Agenda Gateway Corridor Commission October 9, :30 PM

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1 Agenda Gateway Corridor Commission October 9, :30 PM Woodbury City Hall, Birch Room 8301 Valley Creek Road Woodbury, MN Note: There will not be a DEIS Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting proceeding the Commission Meeting Item Presenter Action Requested 1. Introductions Information 2. Consent Items* Approval a. Summary of September 11, 2014 Meeting b. Checks and Claims 3. Gateway TOD Grant Support* Washington County Approval 4. East Metro Strong Overview* East Metro Strong Presentation 5. DEIS Study Update* Washington County Information 6. Communications Update* Information a. Outreach Activities Washington County b. Public Relations Activities Jeff Dehler PR 7. Strategic Communication Plan Development* Jeff Dehler PR Discussion 8. Legislative Update* Ramsey County Information a. State Update b. Federal Update 9. Other* Information a. Meeting Dates Summary b. Social Media and Website Update c. Media Articles 10. Adjourn Approval *Attachments For questions regarding this material, please contact Andy Gitzlaff, Washington County at (651) or at andy.gitzlaff@co.washington.mn.us.

2 Gateway Corridor Commission Draft September 11, 2014 Meeting Summary Woodbury City Hall, Birch Room Members Agency Present Rafael Ortega Ramsey County X Lisa Weik Washington County X Mary Giuliani Stephens Woodbury X Dan Kyllo West Lakeland Township Kathy Lantry St Paul X Randy Nelson Afton X Mike Pearson Lake Elmo Paul Reinke Oakdale X Nora Slawik Maplewood X Amy Williams Lakeland Victoria Reinhardt, Alternate Ramsey County Ted Bearth, Alternate Washington County Richard Bend, Alternate Afton Bob Livingston, Alternate Lakeland Paul Rebholz, Alternate Woodbury Mike Reeves, Alternate Lake Elmo X Dave Schultz, Alternate West Lakeland Township X Ex-Officio Members Agency Present Mike Amundson Baytown Township Scott Beauchamp St Paul Chamber of Commerce X Mike Ericson Landfall Village X Tim Herman East Side Area Business Association X Randy Kopesky Lakeland Shores Richard McNamara OBPA Tim Ramberg WI Gateway Coalition Doug Stang 3M Greg Watson Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Others Kevin Roggenbuck Andy Gitzlaff Jan Lucke Carl Jacobson Linda Kascht John Kaul Joseph Scala Susan Kent Agency Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Washington County Washington County Washington County Washington County Washington County Lobbyist Hennepin County MN Senator Page 1 of 4

3 Others Stephen Ebner Josh Straka Matt Croaston Jeanne Witzig Beth Bartz Doug Host La Shella Sims Agency West Lakeland Township US Representative McCollum s Office Senator Franken s Office Kimley-Horn SRF Consulting Clifton Larson Allen MICAH The Gateway Corridor Commission convened at 4:13 p.m. by Chair Weik. Agenda Item #1. Introductions Introductions were made by those present. Agenda Item #2. Consent Items Item 2a. Summary of July 24, 2014 Meeting: Motion made by Ortega to approve the July 24, 2014 meeting summary. Seconded by Reinke. Approved. Motion carried. Item 2b. Checks and Claims: Motion made by Ortega to approve the checks and claims. Seconded by Lantry. Approved. Motion carried. Motion by Ortega to amend the agenda and proceed next with Agenda Item #4. Seconded by Lantry. Approved. Motion carried. Agenda Item #4. DEIS Study Update Item 4a. Action on LPA Decision Gitzlaff distributed copies of the amended Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) Resolution which reflects the language that was passed at the preceding PAC meeting. The action before the Commission is approval of the resolution transmitting the Gateway Corridor Commission s recommendation of an LPA to the Metropolitan Council. See attachment A. Motion made by Lantry to approve the amended LPA Resolution. Seconded by Ortega. Approved. Motion carried. Item 4b. DEIS/LPA Schedule Gitzlaff discussed the LPA schedule as listed in the packet. He said now that the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Commission have forwarded the recommendation for consideration by Met Council, the remaining action needed would be from the six cities along the corridor as well as the two counties. Those meetings will be happening over the next few weeks and the final action is anticipated on October 7 th by the Washington County Regional Rail Authority (WCRRA). He advised the Commission that some of the meeting times have shifted; Landfall tabled the discussion and will come back on September 17 th. Gitzlaff stated that if the LPA is approved by the WCRRA it is forwarded on to the Met Council for inclusion in their Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). He added that the work of the consultant team would continue over the next year by defining the options and working through the issues. Nelson asked if he could amend his vote on the LPA Resolution. Page 2 of 4

4 Motion made by Reinke to have the record reflect Nelson s opposition of the amended LPA Resolution. Seconded by Ortega. Approved. Motion carried. Weik discussed the potential funding benefits that could apply if the TPP is adopted in December with Gateway Corridor included and applauded all those who have worked so hard thus far. Commission member Ortega left at 4:23 pm. Agenda Item # Commission Audit Results Doug Host from Clifton Larson Allen distributed copies and gave a PowerPoint Presentation on the Gateway Corridor Commission 2013 audit. He stated 2012 was the first year the Gateway Corridor was audited, but the three years of 2010, 2011, and 2012 were done at that time. Host stated no audit adjustments were required and the overall management letter was very clean. Weik added that she was interviewed for the audits. Commission member Giuliani Stephens arrived at 4:29 p.m. Agenda Item #5. Met Council Draft TPP Update Lucke highlighted a few changes that were made to the TPP as a result of comments submitted by Ramsey and Washington Counties and CTIB. One of the changes is that CTIB s phase one program of projects includes Gateway, shown as a Brown Line on the map, and removes the candy-cane striping that Gateway had in the previous TPP. Lucke said it also includes the Riverview and Red Rock Corridors serving the east metro. Lucke stated the TPP also allowed a path for the Gateway LPA to be included and we are thankful to Met Council for creating that opportunity. The TPP is available on Met Council s web site and is open for public comment until October 1 st. Lucke encouraged members, counties, and cities to make comments on the TPP. She added the Commission s comment might want to say thank you for the opportunities that have been created through the TPP and possibly to suggest changing the color to something other than brown. Weik said Washington County has already submitted comments to the TPP and East Metro Strong is working on a letter. Lucke said CTIB is also working on a comment letter. Lantry suggested the Commission send a letter of thanks and include a request to change the color to gold. Gitzlaff said copies of the Transit Investment section of the Plan are available here for anyone who wants a copy. Agenda Item #6. Communications Update Item 6a. Outreach Activities: Gitzlaff referred to the outreach activities listed in the packet. He said we have a good and growing outreach team; Lyssa Leitner is handling a lot of the target engagement on the east side. Gitzlaff said targeted events in the St. Paul area that have been done include a backpack event from the Family Values of Life, a town hall at the Hmong Association on the East Side of St. Paul, and Metro State s Fall Fest. He asked to be informed of any upcoming meetings or events that would be good to have a staff presence at. Weik commented that some materials have now been translated into Spanish and they are also available online. Gitzlaff said staff would take requests to translate into other dialects as well. Lucke added that because the Gateway Corridor LPA process is aligning with the adoption of the TPP, we have a Gateway Corridor booth at the TPP workshops that Met Council is planning. Item 6b. Public Relations Activities: Gitzlaff referred to the monthly update listed in the packet from Dehler PR stating Dehler is continuing to support in getting the word on the LPA out and there will be a press release reflecting the actions of the PAC. One of the things currently being looked at is the development forum and staff will invite Jeff Dehler to the Page 3 of 4

