani Stephens said the Google Fly-through is adequate since most are familiar with the area; however, she wouldn t mind seeing how these systems operate. Rossbach said, at this point, we don t know what the form of transit will be; therefore, if we do a tour it should be of our own transit way, and the shorter, the better. Rossbach said he also likes the fly-through idea. Weik said if we do a van tour, it could take us through some of these alignments so we could actually see them. It also might be a good idea to wait six months until after the AA study is done. Giuliani Stephens agreed with waiting until the AA is done. Schoenecker said staff will create a Google fly-through presentation. The advantage of the bus tour is having everyone together seeing and hearing the same thing at the same time, and it s also easier to coordinate speakers. Zeller suggested doing the Google fly-through now and revisit a physical tour in the spring. Rossbach said it does seem like a good idea to go into St. Paul, but might be better after the AA is completed. Lantry said she is ok with a map and a self-guided tour since most of the transitway is on Interstate 94. Zeller said it would be helpful to be with some staff; he will have questions that won t get answered on a self guided tour. Weik and Rossbach agreed; it would be advantageous to have the group together to share thoughts.

7 Agenda Item #9. Legislative Update Item 9a. State Rogers said nothing is in session right now. The big thing for the corridor to pay attention to is that next year is a bonding year, and there may be an opportunity for some additional bonding. Weik said we re looking for $1 million for engineering. Schoenecker said the Metropolitan Governance Committee has met; this is a group of Senate and House representatives and they will be looking at the Metropolitan Council, its operations, funding, and responsibilities. Weik said she is on a task force group of County Commissioners and County Administrators that are looking at the Office of the Legislators Auditor s (OLA) report, and the OLA did recommend reconfiguring the Met Council. The OLA recommended option two, which is having a mix of County Commissioners and Appointed individuals on the Met Council, all serving staggered terms. The task force group is discussing only having elected officials as a pool of individuals for the Governor to draw from for appointing. Giuliani Stephens said the Metro Cities also has a task force studying the Met Council. In the past ten years, there have been nine studies with no action taken and she encourages the Legislature to appoint a task force with all the stakeholders so the end result can effectuate a change. Zeller asked what the process would be to implement a change. Giuliani Stephens said it would likely be a piece of legislation from the authority of the task force to be signed by the Governor. Weik said it would be more viable to a seated Governor if it were implemented at the start of a new Congress term. Item 9b. Federal Rogers said there have been a couple resolutions passed to keep government funded and running. On the transportation reauthorization, the House side has been given the right to seek additional revenue above and beyond the gas tax to fund transportation at the existing level. In the appropriations bills for transportation for 2012, the Federal Railroad Administration is funded at $1.3 billion; $7 billion below what the President requested, but $36 million above last year s funding. The Federal Transit Administration was funded at $1.8 billion; $2 billion below what the President requested, but $170 million increase over last year s funding. TIGER funding is funded at $550 million; that program has funded many different projects that don t necessarily fit the traditional transit mode. The jobs legislation is being pushed and odds are it won t pass the Senate as a whole package, but pieces of it are likely to pass. Another interesting thing is the suggestion by the Senate Budget Committee and the Deficit Committee to have bi-annual budgeting. It also sounds like both the House and Senate are looking at passing smaller bills rather than one omnibus bill. Weik commented that Ramsey County is the only entity in Minnesota to receive a TIGER Grant. Ortega said they received $35 million for Union Depot. Agenda Item #10. Other Item 10a. Strategic Meeting Dates Summary Weik said, due to State law, Washington County will be changing their public hearing on the proposed 2012 budget to the evening of Thursday December 8; however, the Gateway meeting that afternoon should not interfere. Schoenecker said we could plan to have a lighter agenda on that date.

8 Item 10b. Media Articles Schoenecker referred to the media information provided in the packet. He also distributed copies of the updated Joint Powers Agreement to the Commission members. Weik said she will be attending a National Conference on Rail-Volution. Ortega said he recently attended the APCA conference in New Orleans. He was able to spend time with former Governor Tommy Thompson from Wisconsin who led a roundtable to talk about transit. Transit is very much on his agenda, and transit politics in Wisconsin should be exciting this year. Agenda Item #11. Adjourn Johnston moved to adjourn. Seconded by Rossbach. Approved. Motion carried. Weik called the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

9 Gateway Corridor Commission Meeting Summary Agenda Item #3b November 10, 2011 Woodbury City Hall, Birch Room Members Agency Present Rafael Ortega Ramsey County Lisa Weik Washington County X Kathy Lantry St Paul Will Rossbach Maplewood Paul Reinke Oakdale X Mary Giuliani Stephens Woodbury X Dean Johnston Lake Elmo X Randy Nelson Afton X Dan Kyllo West Lakeland Brian Zeller Lakeland X Victoria Reinhardt, Alternate Ramsey County Gary Kriesel, Alternate Washington County X Paul Rebholz, Alternate Woodbury Brett Emmons, Alternate Lake Elmo Pat Snyder, Alternate Afton Dave Schultz, Alternate West Lakeland X Peg Larson, Alternate Lakeland Ex-Officio Members Agency Present Mike Amundson Baytown Township Greg Watson Woodbury Chamber of Commerce X Richard McNamara Oakdale Business and Professional Association Doug Stang 3M Tim Ramberg St. Croix County X Zach Schwartz St Paul Chamber of Commerce X Others Mike Rogers Ted Schoenecker Andy Gitzlaff John Kaul Clint Gridley Rachel Horn Tim Cossalter Sandy Rummer Charleen Zimmer Phyllis Letendre Linda Jungwirth Sally Eral Stephen Ebner Agency Ramsey County RRA Washington County Washington County Washington County Woodbury Congresswoman Michele Bachmann s Office Senator Amy Klobuchar s Office Met Council Zan Associates for Met Council League of Women Voters-Woodbury/Cottage Grove Assistant to Ramsey County Commissioner Rettman City of Landfall Village West Lakeland Township

