HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2008-25 - Requesting Federal Funds for Southwest EIS - 02/12/2008 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY,MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-25
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE REQUEST FOR$1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO
ASSIST IN FUNDING THE SOUTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT(EIS)
WHEREAS,transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the State's economy as well as its quality of
life, and has a direct impact on economic development; and
WHEREAS,a well designed and functional transportation system with multiple mode choices is essential to
maintaining long-term mobility throughout the metropolitan region; and
WHEREAS,the Metropolitan Council's long-range transportation plan identifies a future fixed transitway
corridor in the Southwest Metro Area through the cities of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park,Hopkins,
Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie; and
WHEREAS,the Southwest Metro Area has experienced unprecedented population and employment growth
over the last 20 years resulting in increasing congestion; and
WHEREAS,the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority in partnership with the affected cities of
Minneapolis, St. Louis Park,Hopkins,Edina,Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie and the Metropolitan Council
has conducted two major studies over the past five years that demonstrate a strong need for improved transit
service in this Area; and
WHEREAS, studies completed over the past five years have shown that light rail would fit the needs of this
Area well and is the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority's and the Southwest Policy Advisory
Committee's preferred transit mode; and
WHEREAS,a Light Rail Transit(LRT)line servicing the cities of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins,
Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie will improve mobility and will help maintain a competitive business
environment and high quality of life for the entire Southwest Metro Area; and
WHEREAS,the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority plans to conduct an Environmental Impact
Statement(EIS)to identify possible environmental issues and to determine a locally preferred alternative
(LPA)to address the current and future travel needs of the Southwest Metro Area; and
WHEREAS,United States Congressman Keith Ellison,House of Representatives,has submitted a request
for$1 million in FY'09 federal transportation funds for the Southwest Transitway Environmental Impact
Statement(EIS).
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the Eden Prairie City Council supports the request by U.S.
Congressman Ellison for$1 million in FY'09 federal transportation funds for the Southwest Transitway
Environmental Impact Statement(EIS).
ADOPTED by the Eden Prairie City Council on this 12`h day of February, 008.
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it Young,M r
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Kat een Porta,City Clerk