5 October meeting to talk about the development forum and the strategic communications plan. Herman shared that ESABA is hosting their Holiday Gala on December 4 th at the Union Depot. The gala includes a Taste of East Side Area Restaurants event and they would love to have Gateway, Rush Line, and any of the transit oriented organizations consider sponsorships and having a table there. Herman stated they expect people will attend and the event is typically multi-ethnic. Agenda Item #7. Legislative Update Item 7a. State: Roggenbuck provided an overview of the state level legislative actions stating they ve been in recess since May. The biggest news is the results of the recent primary elections. Kaul said the election will produce a certain amount of change and control of the House is not assured. He added that the Capitol remodeling will produce pandemonium; the east wing is closed, parts of the rotunda are closed off, and staff is being relocated into other parts of the Capitol complex. Kaul suggested people get things ready early. Item 7b. Federal: Roggenbuck stated the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Notice of Funding Availability on September 4 th making almost $20 million available nationwide in a Pilot Program for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning. He said Ramsey and Washington County staff are interested in exploring an application for the Gateway Corridor. He referred to the updates in the packet for additional federal updates. Reinke asked who to call with ideas on TOD. Roggenbuck said ideas can be submitted to Ramsey and Washington County staff and/or presented at the meeting being organized by East Metro Strong. Giuliani Stephens requested the information via . Weik said Washington County Board of Commissioners held a workshop to look at their legislative agenda for next year and are tentatively looking at asking for another capital appropriation for Gateway Corridor. The idea is to prepare the State of Minnesota for the funding they will need for the development phase and the final EIS. Agenda Item #8. Other Item 8a. Meeting Dates Summary: Information on upcoming meeting dates is included in the packet. Item 8b. Social Media and Website Update: An update is printed in the packet for Commission member s information. Item 8c. Media Articles: Recent media articles are printed in the packet for Commission member s information. Gitzlaff stated there is a lot of good Gateway news lately. Agenda Item #9. Adjourn Motion made by Lantry to adjourn. Seconded by Weik. Approved. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 4:49 p.m. Page 4 of 4

6 Meeting Summary Attachment A Gateway Corridor Commission Resolution No A RESOLUTION TRANSMITTING THE GATEWAY CORRIDOR COMMISSION S RECOMMENDATION OF THE LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor is a proposed project that will provide for transit infrastructure improvements in the eastern portion of the Twin Cities, and; WHEREAS, the purpose of the project is to provide transit service to meet the existing and longterm regional mobility and local accessibility needs for businesses and the traveling public within the project area by providing all day bi-directional station-to-station service that compliments existing and planned express bus service in the corridor, and; WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor is located in Ramsey and Washington Counties, Minnesota, extending approximately 12 miles, and connecting downtown Saint Paul with its East Side neighborhoods and the suburbs of Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, and Woodbury, and; WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor Commission (GCC), in partnership with the Metropolitan Council and other project stakeholders, completed the Gateway Corridor Alternatives Analysis (AA) Study that in addition to the No-Build alternative recommended one bus rapid transit (BRT) and one light trail transit (LRT) alternative be advanced for further study in the federal and state environmental review process, and; WHEREAS, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); the Washington County Regional Railroad Authority (WCRRA), serving on behalf of the GCC; and the Metropolitan Council have initiated the environmental review process for the Gateway Corridor project, with FTA designated as the lead federal agency for this project, and; WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor project recently received the important Presidential designation as a Federal Infrastructure Permitting Dashboard Project, and; WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor project recently completed the Scoping phase of the environmental process, which resulted with the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and the GCC recommending further study of the No-Build alternative, four BRT alternatives operating within a dedicated guideway (A-B-C-D1-E1, A-B-C-D2-E1, A-B-C-D2-E2, A-B-C-D2-E3) and a managed lane alternative in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) at the request of the FTA and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and; WHEREAS, the BRT alignments that advance into the Draft EIS will be further defined and evaluated to minimize impacts to surrounding properties and the I-94 corridor which may include operating in existing lanes with mixed traffic at pinch points where right-of-way is constrained, enhance economic development potential, and reduce capital costs while providing required operating efficiency, with attention to mobility options for environmental justice populations, and; WHEREAS, through the Scoping process, the PAC and the GCC recommended that the LRT alternative be eliminated from further study due to its higher costs while generating a similar ridership, and;

7 Meeting Summary Attachment A WHEREAS, the identification of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) is a critical first step in pursuing federal funding for the Gateway Corridor project, and; WHEREAS, the adoption of the LPA into the Metropolitan Council s Transportation Policy Plan will conclude the FTA Alternatives Analysis process, and; WHEREAS, the LPA will be one of the Build alternatives identified and studied in the Draft EIS, and; WHEREAS, the LPA includes the definition of the Gateway Corridor mode and a conceptual alignment which can be refined through further engineering efforts, and; WHEREAS, the LPA selection process does not replace or override the requirement to fully examine alternatives and determine the adverse impacts that must be avoided or mitigated under the federal and state environmental review process, and; WHEREAS, the comments submitted by agencies, the business sector, and the public during the Scoping phase, as well as the additional comments received from adjacent communities and agencies since the Scoping phase, will be addressed accordingly through the Draft EIS process, and; WHEREAS, the PAC and GCC each passed resolutions on July 24, 2014, recommending BRT Alternative A-B-C-D2-E2 as the proposed LPA for review at the August 7 PAC sponsored LPA public hearing and inclusion in the Metropolitan Council s Draft 2040 Transportation Policy Plan, and; WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor PAC/GCC held a public hearing on August 7, 2014, as part of the LPA decision making process. A total of 35 comments were received through the proposed LPA review process, and; WHEREAS, the PAC and GCC will work collaboratively with each of the Gateway Corridor cities to develop station area plans for the areas around the BRT guideway stations as a part of the Draft EIS process based on the results of a market analysis, community input, and Metropolitan Council guidelines and expectations for development density, level of activity, and design. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Gateway Corridor Commission has taken into consideration the technical information on each of the alternatives developed to date, along with the TAC, CAC, PAC, and public input provided as part of the Scoping and the proposed LPA public review and hearing processes and affirms the July 24, 2014, PAC and GCC action that BRT Alternative A-B-C-D2-E2 generally on the Hudson Road Hudson Boulevard alignment that crosses to the south side of I-94 between approximately Lake Elmo Avenue and Manning Avenue is the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Gateway Corridor project (see attached figure). BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that through the Draft EIS process the PAC and the GCC will continue to evaluate and focus on transit service connections to the dedicated BRT system (A- B-C-D2-E2), including an efficient feeder bus network, as well as the number and location of stations throughout the Gateway Corridor to maximize service, accessibility, and surrounding economic development opportunities, while minimizing impacts. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution adopted by the Gateway Corridor Commission be forwarded to the Metropolitan Council for their consideration.

