02-03-2003 Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

ISchepp, From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Berndt, Keith D. Thursday, January 30, 2003 2:56 PM {Cass} - Commissioners Schepp, Joyce H.; Worden, Heather M.; Montplaisir, Michael M.; Johnson, Bonnie O. Demonstration Projects in New Federal Highway Bill Commissioners: The Commission received a letter this week from the North Dakota Department of Transportation regarding potential demonstration projects in the new highway bill. The letter asked that any Counties wishing to have projects considered as demonstration projects in the next highway bill provide information to the Department of Transportation by February 14, 2003. Since the deadline is before the February 18 Commission meeting, I'd like to discuss this matter on Monday at the Road Advisory Committee meeting. I'd like to recommend that we ask for demonstration project funding to complete the long term improvements to Cass 17 from West Fargo to Horace. The odds of receiving demonstration funds are probably not very high, but the odds are zero if we don't ask. The total estimated cost of the improvements over the six miles is $26 million. We could add the caveat to our request that with a lesser amount of funding, we could still do part of the six mile stretch. The Commission should be aware that our request is also a commitment to fund the local 20% if the 80% Federal Funding is approved. If there is agreement at Monday's Road Advisory Committee meeting on this matter, I'll ask the Chairman to add the following motion to Monday's consent agenda: SUGGESTED MOTION: AUTHORIZE COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN TO SIGN LETTER TO THE NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION REQUESTING THE LONG TERM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO CASS COUNTY 17 BE CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FUNDING AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $26 MILLION. THE LETTER WOULD FURTHER COMMIT CASS COUNTY TO FUND 20% OF THE PROJECT, IF APPROVED. Keith Berndt