10 The Gateway Corridor Commission convened at 3:31 p.m. by Chair Weik. Agenda Item #1. Introductions Introductions were made by those present. Agenda Item #2. Approval of Agenda No action due to lack of quorum. Agenda Item #3. Summary October 13, 2011 Meeting No action due to lack of quorum. Agenda Item #4. Consent Items Item 4a. Checks and claims: No checks and claims were submitted during the past month. No action necessary. Agenda Item #5. Met Council Transitway Guidelines Mary Karlsson, Transportation Planner with the Metropolitan Council, distributed and gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Draft Regional Transitway Guidelines, what is in them, and how they were developed. They have been working on them for about the past two years, and the draft is currently out for comments until November 18 th. The Council is intending to adopt these as a standalone document separate from the Policy Plan, and comments are encouraged. Giuliani Stephens asked if highway BRT travel-time is competitive with driving. Karlsson said yes, especially considering travel-time reliability. Giuliani Stephens asked if there are any systems where you can buy your fare online and download it onto your phone. Karlsson said there are some systems but Metro Transit is not one at this point. Schoenecker said, in relation to these guidelines and what the Gateway Corridor is doing, Charleen Zimmer, who is working with the Met Council on developing these guidelines, is also part of the Gateway AA study team. A lot of what you ll see in the Alternative Analysis incorporated some of the concepts of these draft guidelines. Secondly, these guidelines don t specifically look at an exclusive BRT guideway type system. We have two alternatives within the AA looking at that, and if they look like they are viable options, it will be one of the first in the region. Lastly, the lead agency responsibilities can change throughout the course of the project; an organization doesn t need to follow it all the way through. Agenda Item #6. Gateway Corridor AA Update Item 6a. Update on Study Andy Gitzlaff gave a PowerPoint presentation on the AA update including a coordination update on Agency/Stakeholder meetings held and upcoming meetings. Staff expects to come back to the Commission in a month or two with some ridership projections. Gitzlaff presented the eight build alternatives which appear reasonable and feasible. They will be doing analysis to see how the eight compare to each other. More detailed maps are available and can be sent to Commission members upon request. Johnston asked if the consideration for Park and Rides on the north side of I-94 east of Oakdale are off

11 the table. Gitzlaff said they are assuming the Woodbury Drive/Keats Avenue location on the south side. There are three potential sites on the north side; however, the sites are placed on the south as a place holder to do the estimating for the study. Reinke asked if there is a timeline on Metro Transit s recommendation or decision. Gitzlaff said Met Council has the funding in place, but landowner negotiations could take time. Zeller asked where the northerly spike on the Alternative 7 Commuter Rail map is located. Gitzlaff said it s in Baytown at Osgood Avenue; it was looked at as a potential station location at one point, but siting it near a curve makes it difficult. The location was moved to Manning to make it more centrally located, although there is a desire to capture some of the market from the Stillwater area. Reinke asked if the potential realignment of Highway 63 in the Baldwin area would make a difference in the planned station. Ramberg said the new highway will be about one-half mile outside of downtown; therefore, it shouldn t have an effect. Gitzlaff said the station locations were coordinated with the area planners. Schoenecker clarified that the map for Alternative 8 BRT Managed Lane should show only one station location at McKnight instead of one at McKnight and one at Sunray/ 3M. Weik asked if there would be a lot of work to redesign the bridges with the managed lane alternative. Gitzlaff said we can fit the lane in the center, but the station locations could require some bridge rebuilds. Item 6b. Outreach Activities Schoenecker referred to the ongoing list of outreach activities included in the packet. Zach Schwartz is coordinating a meeting with 3M. Schwartz said 3M is interested in hosting a meeting and he is working with Gateway staff to determine the best timing for the meeting. We envision reaching out to the entire east metro business community and bring them into the 3M meeting; we have seen that they want to be involved, and we want the technical staff to clearly explain where we are in the process. Johnston said the Lake Elmo business community is represented by the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce and asked if they are included. Schwartz said that once a meeting date is set, they would be asking Commission Members to reach out to other business community members that may not have been initially reached, get their input, and encourage attendance at this meeting. Agenda Item #7. Information on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Schoenecker gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Draft EIS to give the Commission a better handle on where it fits into the entire transitway process and what it will be looking at. Giuliani Stephens asked if there are check-ins along the way. Schoenecker said yes; there is a lot of communication with the Federal agencies to make sure we re on the right path. Zeller asked where the money is coming from. Schoenecker said the money for the DEIS has been identified; Washington County has funding through its contribution of CTIB and Ramsey County has funding through the Gateway Corridor Commission. The funding for the FEIS and New Starts Application is not programmed in anyone s budget yet. Zeller said it seems the demand is relatively obvious from the west and moving towards the east, and he sees the demand trickling down as it moves east. He asked if there are opportunities to scale back, if appropriate, to save costs. Schoenecker said yes; the 90-mile corridor is broken into segments. Because the AA looks at each station individually, we can confidently know ridership by station. Giuliani Stephens asked if the Federal team has any involvement in the decision of which alternatives are studied. Schoenecker said it s not black and white; it starts with the relationships we have with FTA. For the most part, unless there is some very technical reason to not carry something through, the FTA leaves it in the hands of the local entities to say which alternatives they chose and why. Giuliani Stephens asked if we are working with a specific identified Federal team. Schoenecker said yes; the FTA is broken into regions, and the region that looks at the Twin Cities is based in Chicago.