8 Meeting Summary Attachment A Approved: Chairperson Date Approved by Commission I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the Resolution presented to and adopted by the Gateway Corridor Commission at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the day of, 2014 as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. YES NO ABSTAIN ABSENT ORTEGA WEIK LANTRY SLAWIK REINKE GIULIANI STEPHENS PEARSON KYLLO NELSON WILLIAMS

9 Meeting Summary Attachment A Final Locally Preferred Alternative BRT Alternative A-B-C-D2-E2 (Conceptual)

10 Agenda Item #2b DATE: October 3, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Checks and Claims DEIS Contract (Kimley Horn) Amount 7/1/2014 7/31/14 $146, /1/2014 8/31/14 $121, Contract Utilization = 52% Communication Contract - (Jeff Dehler PR) 6/1/14 6/30/14 $6, /1/14 7/31/14 $8, /1/14 8/31/14 $3, Contract Utilization = 56% ESABA Holiday Gala (Transit Partner Sponsorship) $ Gateway LPA Hearing Notice (Lillie Suburban) $ /714, 9/8/14, 9/10/14 Total $287, Detailed invoices can be made available upon request. Action Requested: Approval

11 Advocating Success for St. Paul s Diverse East Side Business Community. Tim Herman- Executive Director tim@esaba.org Proposal to Sponsor ESABA s 3rd Annual Fundraising Holiday Gala at the Union Depot! ESABA s 3rd Annual Holiday Gala on Thursday December 4 th will be a night to remember for the East Side. Tickets are only $50 per person and a table of 8 for only $350 and includes all food and beverages. We are expecting attendance to be between 300 and 350 people. Here are some of the things the evening will feature: Featured Speakers: Dean Hyers- Co-Founder of Saint Paul s Sage Presence- Public speaker, strategic planning facilitator, business and corporate trainer, movie maker, author and an expert in helping businesses tell their story in a way that inspires action. Devinder Malhotra, Ph.D.- Interim President Metropolitan State University. Fun(d)Raising Ideas: 150 bottle Wine Pull, Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle and more! Food and Beverages: Taste of the East Side with more than 10 East Side Restaurants serving their signature dish! Free Beer from Flat Earth Brewing Free Wine Tasting Entertainment: Farnsworth Aerospace String Ensemble opens the evening for our cocktail hour. Jordan Herman- JD Productions Holiday Music throughout the evening. Sponsorship Options: $1500 Feature Sponsor (3 available) - Includes a Special Table of 8 and Feature Sponsor promotion of Company and logo on all ESABA marketing prior to and after event. Display Table and verbal recognition throughout the evening at the event to promote business plus extra perks to be determined. $750 Supporting Sponsor (4 available)- Includes a Special Table of 8 and promotion as a Supporting Sponsor on all ESABA marketing leading up to, during, and after the event. $500 ESABA Partner Sponsorship- (Transit & East Side Enterprise Center)- Includes tickets for 3 guests and exhibit display table for your organization or project. Your organization will also be written about and promoted as part of ESABA s overall narrative and vision cast for ESABA s Economic Development Initiatives. Between the time you sign this agreement and the day of the event, ESABA will be talking about your business in social media, in their marketing campaigns, and all other marketing campaigns leading up to the event. Business Name Contact Person Phone Address Signature of Owner or Manager Date

12 Agenda Item #3 DATE: September 30, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff FTA Pilot Program Grant for TOD Planning for the Gateway Corridor Background on the TOD Planning Grant The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA s mission of improving public transportation for America s communities by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning. MAP-21 establishes that any comprehensive planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations. Through this program, FTA intends to fund planning work that would likely not occur without Federal support and includes strategies to address the gentrification and displacement that can sometimes occur when transit capital projects are implemented. FTA is seeking comprehensive planning projects covering an entire transit capital project corridor, rather than proposals that involve planning for individual station areas or only a small section of the corridor. FTA is also prioritizing applications in corridors with significant challenges related to TOD planning, low levels of existing development, or where the cost of the planning work to overcome the challenges exceeds what might be readily available locally. To ensure that planning work results in concrete, specific deliverables and outcomes, FTA is requiring that transit project sponsors partner with entities with land use planning authority in the transit project corridor. Grant applications are due on November 3 rd, Proposed Scope of Work and Funding County staff is preparing the grant application in conjunction with the Corridor cities, Metro Transit, and Metropolitan Council. The grant will be requesting $1,000,000 for planning work around every station. A 20 percent local match is required. At this time, staff is working with Ramsey, Washington County and the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) to secure the local match funds. The proposed scope of work will reflect the exact language outlined above to ensure compliance with the FTA requirements. A meeting with Corridor city planning staff has been arranged to get general approval of the scope of work. Any input from the Commission is welcome. Letter of Support Grant applications are limited to 15 total pages, including letters of support. Staff feels strongly that a letter of support from the Commission will show that all six cities and both counties are committed to the grant project. Attached to this memo is a draft letter for your review and approval. Action Approve submitting a letter of support for the Gateway Corridor TOD grant application

13 October 9, Federal Transit Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC, RE: Letter of Support for the Gateway Corridor Grant Application for the Pilot Program for TOD Planning To Whom it May Concern: On behalf of the Gateway Corridor Commission, we would like to express our support for the FTA Pilot Program for TOD Planning grant in partnership with the Cities of Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall Village, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, and Woodbury. The Gateway Corridor Commission is dedicated to finding a transit solution for the East Metro to support our existing communities, create economic development opportunities, and provide mobility options for businesses and residents. We see this grant as an opportunity to assist the cities, who have land use authority, in station area planning activities around this important transitway project. The Gateway Corridor transitway is not just a transportation project; it is also a community and economic development project. In the past year, the Gateway Corridor has not only been included in the Presidents Federal Dashboard but has also received unanimous support for the Locally Preferred Alternative from the six cities and two counties impacted by the project. We also have strong and unwavering support from Congresswoman McCollum and our public/private partners such as East Metro Strong. The two funding partners for the Gateway Corridor Commission, Ramsey and Washington County, will provide the minimum 20 percent local match for the $1,000,000 grant. We are hopeful that the engagement work through the Health Impact Assessment process will help residents and businesses understand the importance of health in the built environment and broaden community understanding of the link between health, transportation, and the built environment. As the decision makers for the communities along the Gateway Corridor, we are confident that this grant will help fund comprehensive planning that supports economic development, ridership, multimodal connectivity and accessibility, increased transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and mixed-use development near transit stations. Sincerely, Lisa Weik, Gateway Corridor Commission Chair and Washington County Commissioner C: Commissioner Rafael Ortega, Gateway Corridor Commission Vice-Chair and Ramsey County Commissioner Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens, City of Woodbury Council President Kathy Lantry, City of Saint Paul Mayor Nora Slawik, City of Maplewood Councilmember Paul Reinke, City of Oakdale Mayor Mike Pearson, City of Lake Elmo Councilmember Randy Nelson, City of Afton Councilmember Amy Williams, City of Lakeland Chairman Dan Kyllo, West Lakeland Township Gateway Corridor Ex-Officio Members Gateway Corridor Commission Myeron Road North Stillwater, MN (651)

