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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06.iNovember 10, 2010 Item No. AMENDED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE Proposed Action Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve a resolution approving the second amended and restated joint powers agreement for the 1 -35W Solutions Alliance. Adoption of this motion will renew the City's participation in the 1 -35W Solutions Alliance until 2020. Overview The I -35W Solutions Alliance was established in 1989 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the cities of Burnsville, Bloomington, Lakeville, Richfield, Apple Valley, Minneapolis and Savage and the counties of Dakota, Hennepin and Scott. The mission of the alliance is to support increased capacity of the 1 -35W corridor in order to move people and goods safely through improvements to the transit and highway system. The current joint powers agreement will expire on December 21, 2010. The Board of Directors of the I -35W Solutions Alliance met on October 14, 2010 and approved a resolution providing for a 10 year extension of the Joint Powers Agreement and submission of the Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement to each member jurisdiction for approval. Some of the projects within the Lakeville area that have benefited by the City's participation in the 1 -35W Solutions Alliance over the past 10 years include the UPA grants that help finance the 1 -35 and Cedar Avenue BRT park and ride locations, expansion of the HOV lanes from Lakeville to 1 -94, 215 Street (CSAH- 70) interchange improvements, 185 Street (CSAH -60) interchange improvements as well as monitored, promoted and spearheaded policies and legislative actions that supported other programs and transportation improvements within the 1 -35W corridor. Primary Issues to Consider • What are the major changes to the Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement? There are four noteworthy changes from the current joint powers agreement: first, the agreement is extended for 10 years through December 2020. The second change was to add the City of Elko New Market as a new member. The third change was to add Paragraph 14 clarifying the limits of liability for members participating in the joint powers agreement. And the fourth change is that Apple Valley has decided not to renew their membership in the joint powers agreement. Supporting Information • Resolution approving the Second Amended & Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the I -35W Solutions Alliance. • Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement Establishing the I -35W Solutions Alliance. • I -35W Solutions Alliance resolution adopted by the 1 -35W Solutions Alliance Board of Directors. • I -35W Solutions Alliance Dues Policy. • 1 -35W Solutions Alliance history and accomplishments. Allyn . Kuennen, AICP Associate Planner Financial Impact: $ 3,000 Budgeted: Y/N Yes Source: Mayor and City Council Budget Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): Notes: Dues are set annually by the Alliance, subject to City Council approval. (Reserved for Dakota County Recording Information) CITY OF LAKEVILLE RESOLUTION RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville Minnesota is a member of the Joint Powers Agreement creating The I -35W Solutions Alliance; and WHEREAS, the Joint Powers Agreement will expire on December 31, 2010 unless the members agree to extend it; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Lakeville, the region and the state to continue the work of The I -35W Solutions Alliance. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Lakeville City Council: 1. The Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement attached to this resolution is herby approved. 2. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby directed to sign the Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement. 3. The City Clerk is directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the City Clerk of Burnsville, Minnesota. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15 day of November 2010. 1 ATTEST: Charlene Friedges, City Clerk STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ( CITY OF LAKEVILLE ) CITY OF LAKEVILLE BY: Holly Dahl, Mayor I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Lakeville at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 15 day of November, 2010, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. Charlene Friedges, City Clerk (SEAL) SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Approved by the Board 10/14/10 ESTABLISHING THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE 1 SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE The parties to this Agreement are Governmental Units of the State of Minnesota which have land in the Interstate 35W corridor, or are impacted by I -35W. This Agreement is made pursuant to the authority conferred upon the parties by Minnesota Statute §471.59. Section 1. Name. The parties hereby create and establish The I -35W Solutions Alliance. Section 2. General Purpose. The purpose of this Agreement is for the Governmental Units to jointly and cooperatively provide an organized effort to facilitate traffic flow and capacity in the I -35W corridor. Section 3. Definitions. Subdivision 1. "Solutions Alliance" means the joint powers organization created by this Agreement the full name of which is "The I -35W Solutions Alliance." Subdivision 2. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Solutions Alliance. Subdivision 3. "Ex- Officio Member" means a person or entity selected by the Solutions Alliance to have special status with the Solutions Alliance, with only the rights specified in this Agreement. Subdivision 4. "Governing Body" means the council, board, body or persons in which the powers of a Governmental Unit which is a Member of this Solutions Alliance is vested. Subdivision 5. "Governmental Unit" means any city, county or rail authority that is a party to this Agreement. Subdivision 6. "Member" means a Governmental Unit that is a party to this Agreement. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 1 4. Membership. The Members of the Solutions Alliance shall consist of the following Governmental Units: City of Burnsville City of Bloomington City of Elko New Market City of Lakeville City of Richfield City of Savage Dakota County City of Minneapolis Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Scott County No change in governmental boundaries, structure, organizational status or character shall affect the eligibility of any Governmental Unit listed above to be represented on the Solutions Alliance as long as such Governmental Unit continues to exist as a separate political subdivision. Any other governmental entity may become a Member upon approval of the Board, execution of this Joint Power Agreement, and payment of the contribution prescribed by the Board. 5. Board of Directors. Subdivision 1. The governing body of the Solutions Alliance shall be its Board of Directors, which shall be responsible for managing its affairs, exercising its powers, and performing its duties. Subdivision 2. Each Member shall appoint two Directors and one Alternate. Directors shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing Member and may be removed only by the appointing Member. Vacancies shall be filled only by the appointing Member. Incumbent Directors serve until a successor has been designated. A Member shall provide written notice of appointments to the Secretary of the Solutions Alliance. Subdivision 3. Directors shall serve without compensation from the Solutions Alliance. A Governmental Unit may provide compensation for a Director it appoints to the Board. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 2 Subdivision 4. Each Director shall have one vote. All votes must be cast by Directors or Alternates in attendance at a Board Meeting. Voting by proxy is not permitted. An Alternate may vote only in the absence of a Director of the same Member. Subdivision 5. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Directors, including Alternates that are in attendance on behalf of absent Directors. Subdivision 6. A vacancy on the Board shall be filled by the Governing Body that made the appointment. Subdivision 7. The Board may create and appoint members to such committees as it determines necessary. Committee members, other than the chair of a committee, need not be a Director. 6. Ex- Officio Members. The Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, 494 Corridor Commission, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, and State Representatives, State Senators and Metropolitan Council Members whose districts include part or all of a Governmental Unit shall be Ex- Officio Members. The Solutions Alliance Board may designate additional Ex- Officio Members. Ex- Officio Members may participate in discussions of the Solutions Alliance Board but may not vote. The Solutions Alliance may establish such further rules for Ex- Officio Members as it deems fit and proper that are not inconsistent with this agreement. 7. Powers and Duties of the Solution Alliance. The powers and duties of the Solutions Alliance shall include the power or duty to: Subdivision 1. Prepare and adopt a plan and seek passage of legislation by local, state and federal governments to enhance the movement of people and goods and relieve congestion in the I -35W corridor. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 3 1 Subdivision 2. Cooperate with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and participate in preparation of environmental impact analyses of 1-35W improvements, including preliminary geometric design and evaluation of high - occupancy vehicle lanes and transit on I -35W. Subdivision 3. Research and recommend funding strategies to enhance the movement of people and good and relieve congestion in the I -35W corridor. Subdivision 4. Research and recommend funding strategies and seek legislation to improve traffic to relieve congestion, to create alternatives to traveling on I -35W, and to increase and improve the transportation of people and goods in the I -35W corridor. Subdivision 5. Research travel demand management strategies and ordinances, develop model ordinances and recommend joint action on such strategies and ordinances by the Members. Subdivision 6. Research and make recommendations to the Members regarding other matters related to the Solutions Alliance's purpose. Subdivision 7. Cooperate with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council in the development of transit operation plans that impact I -35W. Subdivision 8. Monitor land use development, traffic volumes and travel characteristics in the I -35W corridor. Subdivision 9. Educate members and others on transportation issues regarding the movement of people and goods in the I -35W corridor. Subdivision 10. Consult with persons knowledgeable in transportation, such as research organizations, educational institutions, other political subdivisions, regulatory organizations, technical experts and any other persons who can provide pertinent information. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 4 1 Subdivision 11. Serve as a regional forum and cooperate or contract with the State of Minnesota or any subdivision thereof, the Metropolitan Council, or federal agency or private or public organization to accomplish the purposes for which The I -35W Solutions Alliance is organized. Subdivision 12. Contract for or purchase such insurance as the Board deems necessary for the protection of the Solutions Alliance. Subdivision 13. Accumulate reserve funds for the purposes herein mentioned and invest funds of the Solutions Alliance not currently needed for its operations. Subdivision 14. Collect money, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, from its Members and from any other source approved by a majority of its Board. Subdivision 15. Make contracts, employ consultants, incur expenses and make expenditures necessary and incidental to the effectuation of its purposes and powers. Contracts in excess of $5,000 must be approved by at least one director from four (4) Members in addition to a majority of directors voting on the contract. Contracts let and purchases made by the Solutions Alliance shall conform to the bid and contracting requirements and policies of Dakota County. Subdivision 16. Recommend changes in this Agreement to its Members. This Agreement may be amended by written agreement of all of the Governmental Units. The Effective Date of the Amendment shall be as provided in Section 13 of this Agreement. Subdivision 17. Exercise all other powers necessary and incidental to the implementation of the purposes and powers set forth herein. Subdivision 18. Cause to be made an annual audit of the books and accounts of the Solutions Alliance and to make and file a financial report to its Members at least once each year. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 5 Subdivision 19. Keep books and records of The I -35W Solutions Alliance in accordance with Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 at the Administrative Center of the member designated by the Board as the repository for them subject to agreement by the member to serve as the repository. 8. Meetings. Subdivision 1. The Board shall determine the time and place of regular meetings of the Board of Directors and shall hold such meetings as frequently as it determines necessary to carry out the purposes of the Solutions Alliance. At least three days written notice of Board meetings shall be provided to all Members. Subdivision 2. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chair or upon written request of a majority of the Directors. Five days written notice of a special meeting shall be given to the Directors and Ex- Officio Members, unless waived in writing by each Director. Subdivision 3. Meetings of the Board and Committees shall be open to the public as required by the Open Meeting Law, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13D. 9. Officers. Subdivision 1. Number, election, qualifications — The officers of the Board shall consist of a Chair, Vice - Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Each officer shall be elected annually by the Board and shall hold office until their successor takes office, earlier disqualification, death, resignation, or termination of appointment as a Director. All officers must be Directors. No two officers may be from the same Member. Subdivision 2. Chair; Vice -Chair - The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall perform all duties incident to the office of Chair, and such other duties as may be delegated by the Board. The Vice -Chair shall act as Chair in the absence of the Chair. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 6 1 Subdivision 3. Secretary - The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping a record of all the proceedings of the Solutions Alliance. The Secretary may designate a person or persons to assist the Secretary in performance of their duties. The Secretary shall send written notice of meetings and material pertaining to agenda items to each Director and Ex- Officio Members. Subdivision 4. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall have custody of the Solutions Alliance's funds, shall collect its annual dues, pay its bills, shall keep its financial records, and generally conduct the financial affairs of the Solutions Alliance. The Treasurer shall be responsible for such other matters as shall be delegated by the Board. Subdivision 5. Other Officers - The Board may appoint other officers as it deems necessary. 10. Finances. Subdivision 1. The Solutions Alliance funds may be expended by the Board in accordance with this Agreement and in a manner determined by the Board. The Board may designate one or more national or state bank or trust companies authorized to receive deposits of public monies to act as depositories for the Solutions Alliance funds. It may contract with a Member to provide services and assistance regarding its funds. The Solutions Alliance shall designate up to four (4) Directors who shall be authorized to sign instruments. In no event shall there be a disbursement of Solutions Alliance funds without the signature of at least two of the designated authorized signatories. Subdivision 2. Each Member agrees to contribute annual dues to a general fund of the Solutions Alliance, said fund to be used for general administration purposes including, but not limited to: contracts for services and goods, salaries, supplies, carrying out the purpose of this Agreement, insurance and bonds. The annual dues to be contributed by each Member shall be Approved by the Board 10/14/10 7 determined in accordance with a funding formula approved by the Board, and shall be paid by March 1 of each year. Subdivision 3. On or before July 1 of each year, the Board shall adopt a general administrative budget for the ensuing year and decide upon