MN Governor Proposes Full Funding for Commuter Rail
ANOKA, Minn. -- Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura presented his
capital budget recommendations on January 14 and highlighted full
funding for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project as a chief priority
in his $746 million bonding package.
Adhering to his
principle that capital projects should have a significant statewide
impact, Gov. Ventura said Northstar commuter rail is a “smart
investment that will have a significant impact on relieving
congestion for all Minnesotans as they travel...in and out of the
Twin City metropolitan area.”
In order to obtain $147 million
in federal funds -- which would cover half of the project's costs --
the Minnesota Legislature must provide $120 million this year. If
the money is not authorized this year, the federal funds will go to
a project in another state and the commuter rail option in Minnesota
will be significantly delayed.
“The Governor's bonding
proposal shows he remains strongly committed to Northstar and we
thank him for his leadership on this issue,” said Betsy Wergin,
chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority. “Northstar
commuter rail -- which runs on existing tracks -- costs
substantially less than upgrading Highway 10 to a freeway. While
Highway 10 will still need some improvements, commuter rail will go
a long way towards mitigating congestion in the corridor's most
populated areas. It also helps to promote continued economic
development from central Minnesota to the Twin Cities. That's why it
just makes sense!”
About the Northstar Corridor rail
project
The Northstar Corridor, an 80-mile stretch along
highways 10 and 47 from St. Cloud to Minneapolis, is the fastest
growing area in Minnesota. The NCDA is a joint powers board of 30
counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along
the corridor.