14 Agenda Item #4 DATE: October 3, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff East Metro Strong Overview Background East Metro Strong is a public-private partnership working to catalyze job growth & economic development opportunities around enhanced transportation/transit. Will Schroeer, Executive Director for East Metro Strong, will be at the Commission meeting to provide an overview of the organization and its plans to engage the East Metro communities along the Gateway Corridor in upcoming visioning work. Action Information

15 Agenda Item #5 DATE: October 3, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff DEIS Update LPA Approval Update Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and the 6 Cities along the line (Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall Village, Oakdale, Lake Elmo and Woodbury) have passed resolutions of support for the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that was recommended by the Commission at their September 11 th meeting after completing an extensive technical evaluation and LPA public engagement process. LPA Next Steps The Washington County Regional Railroad Authority (WCRRA) is scheduled to act on the resolution of support at their October 7th meeting and will then submit the LPA to the Council for inclusion in in the Metropolitan Council s 2040 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). Staff is in the process of compiling the final versions of all resolutions and will provide to Commission members once ready. TPP Comments The selection of the LPA for the Gateway Corridor is indeed an important milestone for the region. The branding and the identity of the project within the regional system will become even more important as the project moves forward. At the last Commission meeting, the Commission agreed to send a letter to the Chair of the Metropolitan Council (attached) as part of the TPP public comment period requesting that Gateway Corridor be the METRO Gold Line and referenced as such within the 2040 TPP. Gold meets the Metropolitan Council guideline that commonly known one syllable simple colors that are distinct from the other colors of the other transitways are selected. The Commission also concurred that the Gold color will help to reinforce the premium nature of the dedicated guideway BRT transitway service. DEIS Next Steps On August 5 th the WCRAA passed the scoping decision based on the recommendation of the Commission. This effectively closes out the scoping phase of the environmental process and starts the preparation of the environmental impact statement. DEIS document preparation will continue through May The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and (Technical Advisory Committee) will be meeting over the next few months to complete the following tasks: Finalize all station locations and the I-94 crossing location in Lake Elmo / Woodbury Refine the Guideway Design Concept and Service Plan Analysis of community and environmental issues for all Build alternatives advancing for Draft EIS evaluation Station area planning and market analysis

16 Action Information

17 Draft Environmental Impact Statement Page 1 Gateway Corridor Environmental Impact Statement PROGRESS REPORT TO THE GATEWAY CORRIDOR COMMISSION OCTOBER 2014 SUBMITTED BY JEANNE WITZIG, KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC. Key Work Activities/Progress during September through early October 2014 Meetings Project management team (PMT) - Held meeting on September 10. Meeting focused on definition of Managed Lane Alternative, Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) decision making process, Scoping activities, and Dedicated BRT Alternative definition. Meeting with FTA Participated in tour of the Gateway Corridor with FTA on September 22. Held FTA coordination call on September 10. Call focused on LPA activities, managed lane definition, discussion of horizon year for project, and upcoming work activities specific to the federal environmental review process. Meetings with Gateway Corridor Cities and Counties As part of the LPA resolution of support process, prepared for and attended city workshops and council meetings for the resolutions of support, along with WCRRA and RCRRA public hearings. Meeting with MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship Discussion focused on MnDOT environmental review requirements, serving as a Cooperating Agency and research design for the cultural resource evaluation (two meetings). Meeting with St. Paul and Ramsey County Discussion focused on various alignment options for dedicated BRT alignment in the St.Paul area. Meeting with Metropolitan Council Discussion focused on the LPA Selection Summary Report, resolutions of support, and next steps for the LPA to be included in the Final 2040 TPP. Policy Advisory Committee and Gateway Corridor Commission The PAC and Gateway Corridor Commission met on September 11, Focus of the meeting was on the Locally Preferred Alternative resolution. Prepared presentation and handout information, along with meeting summary and follow up materials. Other Project Activities Prepared supporting materials for the various LPA workshops and actions. Translated the LPA Supporting document into Spanish, and posted on project website. Prepared Draft of the Locally Preferred Alternative Selection Summary Report. Continued work on the Scoping Decision Document. Prepared update to the Coordination Plan, and submitted to FTA on September 9. Continued to advance the managed lane concepts, per direction on September 5 Continued to advance the dedicated BRT alignment definition in the St. Paul area Initiated refinement on dedicated BRT alignment E2 to reflect direction provided at the September 11 PAC and GCC meetings on the LPA Coordination with MnDOT on a working group meeting focused on 3M area dedicated BRT alignment Continued to refine ridership forecasts, per coordination activities with Metro Transit.

18 Draft Environmental Impact Statement Page 2 Conducted community data gathering as part of the Station area planning activities/process. Assisted in providing technical information as part of CTIB Grant application request for Gateway Corridor. Weekly coordination with KHA/SRF project team and Washington County. Respond to individual requests for project information, as needed. Prepare supporting information regarding horizon year for project. Updated project schedule, and prepared milestone schedule for use on the Federal Permitting Dashboard site. Upcoming Activities Finalize LPA Selection Summary Report by October 15, Finalize Scoping Decision Document for distribution in mid-october Continue to refine Dedicated BRT alignment and confirm footprint of analysis. Confirm horizon year to be used for Gateway Corridor, and advance ridership forecasts accordingly. Continue to advance Managed Lane alternative concepts, and reconvene working group to discuss. Continue to advance capital and operating cost estimates. Focused station area planning efforts with each of the Gateway Corridor communities. Continue to advance data collection in preparation of Draft EIS technical analysis Initiate preparation of Technical Reports, and update delivery schedule. Prepare for and attend upcoming meetings with PMT, TAC, CAC, PAC, GCC and FTA. Coordination activities with focused working groups, as needed.