the total amount necessary for the general Fund. The Treasurer of the Board shall certify the budget on or before July 1 to the clerk of each Member Governmental Unit, together with a statement of the proportion of the budget to be contributed by each Member as annual dues. Subdivision 4. Any Member may withdraw from the Solutions Alliance by giving notice to the Chair of the Solutions Alliance of such action by the Member's Governing Body prior to August 1. Any Member withdrawing under this provision shall have no further liability or obligation to the Solutions Alliance except for payment of its annual dues for the year in which it withdraws, and shall not be entitled to any refund from the Solutions Alliance. The withdrawal shall be effective on December 31 of the year of withdrawal, unless an earlier date is specified by the withdrawing Member. Subdivision 5. Any Member that has withdrawn from the Solutions Alliance, may, with the approval of the Board continue as an Ex- Officio Member without further financial contribution to the Solutions Alliance. 11. Miscellaneous. Subdivision 1. Any Member may conduct separate or concurrent studies on any matter under study by the Solutions Alliance. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 8 12. Duration. Subdivision 1. Each Member agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement until December 31, 2020. This Agreement may be continued thereafter upon the written agreement of all the Members. Subdivision 2. This Agreement may be terminated prior to December 31, 2020, by the written agreement of 3/4 of the Members. Subdivision 3. In addition to termination under Subdivision 2, above, any Member may petition the Board to dissolve the Solutions Alliance. Upon 30 days' notice in writing to the clerk of each Member, the Board shall hold a meeting and upon affirmative vote by 3/4 of all eligible votes of then existing Directors, the Board may pass a resolution recommending that the Solutions Alliance be dissolved. If such a resolution is passed by the Board, the resolution shall be submitted to each Member and if ratified by 3/4 of the Governing Bodies of all Members within 60 days of the date the Board passed the resolution, the Board shall dissolve the Solutions Alliance after completing work in progress and disposing of all property owned by the Solutions Alliance. 13. Dissolution. Upon dissolution of the Solutions Alliance, all property of the Solutions Alliance shall be sold and the proceeds thereof, together with monies on hand, shall be distributed to the Members of the Solutions Alliance. Such distribution of Solutions Alliance assets to the Members shall be made in proportion to the annual dues each contributed to the Solutions Alliance as required by the last annual budget. The Chair shall notify all Members of the Solutions Alliance when the dissolution process and distribution of property has been completed, and at that time the Solution Alliance shall be dissolved. 14. Separate Public Entity. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 9 Subdivision 1. The I -35W Solutions Alliance is a separate and distinct public entity to which the parties have transferred all responsibility and control for actions taken pursuant to this Agreement. The I -35W Solutions Alliance shall comply with all laws and rules that govern a public entity in the State of Minnesota and shall be entitled to the protections of Minn. Stat. Ch. 466. Subdivision 2. The I -35W Solutions Alliance shall fully defend, indemnify and hold harmless the parties against all claims, losses, liability, suits, judgments, costs and expenses by reason of the action or inaction of the Board of Directors and/or agents of the I-35W Solutions Alliance. This Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless does not constitute a waiver of limitations on liability provided under Minn. Stat. Sec. 466.04. To the full extent permitted by law, action by parties pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be and shall be construed as a "cooperative activity" and it is the intent of the parties that they shall be deemed a "single governmental unit" for the purposes of liability, as set forth in M.S. §. 471.59, Subd. la(a), provided further that for purposes of that statute, each party to the Agreement expressly declines responsibility for the acts or omissions of the other parties. The parties to this Agreement are not liable for the acts or omissions of the other parties to this Agreement except to the extent they have agreed in writing to be responsible for the acts or omissions of the other parties. 15. Effective Date. This Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement shall be effective December 31, 2010, after all Members file a certified copy of a resolution approving the Amendment and upon the execution of this Agreement by all Members. All Members need not sign the same copy. Each Member shall file the resolution and signed Agreement with the Approved by the Board 10/14/10 10 City Manager of the City of Burnsville, who shall notify the Members in writing when all Members have done so. