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<br />~ <br /> <br />State Business Leaders Call for Integrated Transportation Plan <br />In September, the Itasca Project, made up of business executives and civic leaders from <br />the region, called for spending $750 million more per year on road and transit <br />improvements over the next 15 years, and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce <br />included Northstar in its proposed $679 million transportation funding proposal. <br /> <br />The Itasca Project report elevated business' efforts to address Minnesota's increasing <br />traffic congestion. "While growth is good, out-of-control traffic gridlock erodes our quality <br />of life and cripples commerce: said Jim Campbell, Itasca Project chairman and retired <br />Wells Fargo CEO. <br /> <br />Work on Northstar Continues <br />Support among the public and organizational and political leaders continues to grow as <br />the project continues to move forward. The NCDA is in ongoing discussions with BNSF <br />railroad on needed improvements, engineering and design work is being completed and <br />property is being acquired. The recent positive support from the Govemor, legislators <br />and the business community reinforces the importance of Northstar as a critical part of a <br />comprehensive plan to address the state's transportation needs. We look forward to <br />aggressively advancing our plan with the 2005 Legislature to ensure successful passage <br />of Northstar funding. <br /> <br />If you would like to learn more about Northstar, schedule a presentation for your <br />organization, or help advance the Northstar project, please contact the NCDA at (763) <br />323-5729 or 1-888-478-6782. For the latest Northstar news, visit <br />www.mn-GetOnBoard.com. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />~ .61,1t-.At <br /> <br />Duane Grandy <br />Chair, Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br /> <br />Enclosure <br />