The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding an announcement by the Federal Transit Administration that it intends to grant the Northstar project approval to enter the "final design" phase of project development.

"This means the Northstar project is not only on track, it is gathering steam. The FTA recognizes - and I agree - that commuter rail is important to Minnesota's transportation future. It will add more transportation capacity in one of the fastest growing areas of the state.  Now it's up to the legislature to support my $60 million Northstar bonding recommendation so we can proceed with this important project."

FTA approval to enter "final design" phase will allow the state to proceed with certain development and design activities that are eligible for partial cost reimbursement from the federal government.