12 Agenda Item #8 Communications Item 8a. Google Analytics Update September Schoenecker distributed a sheet showing the number of visitors to the web site stating September was lower due to previous months open houses. Reinke said the web site still has July open house dates on it. Schoenecker said the update is in process. Agenda Item #9. Legislative Update Item 9a. State Rogers said there is not a lot happening on the State level other than the stadium. December and January will have more discussions for us to pay attention to. At this point, it does not look like a special session will be happening; the regular session starts January 24, Item 9b. Federal Rogers said the discussion is on the Super Committee on debt reduction and the need for new revenue. There seems to be some concessions between Democrats and Republicans to bring new revenue in by closing some loopholes in the tax code. November 23 rd is the deadline to have their plan before Congress, and Congress is supposed to act on it before the end of the year. If nothing happens, it would trigger a massive cut to defense and to Medicare; it s such a poison pill that they ll enact something if they can t come to an agreement. From the appropriations measures for 2012, the Senate passed their minibus appropriations to bring the HUD bills through. The House still needs to act, but they have said they will come up to existing funding levels for transportation in a new six-year bill. Kriesel said there is good news on the Stillwater Bridge. It passed a huge hurdle and is the closest it s ever gotten. It will go to the House and Senate next for debate. Agenda Item #10. Other Item 10a. Strategic Meeting Dates Summary December 8 th meeting will be a lighter agenda due to a Washington County Board meeting that evening. December 9 th is the WI Gateway meeting. Agenda Item #11. Adjourn Weik called the meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.

13 Agenda Item #4 DATE: November 29, 2011 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Checks and Claims Included below is a summary of the invoices that have been received since the previous meeting: Gateway Corridor Commission Advocacy Materials Date(s) Item Amount Communications Contract (Tunheim Partners) Dates Amount 10/31/11 $ Note: Percent of contract utilized = 98% Alternatives Analysis Contract (CH2M Hill) Date(s) Amount 8/27/11-9/30/11 $67,853 Note: Percent of contract utilized = 52% Detailed invoices can be made available upon request. Action Requested: Approval of Claims and Checks

14 Agenda Item #5b DATE: November 29, 2011 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Gateway Corridor Outreach Activities As part of the Communications Contract, Tunheim Partners has been assisting in arranging outreach meetings to stakeholders along the corridor. These stakeholders range from local community city councils, council districts, business chambers, individual businesses, community groups and others. Included below is a summary the Commission s outreach activities. Stakeholder Status Lake Elmo Rotary Club Presentation March 16 St Paul District Council 1 Annual Meeting Booth March 28 Woodbury LIONS Club Presentation April 5 Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Presentation April 6 Rasmussen College Presentation May 2 River Falls Rotary Club Presentation May 3 Metro State University Presentation May 4 St Paul District Council 4 Presentation May 16 St Paul Chamber Transportation Committee Presentation May 19 St Paul District Council 1 Presentation May 23 3M Meeting May 24 St Paul District Council 5 Presentation June 7 St Paul District Councils Joint Meeting of 1, 2, 4, 5, 17 Presentation June 27 St Paul District Council 2 Presentation July 20 St Paul Transportation Committee Presentation July 25 Dayton s Bluff Business Association Presentation July 28 Woodbury Rotary Presentation August 4 East Side Area Business Association Presentation September 14 Woodbury Community Foundation Presentation September 27 Oakdale Business and Professional Assn Presentation October 6 UW River Falls Leadership Group Presentation October 13 Sunray Businesses and St Paul D1 Meeting October 18 Landfall City Council Presentation October 25 Harley Davidson Dealership Meeting October 31 Engage East Side Meeting November 15 St. Paul District Council 4 Neighborhood Meeting Presentation - February 2

15 St. Paul District Council 4 Board Meeting Presentation February 6 St. Paul District Council 2 Board Meeting Presentation February 15 St. Paul District Council 1 Board Meeting Presentation February 27 St Paul Chamber Event at 3M TBD Developer s Forum TBD Action Requested: Information

