14-10937r RESOLUTION NO. 10937
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE
METRO ORANGE LINE BUS RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT
AND KNOX AVENUE ALIGNMENT
WHEREAS, The City of Richfield promotes an integrated transportation system
that will serve the future needs of its residents, businesses and visitors, support the City's
redevelopment plans and complement the portion of the metropolitan transportation
system; and
WHEREAS, the City's Comprehensive Plan promotes mass transit options, such as
bus rapid transit, to reduce dependence on automobiles and provide a diverse, balanced
set of public transportation alternatives; and
WHEREAS, the City's Comprehensive Plan promotes improvement of non-
motorized and pedestrian travel in the City by connecting pedestrian and bike trails to
adjacent communities; and
WHEREAS, METRO Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is planned on 1-35W,
with BRT stations at 66th Street and 76th Street and a new transitway under 1-494 at Knox
Avenue that would accommodate pedestrians and bicycles; and
WHEREAS, METRO Orange Line would enhance transit service frequency and
access to both 1-35W transit routes and local routes; and
WHEREAS, METRO Orange Line using the Knox Avenue alignment would provide
the greatest benefit to Richfield residents and those working within the city; and
WHEREAS, METRO Orange Line station location has been closely integrated with
MnDOT's I-494/35W Interchange Vision Layout process to advance and benefit both
projects; and
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Council has provided the draft Orange Line Bus Rapid
Transit Project Plan Update for public comments through May 30, 2014; and
WHEREAS, receiving public comments on the Orange Line Project Plan provides
an opportunity for Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council to better understand the
preferences and needs for BRT in our community; and
WHEREAS, after the comments are received and incorporated into the plan, it will
be brought to the Metropolitan Council for review and adoption; and
WHEREAS, the finalized document will be used to support local and federal funding
applications, help determine a path for environmental processes, and refine and update
the Metropolitan Council's Regional Transportation Policy Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield has identified the implementation of the METRO
Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit Project as a legislative priority.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Richfield hereby supports
the METRO Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City supports the Knox Avenue alignment
for the METRO Orange Line.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 27th day of May,
2014.
Debbie Goettel, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Nancy Gibbs ity Clerk