Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />November 1, 2004 <br /> <br />Dear Ms. Moore-Sykes: <br /> <br />As you know, the 2004 legislative session ended without passing a capital investment <br />(bonding) bill. But recent actions by Governor Tim Pawlenty, legislative leaders and key <br />business leaders fare well for Northstar's prospects in the 2005 legislative session. <br /> <br />With the average Twin Cities commuter wasting more than an entire workweek per year <br />. stuck in traffic, it is becoming very clear that smart transportation investments are <br />needed now. <br /> <br />Northstar Commuter Rail continues to be widely viewed as one of the top transportation <br />initiatives for our state. As the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) gears <br />up for the January 4 start of the legislative session, I wanted to update you on recent <br />progress on the Northstar project. <br /> <br />Governor Pawlenty Keeps Northstar Moving Forward <br />On August 3, Governor Pawlenty announced a plan to appropriate $2.5 million from the <br />Metropolitan Council to prevent the Northstar project from losing $10 million in matching <br />federal money. The NCDA, a joint powers board consisting of 30 local governments, <br />authorized a budget that includes $10 million in local dollars to match the federal funds <br />in order to proceed with final design work on Northstar. <br /> <br />Governor's Plan Prevents Cost Increases <br />The Governor's action saves taxpayers more than $11 million in additional spending - <br />the inflationary cost of a one-year delay in the project. It also keeps Northstar on <br />schedule for a late 2008 start date and continues NCDA negotiations with the Burlington <br />Northern Santa Fe Railroad. <br /> <br />Legislative Leaders Join Together to Support Northstar <br />In a significant announcement, leaders from all four caucuses in the Minnesota <br />Legislature joined together to support Governor Pawlenty's Northstar plan. In an August <br />24 letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) , Speaker of the House Steve <br />Sviggum, Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Dick Day and <br />House Minority Leader Matt Entenza wrote, "As congestion threatens to choke the Twin <br />Cities' metropolitan area, the need for transportation alternatives like Northstar is critical. <br />Citizens and businesses throughout the state are actively working in support of <br />Northstar. And we believe the Legislature will act accordingly next session." <br /> <br />The FTA has responded positively to the recent developments, saying in a September 3 <br />letter to Governor Pawlenty that it is "pleased ...Minnesota is aggressively pursuing <br />additional transit opportunities, including the Northstar Commuter Rail Line." <br /> <br />~::'::'{':;<:~o".':" <br /> <br />Northstar Corridor Development Authority 000120 <br /> <br />2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 <br />1-888-478-NSTAR (6782) (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 <br />www.mn-GetOnBoard.com <br />