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30 <br /> will be a transportation hub. He said no formal decisions have been made and neither board has <br /> voted on anything. <br /> Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Director, said that there grant funds available. <br /> Kathleen Ferguson said that she had recently been to Capitol Hill and the representatives <br /> warned that if the funds had yet to be received, not to count on them. She asked if those funds <br /> can be counted on at this time. <br /> Nishith Trivedi said the current appropriations are January and February of next year. He <br /> said that he is unsure if it will be in the next authorization bill. <br /> Kathleen Ferguson said that she would be interested in hearing more about that. <br /> Nishith Trivedi said what they expect at this time is one hopefully and then they see. <br /> Kathleen Ferguson asked if there was a plan B. <br /> Nishith Trivedi said that depends on the next authorization bill. <br /> Kathleen Ferguson asked if the birth and marriage rates compete well because that is <br /> apparently something Washington is looking at. <br /> Mayor Bell asked what the vision is. <br /> Nishith Trivedi said the vision is to be a regional multi-mobility hub. He described some <br /> of the potential stakeholders. He said hopefully stakeholders become shareholders. He said the <br /> train station would be part of the southeast regional corridor and connect Raleigh to Charlotte and <br /> this would be a federal project. <br /> Meaghun Darab asked if the center would include opportunities for private transportation <br /> companies to also be included. <br /> Nishitih Trivedi said yes. <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if GoTriangle will participate. <br /> Nishitih Trivedi said yes. <br /> Commissioner Greene said that the MPOs will know if funds are available. <br /> Nishitih Trivedi said there will eventually have to be another transportation authorization <br /> bill. He said as one expires there must be another one. <br /> Matt Efird said that this is not the only source of funding for the multi-mobility hub. He said <br /> they are also working through the STIP process, and it may be in a transit workplan in the future. <br /> Kathleen Fergeson said that she confirmed with both senators that they are very much in <br /> favor of economic development. <br /> Katie Murray,Arts Commission Director, said there are still a lot of questions about an arts <br /> facility, but they are doing a potential feasibility study. She said that there is a major need for <br /> community performing arts space. She described the benefits to the community of having a <br /> purpose-built community arts space. <br /> Matt Efird said that the complications with both conversations are figuring out who goes <br /> first. He said this is the chance for both boards to see the same information and begin discussions. <br />