This Web-based document was archived by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. |
The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding news that the Federal Transit Administration has granted Final Design status for the Northstar Commuter Rail project.
Governor Pawlenty proposed and signed into law $37.5 million for Northstar in the 2005 bonding bill and $60 million in the 2006 bonding bill. The Governor also personally spoke with the CEO of BNSF Railway to help secure access rights for Northstar on existing track owned by BNSF. Late this afternoon, Governor Pawlenty spoke with Acting U.S. Secretary of Transportation Maria Cino, who delivered the news that Northstar has been granted Final Design status. With FTA Final Design status granted, the state and local communities will now work with the Federal government to finalize a Full Funding Grant Agreement. |