19 October 1, 2014 Chair Susan Haigh Metropolitan Council 390 Robert Street North Saint Paul, MN Re: Draft 2040 TPP Public Review Comments Chair Haigh: As Chair of the Gateway Corridor Commission, I would like to again extend my sincere gratitude to you for the opportunity to work with the Metropolitan Council to include the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Gateway Corridor in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan (2040 TPP) that is currently out for public comment. The selection of the LPA for the Gateway Corridor is indeed an important milestone for the region. The branding and the identity of the project within the regional system will become even more important as the project moves forward. As stated in the Regional Transitway Guidelines, the Metropolitan Council will generally assign line names (colors) once the LPA is adopted for a transitway. Community input from the impacted communities in corridor naming decisions is also identified as an important component of the branding process At this time, the Commission comprised of representatives of each of the impacted corridor communities along with our business partners would like to request that Gateway Corridor be the METRO Gold Line and referenced as such within the 2040 TPP. Gold meets the Metropolitan Council guideline that commonly known one syllable simple colors that are distinct from the other colors of the other transitways are selected. The Commission also concurred that the Gold color will help to reinforce the premium nature of the dedicated guideway BRT transitway service. We are also pleased to announce that in addition to the Gateway Corridor Commission and its Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), the six cities that comprise the Gateway Corridor (Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, Lake Elmo and Woodbury) and the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority have passed resolutions of support for the LPA. The Washington County Regional Rail Authority is scheduled to act on October 7, and completes all required actions in a timely manner. We appreciate our supportive partnership with the Metropolitan Council and the opportunity to collaborate on this important regional project. Sincerely, Lisa Weik, Gateway Corridor Commission Chair Gateway Corridor Commission Myeron Road North Stillwater, MN (651)

20 C: Gateway Corridor Commission Members Sandy Rummel, Metropolitan Council District 11 Harry Melander, Metropolitan Council District 12 Richard Kramer, Metropolitan Council District 13 Jon Commers, Metropolitan Council District 14 Betty McCollum, U.S. Representative Washington County Board Gateway Corridor Commission Myeron Road North Stillwater, MN (651)

21 Agenda Item #6a DATE: September 30, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Gateway Corridor Outreach Activities The Gateway project team has been 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 of the Commission s outreach activities. Upcoming Outreach Stakeholder Status Washington County Regional Rail Authority October 7 th, 2014 Globe University Welcome Day for Students Booth October 1 st, 2014 Previous Outreach Stakeholder Status Woodbury City Council September 24 th, 2014 Oakdale City Council September 23rd, 2014 Maplewood City Council September 22 nd, 2014 Lake Elmo City Council September 16 th, 2014 Washington County Regional Rail Authority Public Hearing- September 16 th, 2014 Metro State University Fall Fest Booth-September 13 th, 2014 Landfall City Council September 10 th, 2014 Lake Elmo City Council Workshop-September 9 th, 2014 Oakdale City Council Workshop-September 9 th, 2014 Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority- Public Hearing Presentation-September 9 th, 2014 Saint Paul Planning Commission Update -September 5 th, 2014 Woodbury Rotary Club Presentation September 4 th, 2014 Bruce Vento Elementary-Back to School Night Booth-August 27 th, 2014 City Walk Board (Woodbury) Presentation-August 27 th, 2014 Metropolitan Council-Transportation Policy Plan Booth-August 26 th, 2014 Outreach Oakdale City Council Workshop Workshop August 26 th, 2014 Maplewood City Council Workshop Workshop August 25 th, 2014 St. Paul Transportation Committee Presentation August 25 th, 2014 Metro State University-Welcome Day Booth-August 20 th, 2014 Lake Elmo Property Owners along I-94 Presentation/discussion-August 14 th, 2014

22 Landfall City Council Workshop Presentation-August 13 th, 2014 LPA Public Hearing Public Hearing August 7 th, 2014 National Night to Unite-several Woodbury neighborhoods Booth-August 5 th, 2014 National Night to Unite- Dayton s Bluff, Saint Paul Booth-August 5 th, 2014 Primrose/City Walk Businesses (Woodbury) Presentation-July 31 st, 2014 Community Thread-Stillwater Update-July 29 th, 2014 St. Paul District 1 Community Council Presentation July 28 th, 2014 Woodbury Chamber Public Affairs Committee Presentation July 24 th, 2014 Wabasha Street Block Party Booth July 24 th, 2014 ESABA Bowling Tournament Booth July 24 th, 2014 Landfall Planning and Finance Committee Presentation July 8 th, 2014 Community Advisory Committee Meeting June 30 th, 2014 Orange Line Tour Field Trip June 25-27, 2014 Make it Happen on E. 7 th St. Night Out Business & Event Presence June 20, 2014 Community Fair FTA Tour and Workshop Tour and Presentation June 20 th, 2014 District 4 Community Council Presentation June 16 th, 2014 Green Line Opening Booth at Depot/Wanderers June 14 th, 2014 Community Advisory Committee Meeting June 3 rd, 2014 Target Station Opening Booth May 17 th, 2014 National Train Day Booth May 10 th, 2014 Future of 4 th Event Booth May 8, 2014 St. Transportation Summit Booth May 6, 2014 Woodbury Expo Booth May 3, 2014 St. Paul Port Authority Presentation April 17, 2014 Corridor Cities and Market Analysis Consultant Meetings - Week of April 14, 2014 Met Council Transportation Committee Presentation - April 14, 2014 Globe University Students Presentations April 9, 2014 Engage East Side Gateway Event Presentation/Panel April 8, 2014 Globe University Staff Presentation March 28, 2014 Gateway Day at the Capitol One-on-ones - March 26, 2014 DEIS Scoping Open House, Conway Rec Center Open House March 25, 2014 DEIS Scoping Open House, Guardian Angels Open House March 24, 2014 District 1 Community Council Open House Booth March 22, 2014 Interagency Scoping Meeting Meeting March 20, 2014 River Valley Action Presentation March 18, 2014 FHWA Meeting March 13, 2014 Landfall HRA Presentation March 12, 2014 Environmental Quality Board Meeting March 12, 2014 Park and Rides Flyer handout March 12, 2014 Legislative Strategy Meeting February 28, 2014 Engage East Side Gateway Event Meeting February 25, 2014 Washington County Board Workshop February 25, 2014 Gateway Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast Meeting February 20, 2014

23 Guardian Angels Finance Committee Meeting February 19, 2014 Legislative Strategy Meeting February 14, 2014 Policy Advisory Committee/Commission Meeting February 13, 2014 Woodbury Chamber Presentation February 12, 2014 FTA Call Call February 12, 2014 Community Advisory Committee Meeting February 10, 2014 D1/D2 Open House Open House February 6, 2014 St. Paul Area Chamber Presentation February 6, 2014 Harley Davidson Meeting February 3, 2014 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting January 29, 2014 Legislative Strategy Meeting January 3, 2014 Washington County Administrators Presentation January 22, 2014 St. Paul East Side Groups Meeting January 21, 2014 TAC Staff from Woodbury, Oakdale, and Lake Elmo Meeting January 9, 2014 FTA Call Call January 7, 2014 Driving tour of Corridor w/ Senator Housley Tour December 27, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting December 18, 2013 Get to Know Woodbury Realtors event Booth December 18, M Staff Meeting December 16, 2013 Policy Advisory Committee Meeting December 12, 2013 Community Advisory Committee Meeting December 9, 2013 FHWA Staff Meeting December 6, 2013 Fostering an East Side Transit Conversation Transit Summit December 5, 2013 District 2 Community Council Presentation November 20, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting November 20, 2013 FTA Conference Call Meeting November 13, 2013 Fostering an East Side Transit Conversation Town Hall November 7, 2013 MnDOT, Met Council, County leadership Meeting November 1, 2013 FTA Tour Tour November 1, 2013 St. Paul District 1 Community Council Presentation October 28, 2013 Landfall Meeting October 25, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting October 16, 2013 Lake Elmo Presentation October 15, 2013 MnDOT/Met Council/County Staff Meeting October 11, 2013 East Side Area Business Association Presentation October 10, 2013 East Side Partners Meeting October 8, 2013 Policy Advisory Committee Meeting October 10, 2013 Community Advisory Committee Meeting September 30, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting September 25, 2013 FTA Coordination Call #2 September 25, 2013 Fostering an East Side Transit Conversation Engage ES Presentation September 25, 2013 St. Paul Transportation Committee Meeting September 22, 2013 Woodbury staff Meeting September 12, 2013 Oakdale staff Meeting September 12, 2013