16 Agenda Item #6 DATE: November 29, 2011 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Final 2012 Workplan and Budget Included below is a summary of the 2011 budget and amounts spent to date for the various administrative activities: Item 2011 Budget Amount Spent to Date (11/29/11) Communications Contract $25,000 $24,643 Public Information Materials / Advertising $15,000 $958 Supplies / Material / Printing $5,000 $806 Insurance $2,000 $1,099 Website Hosting $1,000 $0 Contingency $10,000 $0 Interest Accrued $0 ($3,949) Total $58,000 $23,557 Note: The Alternatives Analysis was included in the 2009/2010 budget. At the end of 2010, $16,256 was carried forward into It is anticipated that approximately $34,000 will be unused at the conclusion of 2011 for a cumulative reserve total of approximately $50,000. The preliminary 2012 Work Plan and budget were provided at the October Commission meeting. The Work Plan highlights the main activities that the Commission will establish as priorities for the upcoming year, which includes: Collaboration Public Engagement Advocacy Completion of the Alternatives Analysis Start of Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) There are four main components to the 2012 budget: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) $3,000,000 Communications Consulting Contract $25,000 Administrative Activities $15,000 Contingency $10,000

17 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) This is the next step in the development of the Gateway Corridor after the Alternatives Analysis is completed and a preferred alternative(s) is identified. Based on the anticipated work scope and other similar projects in the region, $3,000,000 is a reasonable amount to be programmed. Note Washington County has submitted an application to the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) requesting $2,125,000 for the DEIS. CTIB has approved the application request and will be taking action on the Grant Agreement at their December meeting. Communications Contract Tunheim Partners is currently under contract to perform communications work through December 31, In working with Tunheim, a scope of work and identified costs (included after this memo) has been developed to address the Commission s communications needs in A couple items of note: Gateway staff is planning on taking on additional communication responsibilities, including website management, social media venues, business and community engagement activities and media relations. The implementation of social media is included in the budget. Gateway staff will be the primary entity for management, oversight and development of content. There are three additional enhancement work scope items that the Commission could consider as part of the approved scope of work for Tunheim. These include: o Advocacy video o Corridor Launch Event Media o Corridor Launch Event Business/Community $25,000 is included in the final 2012 Work Plan and Budget Administrative Activities The cost allocated for the administrative activities has been reduced from the previous year. Contingency The contingency remains the same as The final 2012 Work Plan and Budget is included at the end of this memo. Action Requested: Three action items are requested: 1. Approval to assign approximately $50,000 as a reserve fund to be able to react to unforeseen issues or opportunities. 2. Approval of the 2012 Work Scope and Budget 3. Approval to direct the Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, acting as the Gateway Corridor Commission s fiscal agent, to enter into an agreement with Tunheim Partners for communications consulting activities in 2012 for a one year period.

18 Gateway Corridor Commission 2012 Final Work Plan and Budget Approved: December 8, Collaboration / Partnerships The Gateway Corridor Commission will work with corridor municipalities, the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, and the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Federal Agencies to promote the advancement of the I-94 Corridor. To accomplish this, the Commission will do the following: 1. Offer guidance, monitor progress and prepare formal comments on studies that are being conducted in the I-94 corridor. 2. Coordinate corridor studies with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, and other interested parties. 3. Work with state and local agencies to identify regional priorities for the corridor. 2. Public Involvement The Commission s public involvement activities will be developed to increase the awareness of the corridor, the Commission, the importance of investing in transit in the corridor and the need for regional equity. Specific activities will include: 1. Utilize and implement recommendations from the Strategic Communication Plan. 2. Develop a supporter base distribution list. 3. Present to civic and community groups, businesses and chambers of commerce, and local agencies throughout the Corridor. 4. Distribute materials including press releases, newsletters, fact sheets, and other public information items. 5. Identify media recognition opportunities of Commission meetings and events though print, radio, and public access television. 6. Maintain / update the project website as new information about or affecting the corridor becomes available. 3. Advocacy and Outreach The Commission will advocate for improved transit to serve the Corridor and the Twin Cities region. In addition to advocacy, the Commission will reach out to other interested parties who are also working towards improvements in the I-94 corridor. Commission activities include: 1. Advocacy a. Inform local, state and federal elected officials of the need for transitway improvements in the I-94 Corridor. b. Promote increased transit funding to improve and expand the existing transit service in the Corridor. 1 P a g e

19 c. Establish positions and specific requests on legislative initiatives that affect the I-94 Corridor. 2. Outreach a. Identify and establish communication and action plan with the business community along the corridor. b. Engage the various and diverse community groups along the corridor. c. Coordinate with the western Wisconsin communities, Wisconsin DOT, and Wisconsin legislature on issues that impact the corridor in both states. d. Coordinate initiatives with other joint powers coalitions, the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) and other regional planning groups. To aid in advocacy and outreach activities, the Commission will select a consultant that brings communications expertise to the Commission. 4. Alternatives Analysis The Commission began the Alternatives Analysis (AA) for the corridor in 2010 with an expected completion date of spring For the 2012 time period, the Commission will continue to work with the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the consultant team and staff to facilitate decision making and public outreach activities, including. 1. Selection of the screened alternatives to proceed into detailed analysis including their station locations. 2. Evaluation of screened alternatives that have undergone detailed analysis. 3. Approval of the Alternatives Analysis and its recommendations for alternatives to proceed to the environmental assessment. 4. Attendance at open houses / meetings in individual members communities. 5. Update advocacy material and website as new information becomes available. 5. Draft Environment Impact Statement (DEIS) The next phase in the development of the Gateway Corridor is to undertake the completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The purpose of the DEIS is to conduct a full and open evaluation of environmental issues and alternatives, and to inform decision-makers and the public of reasonable alternatives that could avoid or minimize adverse impacts and enhance the quality of the environment. The Corridor Commissioner will: 1. Identify and program the necessary funding needed for completion of the DEIS. 2. Develop and approve the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the selection of a consultant to complete the DEIS. 3. Continue to engage the various affected interests along the Gateway Corridor for the entire duration of the DEIS. 2 P a g e

