7.3. SR 06-20-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ UNORTHSTAR JUN/)82005 UPDATE The NcflfJfl.ff!'!t(f'ulll11.~ supporters on new inronnation about the Northstar Commuter Rail project. For more information, go to _.mn-GetOnBoard.com. June 2005 Legislative passage of the 2005 bonding bill marked a monumental step for Northstar Commuter Rail. On April 11, 2005, Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the $886 million bill into law, which includes $37.5 million in funding for Northstar, marking the first time substantial state funding was approved by the Minnesota Legislature. Highlighting the importance of Northstar Commuter Rail, Gov. Pawlenty chose to sign the bonding bill into law at the future site of the Coon Rapids Riverdale commuter rail station. A large crowd of Northstar supporters, key legislative leaders and local elected officials attended the event to commemorate this milestone. The bonding bill signing put an exclamation point on the overwhelming support for Northstar in the Minnesota House and Senate. The actions by the Legislature and the Governor confirmed the strong statewide and bipartisan support for Northstar Commuter Rail. Thank You Northstar Supporters! Because of the efforts of thousands of supporters, Northstar achieved this success. Thanks to the many Minnesotans who have made their voices heard, the rail project is now closer to becoming a reality in Minnesota. Many advocates wrote to their legislators, signed petitions, formed advocacy groups, attended State Capitol events . and rallied in their communities to show their support for Northstar. You sent the message that Northstar Commuter Rail was important to you and worthy of a state commitment! And, the message was heard. As the Northstar Commuter Rail project progresses, the ongoing efforts from supporters will continue to playa key role in gaining the final piece of state funding for construction of the project in 2006. The $37.5 million in state funding for Northstar Commuter Rail allows the project to move into the next phase of development. The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation will apply to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for approval to begin final design. Project planners will also work to regain a "Recommended" rating from the FTA to access highly-competitive federal matching dollars. Locally, the NCDA will proceed with key project elements: ./ Engineering, design and property acquisitions for commuter rail. ./ Detailed negotiations with the BNSF railroad on construction and operating agreements. ./ Engineering and design of the four block Hiawatha Light Rail Transit connection. The next several months will see important progress on the Northstar project in preparation for the 2006 legislative session, when the NCDA will seek approval for the final state funding commitment needed to construct the Northstar line (approximately $51 million). Most importantly, state funding keeps the Northstar project on track for beginning service to commuters in the Northstar Corridor in late 2008.