24 Maplewood staff Meeting September 11, 2013 Lake Elmo staff Meeting September 10, M Meeting September 4, 2013 Metro State Meeting August 29, 2013 St. Paul staff Meeting August 29, 2013 Community Advisory Committee Meeting August 26, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting August 21, 2013 FTA Coordination Call August 15, 2013 East Side Groups Update Meeting August 13, 2013 Policy Advisory Committee Meeting August 8, 2013 Hot Dogs and Transit Engage East Side Booth August 3, 2013 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting July 24, 2013 Hot Dogs and Transit Engage East Side Booth July 13, 2013 Development Forum June 24, 2013 Alliance for Metropolitan Stability Staff level meeting June 7, 2013 Engage East Side Resident Network staff Discussion on CAC May 31, 2013 Start of DEIS Woodbury Chamber Eggs and Issues Presentation April 12, 2013 District 1 Community Council Booth at open house March 25, 2013 Woodbury Lions Club Presentation March 5, 2013 Maplewood Lions Club Presentation January 28, 2013 Cottage Grove City Council Presentation January 16, 2013 Maplewood Planning Commission Presentation January 15, 2013 District 4 Community Council Staff Meeting January 9, 2013 Action Requested: Information

25 Agenda Item #6b DATE: Oct. 2, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Jeff Dehler Public Relations Gateway Corridor Communications and Public Relations Update Summary of Activities The communications and public relations team, comprised of Jeff Dehler, Lindsey Wollschlager of Richardson Richter and Associates and Jill Brown, coordinated a number of strategies to generate news coverage and planned for upcoming community events. Media and Community Relations The team wrote and distributed a news release on the locally preferred alternative (LPA) draft adopted Sept. 11 by the Policy Advisory Committee and the Commission. News coverage of the LPA process included Woodbury Bulletin Sept. 5, Finance & Commerce Sept. 4, 15 and 19, St. Paul Pioneer Press Sept.18, and the Woodbury Bulletin Sept. 26. A Star Tribune Sept. 28 article on jobs along the corridor included Commissioner Ortega s quote from the news release. Other media coverage included a couple Lillie Publications mentioning Gateway in stories about the Rushline Corridor and a St. Paul Pioneer Press Sept. 19 article on the movie opposing Gateway. The team assisted the City of Woodbury with material for their resident newsletter. The team talked with Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority public information staff to coordinate media relations around their LPA public hearing. Public Engagement The team continued working with project staff, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and East Metro Strong to plan a Development Forum. The team also continued strategic communications planning around larger transit issues. With the assumption of LPA approval, the team is preparing to boost outreach efforts to businesses located near the alignment. The goals of this outreach are to increase business community awareness of the Gateway BRT project; identify and prepare businesses that would like to take a more active role in future project activities; and connect businesses with Gateway informational resources. This business community outreach will be coordinated with station area planning to enhance relationships developed with corridor businesses and avoid duplication of effort. Next Steps The communications team will distribute information on completion of the LPA process. Plans for the Development Forum continue to unfold.

26 Agenda Item #7 DATE: Oct. 3, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Jeff Dehler Public Relations Gateway Corridor - Strategic Communications Plan Development Introduction The Gateway Corridor Commission's 2014 contract with Jeff Dehler Public Relations includes updating the 2010 Strategic Communications Plan. Updating the plan every few years is a wise activity as project conditions change necessitating a re-evaluation of the course of the plan. At the meeting a situation analysis and overview of the plan components will be provided and Commission members will be asked to provide input on the identified strategic communication goals and recommended next steps as outlined below. Situation analysis Several developments have occurred since the 2010 plan was drafted, and several future developments are anticipated that will influence future communication Conclusion of the Alternatives Analysis 2014 Successful state legislative funding outcome, Adoption of the LPA and inclusion in the TPP 2015 Conclusion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Met Council transition Engineering through construction Ongoing Funding negotiations Recommendation for next steps in communications planning 1. Present preliminary plan outline to project management staff 2. Confirm Commission project goals 3. Complete a public opinion survey to inform Plan goals, strategies and tactics 4. Draft final Strategic Communications Plan 5. Draft annual work plans/consultant scope of service based on communications plan Commission goals / Strategic communications goals Strategic communications goals should always be tied directly to organizational goals. Proposed summary of Gateway Commission goals/communications goals: 1. Project development: Communicating project progress; 2. Governmental relations: Ensuring state, local and federal funding; and 3. Community relations: Preparing the market to ensure successful operations.

27 Agenda Item #7 Plan deliverables Communications goals, objectives and strategies Messaging Brand guidelines, stakeholder contact lists, media contact lists, collateral materials templates Action Discussion

28 Agenda Item #8 DATE: October 3, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff State and Federal Legislative Update State Update A verbal update will be provided at the Commission meeting Federal Update Below is the Federal Updates prepared by Lockridge, Grindal and Nauen (LGN) for the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB). Weekly Update for Week of September 15th Federal lawmakers returned from August recess for a two week session to handle several critical items before heading back to the campaign trail. While the House is adjourning later today, September 19, the Senate will remain in town to work on September 22 and 23. Following that, Congress will not reconvene until after the midterm elections in November. This week lawmakers' were able to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will avoid a government shutdown and fund federal government operations until December 11, 2014, reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, and provide qualified support to Syrian rebels. In this Update: A Continuing Resolution Passes the House and Senate Expectations for the Lame Duck Session PILT Funding Expected in Omnibus Key Upcoming Dates Special News, Notes, and Events Minnesota Delegation Notes Additional Media A Continuing Resolution Passes the House and Senate

