Finally.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Literally.
It has been reported that finally the Hiawatha Light Rail and the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will converge in downtown Minneapolis.
Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff, Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and other officials signed a symbolic agreement Tuesday, April 26 marking the Obama administration's commitment to paying half - some $478 million - of the construction costs for the $1 billion Central Corridor light rail transit project.
Still, speaking later in the day, Dayton indicated the Central Corridor is not key to increasing ridership on the Northstar commuter rail line. Instead, he spoke of extending the line. "To stop the line in Big Lake was very short-sighted," said Dayton.
"Not having a station or two in St. Cloud where people could walk to, or get to, or get dropped off by their spouse, is really, really short-sighted," he said.
We really need this rail line to continue into St. Cloud in my opinion to connect all of the northwest area to the Cities. It would greatly assist commuters and homeowners.
The 11-mile Central Corridor light rail project when completed in 2014 will link with the Hiawatha light rail and Northstar commuter rail lines in downtown Minneapolis.
It is proposed to run down Washington and University aAenues to the Union Depot Station in downtown St. Paul.
Plans call for trains operating about every eight minutes during peak travel times, with a travel time of 36 minutes between the two downtowns.
Rogoff depicted transit as one way for the public to deal with the high price of gasoline.
He spoke of the president's determination, despite hard economic times, to continue to make strategic investments to improve the American quality of life.
Dayton claimed little credit for the project - one debated for decades - noting his recent arrival in the Governor's Office.
"This is a terrific celebration," said Dayton.
The governor invited Rogoff to visit Minnesota often, especially when bearing big checks. "In fact, come every day if you can," Dayton quipped.
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