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February 7, 2002 <br /> <br />The Honorable James L. Oberstar <br />U.S. Representatives <br />2365 Rayburn House Office Building <br />Washington, D.C. 20515 <br /> <br />Dear Representative Oberstar: <br /> <br />The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) sincerely appreciates your continuing support for <br />commuter rail along the fastest growing corridor in Minnesota. The NCDA once again requests your <br />assistance in securing Federal funds for FY 2003. <br /> <br />The 30 counties, cities, and townships which comprise the NCDA are committed to making this vital <br />transportation alternative a reality and have pledged to provide 10 percent of the project's cost. The <br />project also has the solid support of area residents. In a recent survey, 80 percent of the respondents said <br />that the Northstar commuter rail project was a "good" or "very good" idea while only six percent <br />considered it to be a "very bad" idea. That citizen support has been born out through our demonstration <br />rides. The most recent one on January 28, 2002 was so popular that the free tickets quickly "sold out." <br />We were very gratified that approximately 60 state legislators participated-many for the second time. <br /> <br />We are also gratified that Governor Ventura recognizes the importance of the Northstar project to easing <br />traffic congestion in the region and has asked the Legislature to provide $120 million in this year's capital <br />bonding bill. However, it is essential that the project continue to receive sufficient Federal matching funds <br />each year to keep the project on schedule. Accordingly, NCDA respectfully asks that you contact <br />Congressman Martin Sabo and other Members of the House Transportation Subcommittee of <br />Appropriations in support of $10 million in FY 2003 for final design and construction. <br /> <br />The NCDA also fully supports the other funding requests of the Metropolitan Light Rail Transit Joint <br />Powers Board to provide transportation solutions throughout the region. Those requests are: <br /> Hiawatha LRT Corridor $60 Million <br /> Northstar Commuter Rail Corridor $10 Million <br /> Red Roc'k/Central Commuter Rail Corridor $ 6 Million <br /> Rushline Transitway Corridor $ 1 Million <br /> <br />Thank you again for your commitment to the Northstar project. <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Northstar Corridor Development Authority <br />2100 3~d Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org <br /> <br /> <br />