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<br /> <br />~ <br />tiNORTHSTAR <br />CD.."TER IMIL <br /> <br />Northstar Commuter Rail has gained early <br />momentum at the Capitol. Supporters applauded <br />Gov. Pawlenty in early January for including <br />funding for Northstar in his bonding <br />recommendations. <br /> <br />Only three weeks into the session, the Senate <br />passed a bonding bill that included the full <br />funding request of $37.5 million for Northstar. <br />The capital investment bill was overwhelmingly <br />approved by a 57-7 margin. As an indication of <br />the strong statewide and bipartisan support for <br />Northstar Commuter Rail, an amendment to <br />delete funding for the project failed by a vote of <br />57-6. <br /> <br />The quick action by the Senate and Gov. <br />Pawlenty's inclusion of Northstar funding in his <br />bonding recommendation have been <br />encouraging for supporters. The project is well <br /> <br />February 2005 <br /> <br />UPDATE <br /> <br />Legislation to <br />authorize bonding <br />for Northstar was <br />introduced in the <br />House with broad <br />bipartisan support <br />including 18 <br />Republicans and 17 DFLers representing <br />suburban, urban and rural districts. House File <br />246 must pass through key committees before <br />consideration by the full House. Media reports <br />indicate House leaders hope to pass a bonding <br />bill by early March. The coming weeks will be a <br />crucial time for Northstar supporters to remain <br />active and to urge State Representatives to <br />support the project. <br /> <br />Northstar Day at the Capitol - Help Push Northstar Through the Finish Line <br /> <br />Northstar Commuter Rail supporters - here's a chance to come show <br />your support and make your voice heard at the State Capitol! <br /> <br />The upcoming Northstar Day at the Capitol will be a great <br />opportunity to build on the project's positive momentum and show <br />legislators the strong public support behind Northstar Commuter Rail. <br />The event will also provide a good opportunity to visit with your local <br />legislators to encourage them to vote for Northstar this year. <br /> <br />Free bus rides from the St. Cloud <br />area are available (donated by local <br />supporters). Reserve a seat by <br />calling the Whitney Senior Center, <br />(320) 255-7245. <br /> <br /> <br />For more information, contact <br />Susan Youngs at the NCDA: <br />Call (763) 323-5729 or email <br />susan.youngs@co.anoka.mn.us <br /> <br />Attend the Transportation Rally <br />in the State Capitol Rotunda <br /> <br />When: Wednesday, February 9,2005 <br /> <br />What: Rally.: 9:30 -10:00 a.m. <br />Visit with legislators <br />throughout the day <br /> <br />Where: State Capitol, 1 st Floor <br />Rotunda, 75 Dr. Martin Luther <br />King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul <br /> <br />The event is co-sponsored by <br />The Minnesota Transportation Alliance <br />