Greetings,

It's full speed ahead for Northstar! We crossed the final financial hurdle to Northstar's construction today as federal, state, and local officials gathered at the Anoka County Government Center to sign a federal Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for the project.

You know better than anyone that this is a huge milestone for Northstar. The FFGA commits $156.8 million in federal matching funds and releases another $97.5 million in state bonding for construction and trains. This builds upon the funding already provided by the regional rail authorities in Anoka, Hennepin, and Sherburne counties, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Twins.

The FFGA also allows the project to award contracts in the coming months for passenger rail cars, locomotives and construction of stations at Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Minneapolis.

Reaching this point would have been impossible without a strong collaborative effort and the dedication of Northstar supporters like you. Thank you! With this funding now available, watch for construction along the line to continue at full speed ahead, and get ready to ride the line in 2009.

Sincerely,
Dan Erhart
NCDA Chair