20 6. Management, Policy, and Administrative Activities Commission activities will include, but not be limited to the following: 1. Prepare and adopt the 2012 Work Plan and Budget 2. Prepare the annual financial report Review insurance needs and procure appropriate insurance 4. Provide Commission and staff administration 5. Manage Commission expenses 6. Manage the consultants selected for any of the various work tasks undertaken by the commission Commission Priorities for 2012 Select consultant for on-going communications needs Manage consultant to complete the Alternatives Analysis Develop and release a Request for Proposals to select a consultant for the completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Continue to actively engage the business community, community advocacy groups, and the various other stakeholders in the corridor. Funding Support and Requests o Support Washington County s request for $1,000,000 in state bond funding for preliminary engineering in the 2012 State Legislative Session R:\Regional Rail Authority\Gateway Corridor\Gateway Corridor Commission\Workplan and Budget\2012\2012 Work Plan_ _Final.docx 3 P a g e

21 Gateway Corridor Commission 2012 Expenditures Approved: December 8, 2011 Expenditure Category Amount Public Involvement Communications Consultant Contract $ 25,000 - Public relations, material development, website maintenance, etc. Advocacy and Outreach Federal and State Advocacy/Lobbying (1) $ - Public Information Materials / Advertising $ 7,000 Travel to Washington DC (2) $ - Travel to National Transit Conferences (2) $ - Data Collection and Summary $ - Management / Administration Supplies / Materials / Printing / Memberships $ 5,000 Insurance $ 2,000 Website Hosting $ 1,000 Studies / Capital Projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement $ 3,000,000 Contingency $ 10,000 TOTAL $ 3,050,000 (1) Ramsey and Washington County currently have existing contracts with federal and state lobbyists for the Gateway corridor and other transit priorities. These services would be provided through existing contracts. (2) Travel to out of state events/conferences would be the responsibility of each individual member. Total cost per person for a trip to DC is approximately $1,500 and trip to a national conference is approximately $2,200.

22 Gateway Corridor Commission 2012 Revenues Approved: December 8, 2011 Revenues Amount Federal Appropriations $ - State Appropriations $ - Regional Railroad Authorities (1) Ramsey County - Commission Operations $ 25,000 - DEIS $ 875,000 Washington County - Commission Operations $ 25,000 - DEIS (via CTIB grant request) $ 875,000 Other Counties Transit Improvement Board $ 1,250,000 Local Communities $ - Private Contributions $ - TOTAL $ 3,050,000 (1) Per the JPA, the financial contribution is split 50/50 between Ramsey and Washington County Regional Railroad Authorities.

23 Memo Synchronizing brands + relationships TO: Gateway Corridor Commission FROM: Tunheim RE: 2012 scope of work DATE: December 1, 2011 Landscape Assessment By spring 2012, the Gateway Corridor Commission will have determined the best transit mode and route for the corridor. The conclusion of the Alternatives Analysis Study will give policymakers and, most importantly, the public an opportunity to visualize the actual transit corridor with proposed stations. Until this point, descriptions of the corridor have been vague and hypothetical. With a route and mode, Gateway joins the ranks of Southwest and Bottineau as corridors ready to moving forward. With a preferred mode and route of transit for the Gateway Corridor being determined this spring, it is now more important than ever to build awareness, momentum and enthusiasm for the Gateway Corridor, especially before and during the engineering and environmental work. We believe there are several audiences that need to be further engaged and activated to ensure Gateway continues to move forward: Local business community Metropolitan business and thought leaders Washington and Ramsey County residents tel

24 Scope of Work: 2012 Strategic Counsel & Account Management Throughout 2012, Tunheim will provide counsel to the Commission and staff as they strategically position themselves as the next transit corridor to be built in Minnesota. Gateway Staff Continue to manage consultant activities and associated budget. Tunheim Attend and participate in key meetings, such as Commission meetings and other meetings between Gateway Corridor Commissioners and key stakeholders to understand issues, concerns and opportunities first-hand. Timeline - Ongoing throughout the entire year Budget - $5,000 Media Relations & Content Development It is important that the Gateway Corridor Commission remains visible in the media. Tunheim will continue to use its media relationships to identify opportunities for stories in print, phone interviews and/or select one-on-one interviews. Tunheim will also continue to work with staff and the Commission to develop key communication materials for use in various settings. Some of these materials and actions include: Redesign the current e-newsletter, The Key Redesign the Gateway Corridor brochure Develop content for community newsletters Develop news releases and guest editorials for media outlets Examine the need to redesign the current presentation and develop it into a multi-media presentation that includes embedded video and flash Gateway Staff Continue to work with Tunheim and the Commission to outline key objectives and oversee communications efforts. Tunheim Provide suggestions for media outreach and engagement and assist in identifying earned media opportunities. Also, create unique communications content with specific messages tailored to certain audiences. Utilize internal resources to maximize impact of the communication materials. Timeline - Redesign the current e-newsletter Q1

