Request for Committee Action
A briefing memo explaining the purpose, background, and impact of the requested action.
Pipeline license agreement with BNSF Railway Company for the portion of Minneapolis right of way on 22nd Ave N between 2nd St N and W River Rd (RCA-2025-00333)
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
To Committee(s)
| # | Committee Name | Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Climate & Infrastructure Committee | April 10, 2025 |
Action Item(s)
| # | File Type | Subcategory | Item Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing a Pipeline License agreement with BNSF Railway Company for the portion of Minneapolis Right of Way on 22nd Avenue North between 2nd St N and W River Rd. |
Ward / Neighborhood / Address
| # | Ward | Neighborhood | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ward 5 | Hawthorne |
Background Analysis
As part of the Public Works Combined Sewer Overflows Improvement program, the CSO 001 project includes the construction of new storm drain on 22nd Ave N between 2nd St N & W River Rd. The goal of the project is to reduce the amount of clear water in the sanitary system, lowering the risk of overflows of untreated sewage mixed with stormwater into the Mississippi River during severe rainstorms. The storm drain will discharge to a raingarden on W River Rd that was designed to treat the runoff from tributary drainage area. The proposed storm drain will cross under tracks owned by BNSF Railway Company (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) and CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern) railroads.
This request for committee action seeks approval for a license agreement that would permit the placement of City proposed infrastructure under BNSF Railway owned track. Some important aspects of this licensing agreement include:
- The license pertains to the construction and maintenance of storm sewer infrastructure.
- The cost of the license is $0, and it remains valid for as long as the Licensee uses the pipeline.
- The City will bear the cost of flaggers, inspection coordination, safety services, mobilization, any other required services when deemed necessary by the Licensor's representative (BNSF).