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Governmental Units, by action of their Governing Bodies, have caused this Agreement to be executed in accordance with the authority of Minnesota Statute §471.59. Approved by the Board 10/14/10 11 CITY OF BLOOMINGTON BY: Attest CITY OF BURNSVILLE BY: Attest CITY OF ELKO NEW MARKET BY: Attest CITY OF LAKEVILLE BY: Attest CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS BY: Attest CITY OF RICHFIELD BY: Attest CITY OF SAVAGE BY: Attest DAKOTA COUNTY BY: Attest HENNEPIN COUNTY REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY BY: Attest SCOTT COUNTY BY: Attest TL: 124505v3 Approved by the Board 10/14/10 12 Approved by the City Council on Approved by the City Council on , 2010 , 2010 Approved by the City Council on , 2010 Approved by the City Council on Approved by the City Council on Approved by the City Council on Approved by the City Council on Approved by Scott County Board , 2010 2010 2010 , 2010 Approved by the Dakota County Board , 2010 Approved by the Hennepin County Board , 2010 , 2010 WHEREAS: THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE RESOLUTION 1. The I -35W Solutions Alliance was organized in 1989 by its members to improve and facilitate the ability and capacity for movement of people and goods in the I -35W corridor; 2. The I -35W Solutions Alliance has successfully and effectively achieved many of its objectives as stated in Attachment A; 3. The I -35W Solutions Alliance has been recognized for its instrumental role in facilitating and implementing the Urban Partnership Agreement; 4. The flow of goods and people in the I -35W corridor is vital to the economic well -being of the members, the region, and the State; 5. Additional major improvements and funding are needed in the I -35W corridor; 6. The Joint Powers Agreement creating The I -35W Solutions Alliance expires December 31, 2010; and 7. It is the judgment of the members that the Joint Powers Agreement be amended and extended as stated in the Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement, Attachment B. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The I -35W Solutions Alliance Board of Directors recommends to the governing bodies of its members that the duration of the Joint Powers Agreement be extended through December 31, 2020, that the City of Elko New Market be added to the membership, that the additional changes to the Joint Powers Agreement set forth in Attachment 8 be adopted, and that the Second Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement be submitted to the members for their approval and ratification. This resolution was adopted by the Board of Directors at its meeting on August 12, 2010. THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE By /S/ Chair By /5/ Secretary 1 WHEREAS: THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE DUES POLICY 1. Although The I -35W Solutions Alliance has not previously adopted an explicit statement of the population categories for assessing dues, the dues paid by members have been based upon the population of the member; and 2. As the population of members changes, it is desirable to have an explicit policy for assessing dues. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board adopts the following policy: There shall be three categories of dues based upon the following population bands: Population Dues Category 19,999 or Tess $2,000 20,000 to 59,999 $3,000 60,000 and above $6,000 Adopted by the Board of Directors on August 12, 2010. THE I -35W SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE By /'/ Chair By /s/ Secretary E S LUTIONS A L L I A N C E Leadership Mission History of Accomplishments Member Member Counties: Cities: Dakota Bloomington Hennepin Burnsville Scott Lakeville Minneapolis Richfield Savage The I -35W Solutions Alliance was established in 1989 by a Joint Powers Agreement among the cities of Burnsville, Bloomington, Lakeville, Richfield, Apple Valley, Minneapolis and Savage, Dakota County and Hennepin County. Scott County later joined the Alliance. Burnsville mayor Dan McElroy provided the creative vision and was the guiding force in creation of The I -35W Solutions Alliance, serving as the chair until he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. Dakota Commissioner Michael Turner became the second chair in January 1995 and served with distinction until his retirement at the end of 2008. Richfield city council member Suzanne Sandahl was elected chair in January 2009. To support increasing the capacity of the I -35W corridor to move people and goods safely through improvements to transit and highways. 1995 — 2000 • Initiated and promulgated the concept of balanced funding for roads and transit. • Continued support for adequate funding for mass transit. • Supported a dedicated source of non - property tax funding for transit. • Continued support and monitoring of funding for local bridges. • Supported funding to build the mega - projects, particularly the rebuilding of I -35W. • Organized a transportation summit in 1996 and presented the white paper "A Critical Need: Funding for Minnesota Highways and Transit," which proposed funding alternatives including a gas tax and a dedicated transportation fund in the metro area supported by a sales tax. • In 1997 served as the honest broker to bring together competing highway and transit advocates (25 organizations) to find common ground and form a united front for funding. • Spearheaded cooperation between various other organizations promoting transportation interests such as Minnesota Chamber, Minneapolis Chamber, Bloomington Chamber, Transportation Alliance, Associated General Contractors and Highway Construction Industry Council. • Supported constitutional amendment dedicating a portion of the MVST to multi -modal transportation fund leading to passage in 2006. • Supported light rail transit in the Hiawatha corridor. • Contractually included St. Louis Park and Edina in managing feasibility study of commuter rail on the Dan Patch line. • Supported expansion of additional lanes, busways and other measures to improve traffic flow in the I -35W corridor. • Monitored and supported construction of express lanes from 46 Street to 1 -94 on 1 -35W. • Supported transit and HOV improvements