25 Redesign the Gateway Corridor brochure Q2, after a preferred mode and route have been determined Develop content for community newsletters - Ongoing throughout the entire year Develop news releases and guest editorials for media outlets - Ongoing throughout the entire year Assess the need to redesign the current presentation into a multi-media presentation Q2, after a preferred mode and route have been determined Budget - $10,000 Website & Social Media Website After the Alternatives Analysis Study is completed, Tunheim recommends making structural changes to the existing Gateway Corridor website. First, Tunheim will develop a new page on the website that encourages supporters of the corridor to get involved. This page would capture additional information from supporters and solicit ways they can be involved. As the corridor looks for additional federal and state appropriations, these supporters can be utilized to contact policymakers and encourage them to support the corridor. In addition to creating an advocacy network, Tunheim will edit the current website to include social media channels, renewed focus on the preferred route and new developments in the corridor. Tunheim will work to change administrative functions of the website so Gateway Corridor staff will have the ability to update the website with recent news and upcoming meetings. Tunheim will continue to update content on the website, including new information regarding the Alternatives Analysis Study and other updates on the project. Social Media Tunheim will develop a Gateway Corridor Facebook page. Tunheim will link the Facebook page to the official corridor website, making it easier for visitors to obtain updates. The Gateway Corridor s Facebook page will be incorporated into the e-newsletter. Tunheim, working with Washington County staff, will help develop and post content to the site. In addition to developing content, Tunheim will create Facebook ads to help increase the number of fans on the page.

26 Gateway Staff Assume an increasing role in the updating and management of the Gateway Corridor website (i.e. posting updates, releases of The Key, updating stakeholders lists, etc.). Also, develop and manage social media channels, including the development of policies for posting, creation of content, response to posts, etc. Tunheim Continue to develop and improve the look and feel of the website and incorporate social media channels, if approved by the Commission. Also, assist in the development of social media content and create ads to increase fans on the page. Timeline - Redesign the Get Involved page website Q1 Edit the website to include social media channels Q1 Change administrative functions of the website for the Gateway Corridor staff to be able to make updates and changes Q1 Develop a Facebook page and launch Facebook ads Q1 Update content with new information from Alternatives Analysis Study and other updates on the project Q2, after a preferred mode and route have been determined Budget - $7,000 Business & Community Engagement After a successful year of meeting with community organizations, Tunheim will continue to work with staff to identify opportunities to engage with local chambers and business leaders. Tunheim will also identify other community and civic organizations as possible venues for engaging residents and soliciting their support. Gateway Staff Continue to utilize stakeholders lists developed from the Strategic Communication Plan to contact organizations and make arrangements for meetings. Tunheim Assist in identifying stakeholders and audiences that have not been engaged or should be engaged more aggressively. Timeline - Ongoing throughout the entire year Budget - $3,000 Additional Recommendations: Gateway Corridor Advocacy Video Video is a powerful medium to tell Gateway Corridor s story, educate stakeholders and build support and enthusiasm for the corridor. Tunheim will

27 develop a 3-4 minute video that can be used during community presentations, events, lobbying efforts, as well as on the corridor s website, social media channels, cable access and paid online ads. Tunheim will create the storyboards and scripts and manage the production. Gateway Staff Assist in creation of storyboards and content. Tunheim Creation of a video for use in various settings and communications outlets. Timeline Q2 Budget - $16,000 Corridor Route Launch Event(s) Media Once the Alternatives Analysis is completed, the Corridor should have a media launch event to announce the recommended route and mode. Similar to the Gateway Corridor rebranding media event at The Hartford Financial in 2010, Tunheim will create and execute the media event that unveils the preferred route and mode. Timeline Q2, after a preferred mode and route have been determined Budget - $3,000 Business and Community Leaders In addition to the media launch event, Tunheim will create and implement a launch event with business and community leaders. With cosponsorships from local chambers of commerce, business and community leaders would be invited to a launch lunch event to receive the official update on the corridor and recruit them to help advocate for the corridor. Timeline Q2, after a preferred mode and route have been determined Budget - $6,000 Gateway Staff Work with Tunheim on the arrangements for events, including location, date, key speakers, talking points, etc. Tunheim Make all necessary arrangements for events, including identifying location, date, speakers, talking points and marketing materials for distribution at the events.

