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the commuter-rail line. <br />They will also finalize the purchase of time slots on the Burlington Northern Sante Fe freight line for 12 <br />passenger trips a day on weekdays and six on weekends. <br />The commuter schedule will be part of a permanent agreement with the railroad. <br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty welcomed the news that the project will move into final design and said his <br />administration would work aggressively to get the line up and running as soon as possible. <br />"Northstar is an important piece of Minnesota's transportation future," he said. "It will add more <br />transportation capacity in one of the fastest-growing areas of the state and get commuters to work and <br />home faster." <br />Laurie Blake - 612-673-1711 <br />NORTHSTAR facts <br />Length: 40 miles. <br />Stations: In Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids/Riverdale, Fridley and downtown Minneapolis. <br />Riders: Estimated 5,600 daily. <br />Car capacity: 150 passengers. <br />Amenities: Work tables, on-board restrooms, power outlets. <br />Capital cost: $307.3 million (50 percent federal, 33 percent state, 17 percent local). <br />Service begins: 2009 <br />LOAD-DATE: August 28, 2006 <br />