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By Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com
The idea of having a passenger rail system run between the Twin Cities and the Twin Ports keeps moving forward.
During the Isanti County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, March 6, it approved a resolution supporting the rail service project and authorized Isanti County to enter into negotiations to facilitate the formation of a joint powers agreement.
Elwin Tinklenberg from the Tinklenberg Group has attended several meetings regarding forming a passenger rail system, and said the idea has been very well received.
“It’s really interesting to be a part of a project that within six months went from a discussion phase to being talked about among the most powerful folks in Washington,” Tinklenberg said. “There is a lot of interest in this and a lot of support for it.”
The commuter rail system would offer rides for people to commute between the Twin Ports and Twin Cities with station sites along the way. These sites have yet to be determined, but may include north Minneapolis, Fridley, Andover, Bethel, Cambridge/Isanti, Mora/Pine City, Braham, Hinckley, Sandstone, Super, Duluth and Two Harbors.
Tinklenberg said a proposed budget of $585,000 is being looked at to form a joint powers board for the rail system. The most expensive portion of the budget is $385,000 budgeted for a technical feasibility study.
Tinklenberg said the cost of the feasibility study may be reduced by working with Amtrack and the Burlington Northern Railroad through in-kind donations.
Since a few corridor participants have committed funding toward the $585,000, Commissioner George Larson asked Tinklenberg what kind of funding would be expected from Isanti County.
Tinklenberg said Isanti County may be asked to contribute $15,000 toward the $585,000, but ultimately the county’s contribution will be decided by the joint powers board.
“The budget is not firm,” Tinklenberg said. “That is why it’s important to get a group together and members of the coalition together to decide on a budget.”
Tinklenberg said when the joint powers board decides how much each benefitted entity should contribute toward the $585,000, it’s expected those funds would be needed this year to facilitate coordination of the joint powers board and conduct the feasibility study.
The joint powers board will be made up of representatives from each of the proposed corridor participants from Anoka, St. Louis, Hennepin, Ramsey, Pine, Kanabec, Isanti, Carlton and Douglas counties, as well as the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
The existing railroad line will be used for the passenger rail system, however the line will need to be upgraded. Tinklenberg said the railroad line can only handle speeds up to 50 mph and the plan is for the passenger system to travel speeds up to 80 mph, so improvements on the line will need to be made.
The plan for this passenger rail system is to connect to Northstar and Hiawatha lines, as well as the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, the Mall of America, Grand Casino, state parks, museums, the North Shore and downtowns between the Twin Cities and Twin Ports.
Tinklenberg said once the feasibility study is completed, the process can enter into a preliminary engineering phase and environmental assessment work can take place.
“I look forward to participating in this exciting effort with you,” Tinklenberg said. “I believe this is something that can happen quickly . . . this is not a decade-long project. This is something that can happen in a few years.”
JOBZ modification regarding CMP
Tom Willett, city of Cambridge Economic Development Director, approached the board to request approval regarding a JOBZ modification regarding Cambridge Metal and Plastics.
Willett explained the city of Cambridge received notice that Leggett and Platt, owners of CMP, will be closing their plant on April 27. CMP employs 100 people and occupy a building of approximately 150,000 square feet.
He said city staff has been working with a variety of resources to locate a buyer to purchase CMP and retain the 100 employees. As part of the financial package, city staff has contacted the Department of Employment and Economic Development who stated that up to $500,000 in loans might be available from the Minnesota Investment Fund.
Likewise, DEED stated if the 100 jobs are retained, a buy out would make the project eligible for the JOBZ program if the local tax authorities approved a transfer.
After much discussion, the board approved a resolution regarding the JOBZ modification to authorize tax exemptions.
In other news the board:
• Accepted the resignation of Bob Shogren as full time dispatcher and move to part time dispatcher, and authorized to fill the full time position.
• Ratified the hire of Danielle Tofte and Heather Braun as part time assistant food service managers.
• Accepted the resignation of Carrie Kane, full time jailer and authorized to fill the position.
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