Contract for Sunfish Lake/Alpine signal project awarded
Government, News - Sat., June 25, 2011 7:04 am by Peter Bodley
A contract for a traffic signal and roadway improvements at the intersection of Sunfish Lake Boulevard (County Road 57) and Alpine Drive in Ramsey has been awarded by the Anoka County Board.
The low bid from Forest Lake Contracting was $1,250,426.89, which was well under the engineer’s estimate of $1,575,375.65.
According to Doug Fischer, county highway engineer, a federal highway safety grant will pay 90 percent of the project cost with the county and the city of Ramsey sharing the remainder of the cost. [more]
It may be coincidence, but bids for a possible Ramsey ramp enlargement [vertically] also were under city engineering department estimates. I am unaware whether the city has committed to enlarge the ramp or whether that question remains pending. I believe there is a split on council on whether this step should be taken at this time. That step, if taken, would involve a large grant amount also, but whether it is direct local property tax or indirect channeling of federal or state tax income, it is still tax money being spent for public works.
One can question the purposes of government, whether providing parking for a private venture is proper. It certainly is beyond the traditional norms of roads, storm water control, sewer, and water. It can be characterized as a developer subsidy, and how much subsidy and what kinds is a current Ramsey question regarding the questionable rental ramp wrap proposal where some might think such a private sector adventure should be funded by the private sector. The council does not seem to be thinking that way, however, despite the gang of four, mayor, Wise, Elvig and McGlone being active in Repubican political circles. At least two, mayor and McGlone, possibly others on council, were delegates in the last nomination of Emmer to run for Governor. Mixing private sector gambles and extensive public subsidy, when governments are strained to provide basic traditional services, seems in conflict with some of the GOP rhetoric. And it is watch what we do, rather than listen to what we say, as a guiding principle voters should have learned by now.
Jason Tossey representing Ramsey Ward 3 seems to be voting in line with a limited government libertarian viewpoint, and I believe he may have also been a GOP delegate convening at the Emmer selection, although I am uncertain of that.