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Governor Gives Northstar Rail $23M Boost

ELK RIVER, MN-Gov. Tim Pawlenty's move would secure $10 million in federal funds to the $265-million project. State funding for the project failed to pass last session in the Minnesota legislature.

By Jim McCartney | Updated on August 09, 2004

ELK RIVER, MN-Gov. Tim Pawlenty has unveiled a $22.5-million plan to keep the Northstar commuter train going, despite a hang-up in the Minnesota legislature. The money would allow planners to continue engineering work on the 40-mile Minneapolis-to-Big Lake line and to buy property for stations.

The line’s total cost of $265 million requires the legislature’s approval. Pawlenty aads his $22 million did not require legislative approval. State funds must be committed to the project by Sept. 30 to secure $10 million in federal funds already set aside for it, Pawlenty says. State funding for the commuter rail was part of a bonding bill last session that failed to pass. Prospects for a special session do not appear good.

“We need to move forward with efforts to relieve traffic congestion,” Pawlenty says. “Our efforts to build roads and bridges are a big part of the plan, but we also must pursue effective transit options along priority commuter corridors.”

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