29 On Wednesday, the House passed a CR, H.J. Res. 124, authorizing $1.012 trillion to keep the government open through December 11, In the House, the continuing resolution was passed by The Senate took up the CR on Thursday where it passed with a vote. Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-MN-06) was the only Member of the Minnesota delegation to vote against the measure. The CR includes an amendment from the House authorizing limited military training and equipment for Syrian rebels. While the House held a separate vote on this amendment, the Senate did not. Earlier in the day, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) had asked to call up an amendment he said would set up separate votes on the CR and provisions that would authorize support of Syria. But Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) objected, pointing out that the measure is temporary and lawmakers will have an opportunity to more fully consider those issues later. The CR also designates $88 million for efforts to stop the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, provides additional funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to help process disability claims, and extends the operating authority of the Import-Export Bank through June Expectations for the Lame Duck Session Many senior Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle will likely push for an omnibus in the lame-duck session in order to allow for maximum financial certainty for federal agencies and to conclude all fiscal year 2015 work before the new Congress arrives. The ranking Republican Member on Senate Appropriations, Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), said an omnibus is possible if both parties are willing to negotiate with "reasonable expectations." House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D- MD) have already started to advocate for a 12-bill, lame-duck omnibus, hoping a similar outcome to last year where a spending package that included line-by-line spending for every corner of the federal government was passed. PILT Funding Expected in Omnibus County officials, many from rural communities, are in Washington, DC this week to urge lawmakers to fund the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program (PILT), a funding mechanism that allows the federal government to reimburse counties for untaxed federal land. PILT payments historically have come from appropriations bills, however, with increasing uncertainty about the appropriations process this is something that has started to worry local officials. In recent years, lawmakers' have found creative methods to fund the program through alternative means, including a Bush administration stimulus bill, a 2012 highway bill, and this year's farm bill.

30 Congress has not funded the program for fiscal year 2015 and advocates were unable to attach it to the CR passed this week. Local officials are now looking to include it in the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2015 that Congress is expected to take up in December. KEY UPCOMING DATES November 4, 2014 General Election day for all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives, 33 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate, as well as 38 state Governorships. November 12, 2014 Congress returns to Washington, DC for a "lame-duck" session. December 11, 2014 The stop-gap funding solution passed by Congress this week will expire. March 15, 2015 While Congress passed legislation to raise the debt ceiling, action must be taken again prior to March 15, 2015 or the nation once again runs the risk of defaulting on its loans. SPECIAL NEWS, NOTES AND EVENTS Reception Honoring Congressman Rick Nolan Monday, September 22 nd, 1:00-2:00 PM CST Lockridge Grindal Nauen 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 2200 Minneapolis, Minnesota Reception Honoring Congresswoman Betty McCollum Monday, September 22 th, 5:30-7:30PM CST At the home of Barbara and Jim Joers 152 Avon Street South Saint Paul, MN Minnesota Salutes Congresswoman Betty McCollum Monday, September 29 th, 5:30-7:30PM EST Capitol Hill Washington, D.C

31 Reception Honoring Congressman John Kline Tuesday, October 7 th, 3:30PM - 4:30PM CST Lockridge Grindal Nauen 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 2200 Minneapolis, Minnesota Reception Honoring Congressman Erik Paulsen Monday October 13 th, 5:30-7:00 PM CST Good Day Café Bad Day Bar 5410 Wayzata Blvd Golden Valley, MN MINNESOTA DELEGATION NOTES: Senator Amy Klobuchar, (D-MN), urged the administration to provide critical support to Minnesota communities impacted by devastating flooding. Read more here. Senator Al Franken, (D-MN), expressed disappointment that bill to help Minnesotans reduce student loan debt was blocked in Senate. Read more here. Congressman Tim Walz, (D-MN-01), toured New Ulm Quartzite, talks opportunity and jobs for southern Minnesota. Read more here. Congressman John Kline, (R-MN-02), championed bipartisan legislation in the House to reform the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. Read more here. Congressman Erik Paulsen, (R-MN-03), sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requesting an explanation for recent policy changes impacting millions of Americans living with ALS. Read more here. Congresswoman Betty McCollum, (D-MN-04), made a statement at the Change the Mascot Press Conference with Native American Leaders. Read more here. Congressman Keith Ellison, (D-MN-05), issued a statement about his support of McKeon amendment to aid Syrian rebels. Read more here. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, (R-MN-06), is scheduled to emcee a fundraiser on Saturday for a campaign against the rollout of Minnesota's anti-bullying law. Read more here. Congressman Collin Peterson, (D-MN-07), was honored as a Guardian of Small Business by National Federation of Independent Business. Read more here. Congressman Rick Nolan, (D-MN-08), introduced a bill naming portion of Highway I-35 for

32 Congressman Jim Oberstar which passed out of the House Transportation Committee. Read more here. ADDITIONAL MEDIA "House to Include Device Tax Repeal in Jobs Package" By Alan K. Ota, CQ Roll Call Rep. Erik Paulsen says House Republican leaders plan to include his proposal to eliminate the 2.3 percent medical device in a job creation package on the House floor this week, and vows to push for post-election action on the issue. The Minnesota Republican said he got word from party leaders that the bill, a catch-all of tax and regulatory plans, would include his measure to end the excise tax on medical device taxes that took effect in January The tax, which funds part of the national health care law (PL , PL ), has strong opposition in both parties but has proven difficult to undo because of the high cost. "There is strong support for repeal," Paulsen said referring to the 275 cosponsors of his medical device tax repeal bill (HR 523). The repeal proposal carries an estimated price tag of about $29 billion, but a final Treasury Department inspector general report recently reported that collections of the excise tax were less than expected. House Republicans opted not to duplicate hardball tactics from September 2013, when 17 Democrats joined Republicans to approve, , a Paulsen medical device tax repeal add-on to a continuing resolution (H J Res 59). The stopgap proposal also included a one-year delay in implementation of the health care overhaul and set the stage for the 16-day government shutdown. With GOP leaders focused on averting another shutdown, Republicans are preparing to put the medical device tax repeal proposal on a package of fiscal measures that includes permanent extensions of tax breaks such as bonus depreciation. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., another supporter of repealing the medical device tax, said she hopes the House vote will help to build consensus for elimination of the medical device tax that was created by the health care overhaul. She said lawmakers also had considered several alternatives including a proposal to suspend the tax for several years. A two-year suspension of the tax would cost roughly $4 billion over 10 years. Opponents of full repeal of the medical device tax, such as Sen. Barbara Boxer. D-Calif., have floated the idea of eliminating the tax for small businesses. Another option would be a proposal to shift the focus of the tax away from sales to actual profits on medical devices

33 J.C. Scott, head of government affairs for the 400-member Advanced Medical Technology Association, a trade group for manufacturers, praised House leaders for continuing to "prioritize repealing the medical device tax" and recognizing the device tax "at its core is a jobs issue." "We are hoping to build positive momentum from the House vote and look for an appropriate opportunity to get repeal across the finish line," Scott said. The health care law initially envisioned $438 billion in new revenue, including roughly $20 billion from the medical device tax between 2013 and Companies are required to send regular payments, or deposits, to the IRS to cover their liability for excise taxes on sales to distributors, other businesses and institutional customers like hospitals. But the Treasury inspector general found the IRS had only collected about $913 million medical device excise taxes for the first half of 2013, short of the projected $1,2 billion in revenue for that period. The Treasury IG report called for new efforts by the IRS to ensure accurate reporting and payment of the medical device tax. "While the IRS has taken steps to educate medical device manufacturers of the medical device excise tax during implementation, it faces challenges to definitively identify manufacturers subject to the medical device excise tax reporting and payment requirements," said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Action Information

