4.2. SR 01-18-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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This section discusses recommendations for cost sharing of commuter rail system costs between the railroads and the public sector and among :. state and local governments and summarizes the most promising funding sources and financing techniques to pay for the capital and operating costs of commuter rail FUNDING AND FINANCING GUIDELINES 3.1 Cost Sharing Recommendations related to the sharing of commuter rail capital and operations costs include the following: Distribute commuter rail development and operating costs equitably among State and local governments in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Assign the maior share for debt service to the State of Minnesota with any railroad cost sharing or federal funding reducing the portion of the capital costs funded by the State, and Assign responsibility for public funding of commuter rail operating costs not covered by operating revenues to the local and/or regional level of government. Local and regional governments have more than sufficient fiscal capacity to fund the portion of commuter rail operating costs not covered by operating revenues (i.e., fares, parking fees, advertising, etc.). The metropolitan counties have the authority to levy real property taxes directly or through their regional railroad authorities. Affected cities have a diverse mix of taxing and fee-setting authority. However, it is also important to point out that, historically, the State of Minnesota has appropriated monies from its General Fund to support transit operating costs. 3.2 Sources of Funding Prospective sources of funding include the following: Operatin,q Revenues Projected operating revenues derived from passengers fares, based on the zone fare structure recommended in Section 4.4, will serve to partially offset operating costs. Commuter Rail System Plan 3-1