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<br />HAR 31 '05 09:20 TO-7636351 090 <br /> <br />FROM-RICHARDSON, RICHTER & ASSOCIATES <br /> <br />T-151 P.02/02 F-038 <br /> <br /> <br />NEWS RELEASE <br /> <br />For Imm.dlat. Rei.... <br />March 30, 2005 <br /> <br />Contact: <br /> <br />Tim Yantos <br />763-323-5692 <br /> <br />Statement from Commissioner Duane Graody, Chair of the Northstar Corridor <br />Development Authority, on the bonding bill agreement <br /> <br />On behalf 'of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCOA). I want to thank Gov, <br />Pawlenty and legislative leaders for reaching an agreement on the 2005 capltar investment bill. <br />We are very pleased that the Senate and House have agreed to fund the full requ8$t from <br />Governor Pawtenty of $37.5 million for Northstar Commuter Rail as part of their bonding <br />pacl<age. <br /> <br />Gov. Pawlenty has been a passionate advocate on behalf of the Northstar project over the past <br />year. By pushing legislative leaders to come.to a quick agreement on the bonding bill, Gov. <br />Pawlenty has demonstrated the leadership that is needed to get Northstar up and running as <br />soon as possible. With quick action by the full House and Senate, Northstar will have the <br />funding commitment required by the FTA to advance into final design and to be eligible for New <br />Starts funding. <br /> <br />The overwhelming support for the Northstar project in both the House and the Senate earlier <br />this session demonstrated that Northstar Commuter Rail is an important Investment for our state <br />and a critical step in increasing capacity in one of Minnesota's fastest growing transportation <br />corridors. Thanks to their help and the leadership of Gov. Pawlenty, Northstar Commuter Rail is <br />on track to be operational by the end of 2008. <br /> <br />About the North.tar Commuter Rail Project <br />The Northstar Commuter Rail proposal Is for service on the 4O.mile segment of existing track <br />along Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to Minneapolis. Stations are proposed for Big Lake, <br />Elk River, Anol<a, Coon Rapld5. Fridley. and Minneapolis. <br /> <br />The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) is a joint powers board of 30 counties, <br />cities, townships, and regional railroad authorities along .the corridor that are committed to <br />obtaining federal funding for the Northstar commuter Rail project. For more information about <br />the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project, please visit www.mn-GetOnBoard.com. <br /> <br />;;#I:M <br />