34 Agenda Item #9 DATE: September 30, 2014 TO: FROM: RE: Gateway Corridor Commission Staff Other Items Items 9a. Meeting Dates Summary Included below is a summary of the upcoming Commission and DEIS Study meetings. Month Meeting Date Planned Start Time November PAC November 13 2:00 PM November Gateway Corridor Commission November 13 3:30 PM December Gateway Corridor Commission December 11 3:30 PM Item 9b. Website and Social Media Updates Facebook The Gateway Corridor Facebook page was launched on Monday, February 20, The page currently has 451 Likes. There have not been any instances where comments have had to be removed during this reporting period. YouTube The four YouTube videos of the various alignments are still posted. The views of these videos ranges from Website For the month of September, there were 802 visits to the website. Attached is a summary of the visits per month for 2013 and Item 9c. Media Articles Attached are media articles about the Gateway Corridor from the last month. Action Requested: Information.

35 Jan, 2013 Feb, 2013 Mar, 2013 Apr, 2013 May, 2013 June, 2013 July, 2013 Aug, 2013 Sept, 2013 Oct, 2013 Nov, 2013 Dec, 2013 Jan, 2014 Feb, 2014 Mar, 2014 Apr, 2014 May, 2014 Jun, 2014 Jul, 2014 Aug, 2014 Sept, Gateway Corridor Website Visits Average = 806 visits/month

36 - h Go to this report Audience Overview Sep 1, Sep 29, 2014 All Sessions % + Add Segment Overview 60 Sessions Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sessions 802 Users 625 Pageviews 2,011 New Visitor Returning Visitor 32.7% Pages / Session 2.51 Avg. Session Duration 00:02:12 Bounce Rate 40.02% 67.3% % New Sessions 67.33% Language Sessions % Sessions 1. en-us % 2. pt-br % 3. en-gb % 4. es-ar % 5. es-mx % 6. bs-ba % 7. en % 8. en-ph % 9. es-co % 10. es-es % 2014 Google

37 St. Paul City Council approves Gateway bus rapid transit route Updated: 09/17/ :18:59 PM CDT TwinCities.com Bus-Rapid Transit bus (Courtesy of Metropolitan Council) Jul 25: St. Paul-to-Woodbury preferred bus route mostly north of I-94 Jul 11: St. Paul to Woodbury Gateway Corridor buses get nod over light rail May 22: White House gives Gateway Corridor permitting fast-track status Apr 23: Gateway Corridor transit opponents plan East Side event Apr 10: 7 speakers in Woodbury oppose Gateway Corridor plans Feb 25: Public input sought on Gateway Corridor transit plans Jan 30: Woodbury meeting will present Gateway Corridor options Dec 13: Met Council suggests cheaper alternative for Gateway Corridor transit The St. Paul City Council has given its blessing to the Gateway Corridor Commission's proposed transit route from downtown St. Paul to Washington County. The commission envisions a Bus Rapid Transit line that would operate in a dedicated lane north of Interstate 94 through St. Paul's East Side, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale and Lake Elmo. At a still undetermined location, it would then cross to the south side of the interstate into Woodbury, ending at Manning Avenue. Cities along the Gateway Corridor are being asked to vote on the "locally preferred alternative." The proposal passed the council on Wednesday without objection. Page 1 of 1 Sep 30, :15:23AM MDT

38 9/30/2014 Strong job growth projected along Gateway transit route Star Tribune Strong job growth projected along Gateway transit route Article by: Kevin Giles Star Tribune September 19, :35 PM Jobs will be plentiful along the north side of Interstate 94 through Oakdale and Lake Elmo to supply riders for a new transit operation, Gateway Corridor planners said last week. By 2030, the 12-mile route from downtown St. Paul to Manning Avenue in Woodbury would have more than 120,000 jobs, nearly double today s employment. Those projections include expected job growth in the more rural portion of Lake Elmo where the bus-rapid transit (BRT) route is envisioned. The jobs picture is significant because the favored route skirts most of Woodbury, the largest city in Washington County and the county s economic engine. The current preferred route also would bypass CityPlace, the forthcoming redevelopment at the former State Farm headquarters that could employ more than 2,000 workers in offices, restaurants, retail businesses and a hotel. Providing access is one of the ways to link to jobs for many people, said Andy Gitzlaff, the county senior planner who is leading the project for Washington County. Gateway Corridor, named to represent the eastern entrance to the metro area, could be renamed the Gold Line by the end of the year. It would connect with the Green Line the new light-rail route between St. Paul and Minneapolis at Union Depot. The Gateway route mostly would follow Hudson Road/Hudson Boulevard through six cities: St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale, Landfall and Lake Elmo, ending at the east edge of Woodbury where it would cross I-94 at Lake Elmo Avenue. The BRT service will provide accessibility to jobs and education in the form of reliable and convenient public transit, said Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, chairman of the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority. This is one element to maintain the strong and diverse economic base we currently enjoy, he said. The east metro is rapidly growing and connections between the suburban communities and St. Paul are increasingly important. Gitzlaff, in a presentation to the Washington County Regional Rail Authority last week, said a dedicated road for BRT would link to places where people congregate, including business parks and park-and-ride lots. Farther west, buses would stop at the 3M campus, Sun Ray Shopping Center and Metro State University. By 2030, Metropolitan Council projections show, the route north of I-94 would provide access to the same number of jobs as would be available on other possible routes, including through Woodbury. Oakdale, Lake Elmo and other cities are having brisk conversations about how BRT can create economic development, said Commissioner Lisa Weik, who also chairs the Gateway Corridor Commission. Gateway representatives also attended about 100 outreach meetings so far this year to talk about the transit corridor, she said. However, nobody spoke at a public hearing hosted last week by the rail authority. Cities along the route have yet to endorse the proposed route in a process known as municipal consent. Under discussion currently is how various express and feeder buses can move commuters to the 12 BRT stations, particularly from Woodbury neighborhoods. 1/2

39 9/30/2014 Strong job growth projected along Gateway transit route Star Tribune Gateway Corridor can t be the one and only solution, Gitzlaff said. Current decisions about the transit mode and route known as the locally preferred alternative in government circles will be made before another round of planning, engineering and environmental impact statements. Upcoming work will include confirming station locations, refining the design for the dedicated roadway, and studying community and environmental issues. Right now we re tracking, on time, with everything we ve been asked to do, Weik said. Construction of the dedicated road and BRT stations is expected to begin in 2019, with completion in Kevin Giles Star Tribune 2/2

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