28 Budget Based upon this scope of work, Tunheim has estimated the following budget for 2012: Strategic Counsel & Account Management $5,000 Media Relations & Content Development $10,000 Website & Social Media (includes ads) $7,000 Business & Community Engagement $3,000 Total $25,000 Additional options to consider Corridor Advocacy Video $16,000 Corridor Launch Event- Media $3,000 Corridor Launch Event- Business $6,000 Total $25,000

29 Dashboard Oct 1, Oct 31, 2011 Comparing to: Site Visits Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oc Site Usage 346 Visits 28.32% Bounce Rate 1,037 Pageviews 00:02:21 Avg. Time on Site 3.00 Pages/Visit 60.40% % New Visits Visitors Overview Map Overlay Visitors Visitors 252 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 O Visits Traffic Sources Overview Referring Sites (44.80%) Search Engines (31.79%) Direct Traffic (23.41%) Content Overview Pages Pageviews % Pageviews / % /html/transit-study-gateway % /html/about-gateway % /html/recent-news.php % /html/commission % 1 Google Analytics

30 Gateway Corridor Website Visits 2500 AA Open House #1 Gateway Corridor Website Visits AA Open House # Corridor Launch Avg = 491 / mo Aug, 2010 Sept, 2010 Oct, 2010 Nov, 2010 Dec, 2010 Jan, 2011 Feb, 2011 Mar, 2011 Apr, 2011 May, 2011 June, 2011 July, 2011 Aug, 2011 Sept, 2011 Oct, 2011

31 Agenda Item #8b DATE: November 29, 2011 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Federal Update Include below is the latest federal update from Lockridge Grindal Nauen and other sources. Action Requested: Information Federal Update Week of November 14, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE: Following several weeks of recess by the House and the Senate, both Chambers are back in action this week to continue work on a variety of important transportation, transit, and debt/deficit related items. Congress is entering what appears to be the final stretch for the Fiscal Year 2012 appropriations process and have significant deadlines approaching related to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction s efforts to cut at least $1.2 trillion from the federal deficit over the next 10 years. Conventional wisdom in Washington has suggested that both the House and Senate could be in session up to December 23rd, 2011 prior to adjourning for the year. DEBT AND DEFICIT AGREEMENT/ONGOING DISCUSSIONS: On August 2, 2011 Congress cleared a debt ceiling deal at the 11th hour in an effort to avoid a government default. As a part of this deal, they created the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction which is tasked with coming up with a plan that would cut the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next decade. A deadline of November 23, 2011 was set for the Committee to produce such a plan and a date of December 23, 2011 was set for an up or down vote in both Chambers. If they are unable to produce a plan that can be passed by Congress, across-the-board cuts (sequestration) will commence on January 2, Over the last several months, many of the Committee s discussions have taken place behind closed doors. Recently however, details have emerged which have shed a bit more light on the ongoing negotiations between the 6 Republicans and 6 Democrats who together make up the Committee. The Committee has continued their work and has had some recent in-depth discussion related to revenue increases and entitlement spending cutbacks. Two weeks ago the first comprehensive plans were put on the table. Republicans put a plan on the table which according to aides, would cut $750 billion, generate $500 billion in revenue and achieve about $200 billion in interest savings on the debt. For their part, Democrats offered a proposal that called for $350 billion in curbs on Medicare spending, including $250 billion from payments to providers, $100 billion from money for beneficiaries, and $50 billion in Medicaid cuts.

32 At that point in time, both parties broke off talks due to the specifics of the other side s proposal. Recently however, Republicans have budged on the issue of revenue by floating a tax overhaul plan that would raise more than $300 billion in new taxes over the next decade. All said, it remains unclear as to whether the proposal will be enough to jump-start negotiations prior to the November 23rd deadline. Overall, the President has largely left the deficit reduction discussions to the Joint Select Committee. Some have suggested that if an agreement is not reached and sequestration becomes a reality, that Members of Congress will make efforts to prevent some or all of the cuts from taking place. Contrary to these potential efforts, the President suggested publicly that he will not accept any legislation that would block the automatic spending cuts that will occur in 2013 should an agreement not be reached by the appointed deadlines. Additionally, Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) suggested that he would feel morally bound to support the sequester process. Should the impending deadlines not be met a sequestration process would ensue, with the first cuts taking place on January 2, If this were to occur, the law prescribes that half the cuts would come from defense and the other half from nondefense discretionary spending. In 2013, cuts would come from across-the-board cuts whereas would be capped and specific funding levels for each program would be determined by the appropriations process. Several programs would be exempt from cuts. Notable programs exempted include Social Security, Medicaid, the Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Federal-Aid Highways Obligation Limitations, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) among others. The discussions surrounding the debt and deficit have taken and will continue to take up a significant amount of time on Capitol Hill. With this said, almost every portion of the federal budget (including transit funding) has the potential to be impacted should the Super Committee put forward a proposal for consideration by the full Congress. Additionally, sequestration could have a similar or possibly a greater impact. FISCAL YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS: In an effort to move the Fiscal Year 2012 budget process forward, House and Senate leaders have begun moving a series of minibus appropriations measures. An omnibus, or in this case a minibus, is a series of appropriations measures packaged together and voted on as if they were one measure. The House and Senate appropriators are currently putting the final touches on the first of two current minibus appropriations measures. The first measure combines Agriculture with Commerce-Justice- Science and Transportation-HUD and is expected to be passed at some point in the coming week. It is also likely that this package will include a Continuing Resolution (CR) which will keep the federal government funded past the current CR s expiration of November 18, Last week the Senate set the stage for a vote on a second minibus package which would include the Energy-Water, Financial Services and State-Foreign Operations spending bills. It is possible that this package could be cleared by the Senate just prior to or following the Thanksgiving Holiday. Sources have also suggested that it is possible that this bill could be a vehicle for moving an additional six appropriations bills (which would complete the FY 2012 appropriations process).

