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<br />,. <br /> <br /> <br />June 2, 2005 <br /> <br />Dear Ms. Bender, <br /> <br />There have been several exciting developments on the Northstar Commuter Rail project over the past several <br />months, leading to significant progress toward making Northstar a reality. I would like to provide you with an <br />update on the project. <br /> <br />State Approves First Step of Funding for Northstar Commuter Rail <br /> <br />With overwhelming support from legislators from all parties and areas of the state, the 2005 Legislature voted in <br />favor of state funding for Northstar Commuter Rail. On April 11, Governor Pawlenty signed into law the $666 <br />million bonding bill that includes $37.5 million for Northstar Commuter Rail. This is the first time significant state <br />funding for Northstar has been approved by the Minnesota Legislature. <br /> <br />Passage of the bonding bill this year was vital to the future of Northstar Commuter Rail. The previous lack of <br />state funding jeopardized the project's standing with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and delayed <br />important progress on the project. The strong support from legislative leaders and the Govemor sends a clear <br />signal to the FT A that Minnesota is committed to Northstar and is worthy of a federal investment in the project. <br /> <br />Next Steps <br /> <br />The coming months will be busy as the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and the Minnesota <br />Department of Transportation continue work on the project. The state funding allows for significant project <br />advancements including: <br /> <br />. Application to the FT A for final design approval, regaining a "Recommended" rating and accessing highly <br />competitive federal matching funds. <br /> <br />. Proceeding with major engineering, design and property acquisition. <br /> <br />. Continuing negotiations on construction and operating agreements with BNSF Railway Company. <br /> <br />We anticipate making steady progress as we head into the 2006 legislative session. The NCDA and other project <br />backers will be seeking the final state commitment needed to complete construction on Northstar, which is <br />currently estimated to be $51 million in bonding. This state funding is in addition to the $44.2 million committed <br />locally by the NCDA and the anticipated federal match of $132.5 million. <br /> <br />While there is more to be done before Northstar is operational, the overwhelming support for Northstar this year is <br />a positive sign for the future. We are pleased to see the project moving forward and are optimistic about gaining <br />the remaining state and federal funding that will get Northstar up and running to deliver relief to Minnesota <br />commuters. <br /> <br />If you would like to know more about Northstar or learn about ways you can help advance the Northstar project, <br />please contact the NCDA at (763) 323-5729 or at 1-668-478-6782. For the iatest news on Northstar please visit <br />the Northstar website at www.mn-GetOnBoard.com. <br /> <br />!!::~ <br /> <br />Duane Grand1"A-~t <br />Chair, Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br /> <br />~'-~~;:';;:'B::!:','f..'::-;..--.--- <br /> <br />Northstar Corridor Development Authority <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 /> <br />0115 <br />