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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />COUNCIL MEETINa <br />NOV 6^ <br />CITY OF ORONO <br />DATE: November 5, 1999 <br />ITEM NO: ^ 3 <br />Department Approv<'>. <br />Name Ron Moorsc <br />Title Ci^’ Administrator <br />Administrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: <br />C'tj' Administrator’s <br />Rqjort <br />Item Description: Resolution of Support for Conversion of the Dakota Rail Corridor to a <br />Recreational Trail <br />The Dakota Rail Railroad runs through the cities of V/ayzata, Oro.io, Minnetonka Beach and Spring <br />Park approximately parallel with County Road 15, and continues through Mound and Minnetrista <br />and west to Hutchinson. The railroad runs through some of the most environmentally sensitive, <br />densely oopulated, and scenic areas of Orono. The railroad is currently m a severely deteriorated <br />condition, causing the railroad owner lo put in place a plan to shut down the railroad unless millions <br />of dollars of finai.cial assistance is provided by the State or Federal government to upgrade the <br />railroad. <br />An alternative is to convert the railroad to a regional recreational trail. Although Mayor Jabbour and <br />Council Member Flint have been working on the regional trail alternative with the support of the <br />City Council, the Council has not taken an official position in support of the conversion of the <br />railroad to a recreational trail. A resolution of support would be helpful in gaining the support of <br />other cities along the railroad corridor and other agencies with jurisdiction over the corridor. A <br />resolution of support is attached for Council consideration. <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: <br />Motion to adopt a re solution in support of the conversion of the Dakota Rail Corridor to a regional <br />recreational trail.