Sponsor: Property Management
Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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First Amendment to the Operating Agreement with National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the first amendment between National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), 60 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20002, and the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority to provide use of the terminal tracks and platform associated with storage of one train overnight at Union Depot for the term of the agreement.
2. Authorize the Chair to execute the first amendment.
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Background and Rationale
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The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) executed a twenty-year operating agreement with National Railroad Passenger Corporation on November 29, 2013, for Amtrak’s use of the terminal tracks and platforms at the renovated Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul, a multi-modal transit and transportation hub. The agreement allowed Amtrak to operate the Empire Builder, a passenger train service between Chicago and Seattle/Portland, at and through Union Depot. Amtrak began train service and train passenger operations at Union Depot in second quarter 2014. Concurrent with the execution of the operating agreement, a lease agreement was executed providing space for Amtrak’s ticket, baggage and passenger services.
Amtrak intends to add a second west-bound train in 2024 arriving at Union Depot from Chicago and returning to Chicago the following day. The additional service will follow the same route and serve the same station cities as Amtrak’s Empire Builder long-distance train, plus two additional stops in Wisconsin. The new service will be complementary to the Empire Builder schedule, arriving at Union Depot in the early evening and leaving Union Depot midday. The new service will be a state-supported route, meaning Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois fund the service and Amtrak provides equipment and crews.
The first amendment provides for the overnight storage of one train at Union Depot and use of an expanded area of the terminal tracks. The amendment removes Amtrak’s exclusive use of the tracks and platform and their role in approving other trains and also eliminates the third-party claims administration fund with the return of the fund balance in 2025 assuming there are no claims in the next year. Amtrak will be responsible for payment of a train storage fee and utility costs associated with the overnight train storage in accordance with the Station Lease.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
RCRRA strives to build a robust, multi-modal, public transportation system that is connected to long-distance transportation services such as intercity bus and passenger train. Union Depot is the Twin Cities premier transportation hub and is the only intercity passenger train station in the Twin Cities. Maintaining multimodal transit and transportation services at Union Depot provides access to these resources in one location for all to use. Additional intercity passenger train service provides more affordable and accessible travel options that are better connected to urban centers and other destinations. Contracts for construction of track and signal improvements will comply with federal rules for hiring of disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses.
Community Participation Level and Impact
RCRRA facilitates community participation in the development of additional intercity passenger train services and investments through the Great River Rail Commission. RCRRA is a member and fiscal agent to the Commission, where Minnesota Department of Transportation staff provide updates and respond to questions at all Commission meetings.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no annual fiscal impact associated with this operating agreement amendment. Elimination of the Third-Party Claim fund will result in additional revenue to recover contributions made to the fund in the amount of $500,000 unless reduced due to claims. When received in 2025, these funds will be recognized as a recovery of prior years’ expense.
Last Previous Action
On November 12, 2013, Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority approved the Operating Agreement with National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) (Resolution R13-38).
Attachments
1. First Amendment