INFORMATION #3 05-15-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~.. -UIIIJIfTllBTIAR fl:1I".mm MIlL NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release May 8,2006 Contact: Tim Yantos 763-323-5692 Northstar Corridor Development Authority Thanks Governor, Members of Congress for Their Work on Successful Northstar-BNSF Agreement Anoka, Minn. - The chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) today praised Governor Tim Pawlenty and members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation for their valuable assistance in reaching an agreement in principal with BNSF Railway. The agreement in principal allows the Northstar Commuter Rail project to move ahead with the next steps in securing passenger rail service for commuters along a 40-mile segment of the BNSF rail line from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis. 'We congratulate Governor Pawlenty for his leadership and personal involvement in helping secure this agreement. In addition, this milestone would not have been possible without the assistance of key members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation: Senator Norm Coleman, Congressman Jim Oberstar, Congressman Mark Kennedy, Congressman Martin Sabo and Congressman Jim Ramstad," said NCDA Chair Duane Grandy. "The BNSF agreement in principal is great news for Northstar and is a major breakthrough in the successful advancement of this project," Grandy said. "BNSF committed a hard-working team to negotiate with the state and NCDA to develop an agreement in principal that balances their business interests with the public interest, and we thank BNSF for that. This was a critical milestone toward establishing definitive implementing agreements with BNSF." The NCDA has called a special meeting for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Anoka County Courthouse, during which members of the authority will consider a resolution supporting the agreement in principal and urging legislators to complete the state's portion of Northstar construction funding. About the Northstar Commuter Rail Project The Northstar proposal is for commuter rail service on the 40-mile segment of existing track along Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to Minneapolis. Stations are proposed for Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Fridley and Minneapolis. It will offer a convenient connection to the Hiawatha LRT line in downtown Minneapolis. The NCDA is a joint powers board of 30 counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the Northstar Corridor, which covers an area from downtown Minneapolis to Rice, north of St. Cloud. For more information about the Northstar Commuter Rail project, please visit www.mn- GetOnBoard.com. -- 30 -