Title
Supporting the adoption of the Red Rock Corridor Implementation Plan by the Red Rock Corridor Commission.
Body
WHEREAS, the Red Rock Corridor project will provide for transit improvements in the southeastern portion of the Twin Cities; and
WHEREAS, the Red Rock Corridor is approximately 20 miles, and connects downtown Saint Paul with its East Side neighborhoods and the cities of Newport, Saint Paul Park, Cottage Grove, and Hastings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is an active member of the Red Rock Corridor Commission, as represented by Councilmember Prince; and
WHEREAS, the Alternatives Analysis Update completed in 2014 identified bus rapid transit (BRT) as the mode best aligned with the needs of the corridor; and
WHEREAS, a 15-month study for the Implementation Plan for BRT service along the Red Rock Corridor has concluded; and
WHEREAS, the final route considered for the Implementation Plan provides direct access to residents, businesses, and jobs in the cities along the corridor; and
WHEREAS, the completed Implementation Plan recommends a phased approach with near-term and long-term strategies to building transit ridership and introducing BRT to the corridor; and
WHEREAS, based on technical information and public engagement, the completed Implementation Plan establishes the near-term goal of supporting improved local and express bus service to help build transit ridership in the southeast metro; and
WHEREAS, based on technical information and public engagement, the completed Implementation Plan establishes the long-term goal of developing BRT in the southeast metro; and
WHEREAS, the completed Implementation Plan contains financial, development and service plans for improving existing transit service and the build out of bus rapid transit; and
WHEREAS, the Red Rock Corridor Commission held a public hearing on October 26, 2016 as part of the Implementation Plan decision making process.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul supports the findings of the Red Rock Corridor Implementation Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul will evaluate the need for station area development within its jurisdiction as the provision of transit in the corridor changes as guided by the Implementation Plan, based on the Metropolitan Council guidelines for development density, level of activity, and design; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul encourages planning for new and expanded bus routes in the corridor via the Implementation Plan to account for access to jobs, including through careful consideration of route/stop locations and coordination with the timing of shift changes.