33 Of note, later this week the House will vote on a version of a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution which if passed, would require that outlays do not exceed revenues and require a threefifths majority to raise the debt ceiling. OUTLOOK: FISCAL YEAR 2013 AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING Over the last couple of years, Congress has shied away from the practice of directing spending for locally identified projects in their districts. We do not expect this to continue forever and do believe there will be changes made to the process which will enable its return sometime in the future whether this is the fiscal year 2013 budget cycle is yet to be seen. All said, we strongly believe it is important to stay engaged with the Minnesota Congressional Delegation and the Administration to ensure that they are up-to-date on your priorities and so CTIB is at the table should the current policy change in the future. TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION: As you may recall, current transportation programs are currently operating under their seventh extension which is set to expire on March 31, Traditionally, transportation programs are usually reauthorized every six years, putting the latest reauthorization close to two years overdue. On November 9, 2011, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee took a significant step forward related to the advancement of a new Transportation Authorization measure. The Committee took up and passed a bill that would advance a two-year $85.3 billion highway authorization bill at current funding levels adjusted for inflation. That said, this measure would require an additional $12 billion to fill a funding gap between the authorization level and that which is expected from the Highway Trust Fund. That additional funding would need to be found by the Senate Finance Committee. This Senate bill is one part of a multi-year reauthorization of surface transportation programs that also would include highway safety, mass transit and tax provisions. The overall package is expected to total $109 billion. Specifically the bill would: Hold surface transportation spending at current levels for two years, adjusted for inflation. Reduce the number of surface transportation programs by two-thirds, from about 90 to less than 30. Reduce the seven core programs to the following five: o National Highway Performance: Consolidation of the Interstate Maintenance, National Highway System and Highway Bridge programs. o o o o Transportation Mobility: Would replace the current Surface Transportation Program. National Freight Network: Consolidation of existing programs; would focus on improving freight movement on highways and cargo connections among different modes of transportation. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement: Would be modified to include particulate matter as one of the pollutants addressed by the program. Highway Safety Improvement: Would receive an increase in funding and would require states to develop and implement safety plans. Retain the Transportation Enhancements program, which requires states to set aside a portion of federal aid for such improvements as bicycle and pedestrian paths, but prohibits states from using those funds for transportation museums.

34 Provide each state with a share of funding equal to the percentage received under the last surface transportation bill, with a safety valve to ensure that no state gets less than 95 percent back in aid than it pays in gas taxes collected. The House is working to advance a six-year transportation bill and are looking for ways to pay for the measure which would cost in excess of $200 billion. House Republicans have floated the idea of funding the measure by tying it to a measure to expand domestic drilling. A hearing on this approach will be taking later this week. JOBS LEGISLATION: On October 21, 2012 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Rebuild America Jobs Act which seeks to create jobs with a short-term infusion of $60 billion in road, bridge, rail, transit, and airport projects. It would have been funded with a surtax on income above $1 million, however, it failed to garner the necessary votes to proceed in the Senate. This effectively stalls this legislation for the foreseeable future. The plan includes: $27 billion for highway and rail projects. $4 billion specifically for passenger-rail upgrades, including some high-speed rail projects, and $2 billion for Amtrak to upgrade and replace equipment and infrastructure. $3 billion to capitalize public transit projects. $6 billion for fixed guideway light rail and electric trolley buses, as well as bus systems. $5 billion for competitive grants available for any transportation additions and upgrades. $2 billion for airport development grants. $1 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration to advance its NextGen air traffic control system upgrade. $10 billion to establish a national infrastructure bank to fund future transportation projects, seeking to help to match public and private money.

35 Agenda Item #9a DATE: November 29, 2011 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Summary of Meetings Included below is a summary of the Commission and AA Study meetings through April Month Meeting Date Planned Start Time December Gateway Commission December 8 3:30 PM AA TAC December 14 1:30 PM January AA TAC January 4 1:30 PM Gateway Commission January 12 3:30 PM AA PAC January 18 3:00 PM February AA TAC February 1 1:30 PM Gateway Commission February 9 3:30 PM AA PAC February 15 3:00 PM March Joint PAC/TAC March 7 3:00 PM Gateway Commission March 15 3:30 PM 3 rd Round of Open Houses End of March TBD April 3 rd Round of Open Houses Early April TBD Gateway Commission April 12 3:30 PM Action Requested: Information

36 Agenda Item #9b DATE: November 29, 2011 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff 2012 Meeting Schedule Through the development of the Bylaws, the Commission identified a regular scheduled meeting date of the second Thursday of every month at 3:30 PM. Included below are the actual dates for 2012: January 12 February 9 March 15 or 22** April 12 May 10 June 14 July 12 August 9 September 13 October 11 November 8 December 13 **The Gateway AA PAC/TAC meetings are being held at key times to provide information, seek feedback and develop recommendations. There is a joint PAC/TAC meeting scheduled for March 7. To allow adequate time for any revisions to be made and information to be prepared for the next Commission meeting, it recommended that the March meeting be moved to the third or fourth Thursday of the month (March 15 or 22). Action Requested: Motion to adopt the 2012 meeting schedule.