Bismarck voters are being asked to make decisions on two projects in June's city election, regarding construction of a new north side fire station and implementation of the Quiet Rail Zone.

The city commission unanimously approved both measures for the June ballot at its meeting Tuesday.

"It's been an unbelievable journey, we've been working through this since 2004," said Commissioner Sandi Tabor, who helped shepherd it through the Renaissance Zone Authority.

The discussion about instituting a Quiet Rail Zone, which will keep BNSF trains from blowing their horns while passing through the city, started as part of the CORE project. At that time, the question was raised about what could be done to stop the noise. This came just as Fargo started a similar process.

Part of the CORE report asked for a study of the issue, and when the city commission received and adopted the report, consultant Rick Lane was hired. Originally the project was for just the downtown area, but it was later expanded to include the area from the Missouri River to the eastern city limits.

The Quiet Rail Zone project involves various modifications at intersections to keep cars and pedestrians from crossing when a train is approaching. This way the train doesn't have to use its horn to signal.

The streets-rail intersections involved are Fraine Barracks Road, Third Street, Fifth Street, 12th Street, 19th Street/Airport Road, 24th Street and 26th Street. Most of the improvements will involve four quadrant gates and pedestrian gates where necessary. Total project cost is put at about $4 million. The project probably won't begin until 2010 and will take two to three years to complete.

"The Renaissance Zone Authority went through this methodically, intersection by intersection, for what we thought would work best," Tabor said. "In many instances, we followed what the consultant suggested. We had to work with property owners and did run into some curious anomalies."

Tabor said there was a spur at 24th Street where the authority was unable to determine property ownership. It is suspected that BNSF owns the property, and the railroad is unwilling to abandon the spur, though it has been long unused, which has allowed a tree to grow up in the center of the rails. If the property were abandoned, there is a less costly improvement that can be implemented. But until ownership is determined, a more expensive improvement will have to be used.

Tax increment funds will be used for the improvements on Third, Fifth and half of 12th Streets, since they are within that special tax district. The rest of the improvements will be made with city sales tax.

Tabor said that if the project is approved, application will have to be made to the Federal Railway Administration. The construction and subsequent maintenance will then be done by BNSF Railways or its contractor.

There wasn't overwhelming support for the project during public meetings, Tabor said, and that is why the Renaissance Zone Authority wants an advisory vote of the public.

Commissioner Steve Schwab said he questioned why tracks used by DMVW on the city's east side weren't included. Tabor said that the railroad's traffic volume isn't that great, and it would add more cost to an already expensive project.

"If DMVW's volume increases, we may need to look at it, but there is only so much we can do," Tabor said.

Commissioner Dave Jensen, who supported receiving the report and putting the measure on the ballot, said that the money being used is indeed provided by the taxpayers.

"It is taxpayer money," Tabor said. "But it is money from special funds, not general fund money coming from property taxes."

There was little discussion on the fire station, which will be located at Lockport Street and 43rd Avenue, if approved.

It's estimated that the cost of constructing and equipping the station will be $2.3 million. The city is looking to use sales tax revenues for the project, and it will require a 60 percent approval by voters.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)