4.2. SR 05-19-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHSTAR COMMIITER RAIl. UPDATE Broad Bipartisan Support Shown for Northstar Commuter Rail Legislation Introduced in Minnesota House Authorizes Funding for Commuter Rail A bipartisan coalition of 35 Minnesota House lawmakers introduced legislation to authorize state funding for the Northstar commuter rail project. House File 1233, authored by Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover), would provide the $123.2 million in Iow-interest state bonding needed to construct the rail line. "Northstar commuter rail is the most cost-effective option for addressing the current and future transportation needs of the Highway 10 corridor. I'm thrilled that 34 other legislators in the House of Representatives have joined me in sponsoring this bill - it's proof of the bipartisan commitment that exists to reduce congestion on our highways," said Rep. Kathy Tingelstad. House File 1233 has been referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and is expected to have its first hearing on April 23rd. In the Senate, the Capital Investment Committee has included $10 million for Northstar commuter rail in its bonding bill. You can track the progress of Northstar through the legislature on our web site: www.mn-GetOnBoard.com. Northstar commuter rail is an excellent investment. For every federal, state and local dollar spent $1.15 in benefits are created. The State of Minnesota will realize a benefit of $2.97 for every dollar it spends on Northstar. Northstar commuter rail is the most cost-effective choiCe for this corridor, Comparison of construction and 15 years of operations costs shows: - A busway would be 50 percent more expensive - Adding a new lane to Highway 10 would be double the cost Northstar will move people. Current ridership projections show that Northstar will carry at least 5,000 passengers each day (10,000 tri day), which is the equivalent of adding 1 1/2 lanes of highway capacity during both morning and evening ru s h hour traffic times. Northstar commuter rail can be operational in less than four years, No major highway improvements are scheduled or funded for this corridor through 2020. Because Northstar uses existing track, the construction time for Northstar commuter rail is substantially less than new roads or busways. Passengers would be able to ride Northstar commuter rail as soon as fall 2006. The Star Tribune on April 7th endorsed the Northstar commuter rail project - you can find the furl editorial on our web site. Here are a few excerpts: "Gov. Tim Pawlenty often says that he wants to do for Minnesota what makes sense. Adding the Northstar commuter-rail line to the transportation grid makes sense. The administration and Legislature should restore the line to their bonding priorities and, thus, to the federal government's list of favorable projects. To do less would go against the wishes of most residents of central Minnesota, where the proposed line enjoys wide approval." "Nowhere is it written that Minnesotans must be confined to traveling only on roadways. Offering choice is consistent with market principles, especially when the price is lower. Employing under-used railroad right-of-way for moving people, whether by commuter trains, light-rail lines or busways, makes sense." 21'0013rd Avend'~; An~ka;' Mynn~:6ta 55303_2265. : 1-888-478-NSTAR (6782) (763) 323~5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. mn-GetOn Board.com