to 1 -494. • Worked with Metropolitan Council, MnDOT and municipalities to ensure proper siting and construction of transit stations along 1 -35W. • Supported development of and connection among the Hiawatha Corridor and the Cedar Avenue Transitway. • Supported funding to build HOV lanes, HOV bypass ramps and metered access along I -35W from Lakeville to 1 -94 for both north and south bound traffic. • Supported high speed bus service along I -35W and transit stations at 46 66 82 98th and Lake Streets. • Opposed reduction in tab fees and the loss of $150 million in trunk highway funds. • Organized and participated in coalition of transit and highway advocates to include $144 million for transportation and transit in the 1998 Transportation and Public Safety Finance and Capital Bonding bills, providing the first significant new money for roads and bridges in 10 years and authorizing building the first light rail line in Minnesota. • Supported increased transit and highway capacity in the Hiawatha /Cedar Avenue corridor to relieve congestion and improve traffic flow on I -35W. • Sought funding to rebuild the I -35W and 1 -494 interchange. • Supported construction of a new bridge over 1-35W at Hwy 70 in Lakeville. • Supported traffic flow improvements in Hwy 169 corridor to relieve congestion on I -35W. • Opposed development of personal rapid transit along I -35W. 2001— 2002 • Supported funding to build HOV lanes and bypass ramps on CR 60 and CR 70 and Hwy 35 in Lakeville and north to Hwy 13. • Worked to eliminate lights and crossings on Hwy 169 between 1 -494 and Minnesota River. • Supported reconstruction of Hwy 13 between Hwy 169 and I -35W. • Supported funding for and reconstruction of the I -35W /Hwy 62 Crosstown commons and provided a venue to resolve issues among members, MnDOT and the Metropolitan Council. • Participated in the Metropolitan Council's Transportation Demand Management organization. • Supported change in law to temporarily allow use of highway trust funds for transit to alleviate congestion during reconstruction of a major project. • Supported 5 cent gas tax increase dedicated to the highway user trust fund. • Supported funding to build HOV lanes on I -35W between CR 70 and Hwy 13. • Supported high -speed bus service on I -35W beginning at CR 46 in Dakota County to downtown Minneapolis. 2 • Supported construction of a new bridge over CR 60 at i -35W. • Created website intended to be the portal for questions about transportation issues. • Worked with other organizations to determine if TDM and congestion pricing would help alleviate congestion in the I -35W corridor. • Co- sponsored 'Summit on Congestion' in cooperation with the 494 Commission and other organizations. • Updated, revised and distributed the 1996 White Paper entitled "A Critical Need: Funding for Minnesota Highways and Transit." • Began hosting transportation forums in election years for all legislative candidates within the I -35W catchment area. 2003 — 2004 • Monitored Lake Street project in Minneapolis including I -35W north of 46 Street. • Supported Cedar Avenue busway from Mall of America to Apple Valley and Lakeville. • Supported and monitored completion of the BRT study on I -35W from Lakeville to downtown Minneapolis, and facilitated planning and implementation of BRT in this corridor. • Continued coalition building by working with the Itasca Group and Senator Murphy's Working Groups to promote transportation issues. • Advocated for gas tax, tab fee and sales tax increases to fund transportation. 2005 — 2006 • Supported passage of $1 billion transportation funding bill that was vetoed. • Participated in coalition Minnesotans for Better Roads and Transit. • Advocated and supported $350 million reconstruction of the I -35W and Hwy 62 commons area and related improvements. 2007 — 2010 • Promoted, facilitated and monitored Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA). • Monitored activities and funding associated with the I -35W bridge collapse. • Supported override of Governor's veto and passage of Ch. 152 that authorized new revenues to meet transportation needs including increases in gas tax and tab fees, wheelage tax, metro area sales tax, bonding, and change in CSAH formula, the most significant transportation finance bill in 20 years. • Supported concomitant expansion of services and the Transit Taxing District. • Supported dedicated transit lanes and construction of BRT stations on I -35W as part of UPA. • Supported addition of a lane for BRT on Hwy 62 from Hwy 77 to Portland Ave. • Supported funding for the planning and construction of a new interchange at 118 Street to replace the Cliff and Blackdog Road interchanges. • Supported the addition of two lanes on I -35W from Burnsville Parkway south to Hwy 70. • Supported a transit station and park and ride lot with capacity for at least 450 vehicles on I -35W b Hwys 46 and 50. 3 • Supported congestion mitigation projects that improve traffic flow and can be accomplished without legislation using funds appropriated to MnDOT for such purposes. • Recognized for its role in organizing local government officials along I -35W to support selection of I -35W for funding under the Urban Partnership Agreement. • Recognized that the strength of The I -35W Solutions Alliance was a factor in selecting the corridor for UPA funding. • Supported legislation approving Minnesota's financial commitment to funding the UPA. • The I -35W Solutions Alliance was recognized in the national evaluation of the Minnesota Urban Partnership Agreement as having played a critical role in the process of gaining consensus on an application and obtaining support from the legislature and governor. 1 4