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<br />The easement agreement also means guaranteed service levels for Northstar Commuter Rail <br />passengers: <br />. Five weekday morning trips from Big Lake to Mirmeapolis, plus one morning reverse <br />commute from Mirmeapolis to Big Lake. <br />. Five weekday afternoon trips from Mirmeapolis to Big Lake, plus one afternoon reverse <br />commute from Big Lake to Mirmeapolis. <br />. Up to three roundtrips on weekends. Special event service subject to negotiation. <br />. Six commuter rail stations - Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids/Riverdale, Fridley <br />and downtown Mirmeapolis. The timing of construction of the Fridley station will be <br />determined during final design. <br />. Potential future expansion of service within the corridor, or expansion of the corridor itself, <br />will be negotiated separately with BNSF as opportunities arise. <br /> <br />Governor Pawlenty acknowledged the important efforts of Mirmesota's congressional <br />delegation. Senator Norm Coleman, Congressman Mark Kermedy, Congressman Jim Oberstar, <br />Congressman Martin Sabo and Congressman Jim Ramstad were all helpful in securing the <br />partnership with BNSF and ensuring the continued support of the Federal Transit <br />Administration. <br /> <br />"Now the state Legislature must do its part to move Northstar forward. In these final weeks of <br />the legislative session, I urge approval of my proposal for $60 million in state bonding to <br />complete the state's financial contribution to the construction of the Northstar line," said <br />Governor Pawlenty in a letter to legislators. <br /> <br />Governor Pawlenty reminded lawmakers that the entire $60 million request is necessary to <br />secure FT A approval to enter final design phase. With FT A approval, the state is able to <br />proceed with certain development and design activities that are eligible for partial cost <br />reimbursement from the federal government. <br /> <br />The Northstar commuter rail line will cormect downtown Mirmeapolis to communities along a <br />40 mile stretch to Big Lake, including Fridley, Anoka and Elk River. It is estimated that <br />approximately 5,600 commuters will use Northstar each day in one of the fastest growing <br />regions in the country. Northstar is projected to save 892,000 commuter hours per year through <br />improved travel times over the next best transit option. <br /> <br />- 30 - <br /> <br />www.governor.state.mn.us + (651) 296-0001 + (651) 296-0056 fax <br />