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<br />Agenda Item #6a <br /> <br />~ <br />URIIIITIISTJUf <br />..."'1Uf MIL <br /> <br />NEWS RELEASE <br /> <br />For Immediate Release <br />October 21, 2004 <br /> <br />Contact: <br /> <br />Tim Yantos <br />763-323-5692 <br /> <br />Forum Highlights Strong Support for Northstar <br />Among Candidates for the Minnesota House <br />Candidates emphasize need for transportation alternatives in the <br />Northstar Corridor <br /> <br />Ramsey, Minn. - With a large audience in attendance, eleven House candidates from <br />the northwest suburbs pointed to the need for transportation improvements in the <br />Northstar Corridor and said that Northstar Commuter Rail is an important transportation <br />alternative for the region. <br /> <br />"The high turnout from candidates and the pUblic shows how important transportation is <br />to area voters and that Northstar commuter rail is clearly seen as the right alternative for <br />this region," said Dennis Berg, Anoka County Commissioner and Northstar Corridor <br />Development Authority Board member. "We're pleased that a majority of the candidates <br />said they would make Northstar their priority if elected." <br /> <br />The forum was held at Connexus Energy in Ramsey and co-hosted by a coalition of area <br />chambers of commerce, businesses and community groups. "By saving area <br />commuters nearly 900,000 hours in travel time, Northstar commuter rail will have a <br />positive impact on our business and the area's transportation system," said Larry <br />Peterson, Vice President at Connexus Energy. "That's why we sponsored this event <br />and why Connexus has been a long-time supporter of the Northstar project." <br /> <br />Many of the candidates also expressed optimism that a bonding bill including Northstar <br />could be passed during the 2005 legislative session. In addition, candidates expressed <br />their support for funding a balanced transportation plan that includes roads, rail and bus <br />systems. <br /> <br />Candidates in attendance were: Jim Huthala (DFL-16B), Denise Dittrich (DFL-47A), Rep. <br />Bill Haas (R-47A), Melissa Hortman (DFL-47B), Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-48A), Mike <br />Starr (DFL-48A), Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-49B), LeeAnn Mortensen (DFL-49B), Rep. <br />Andy Westerberg (R-51A), Kendra Brodin (DFL-51A) and Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL- <br />51 B). <br /> <br />About the Northstar Commuter Rail project <br />The Northstar commuter rail proposal is for service on the 40-mile segment along <br />Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to Minneapolis. The Governor and the NCDA are <br />seeking $37.5 million in low-interest bonding from the 2005 Legislature. The NCDA is a <br />joint powers board of 30 counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities <br />along the corridor. For more information about the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail <br />project, please visit the Northstar web site at www.mn-GetOnBoard.com. <br /> <br />### <br />