The decision to shorten the line—which was originally intended to go to St. Cloud, about twice as far—was made in response to recently released data indicating that this modified proposal can meet a new cost-effectiveness index used by the Federal Transit Administration to evaluate transit projects. Meeting this requirement is necessary to receive federal New Starts funding.

"FTA approval and funding are critical at this time to move the Northstar commuter rail project forward," explained Tim Yantos, Northstar project director. "We are modifying the route because we're confident the new configuration will allow Northstar to receive this necessary approval.

The board will ask the 2004 Legislature to approve the state funding necessary to match federal and local funds. While the NCDA will seek state approval for the shortened configuration, they also resolved to work with Minnesota's congressional delegation to seek other sources of funding to complete the line to the St. Cloud area.