Greetings,

Construction is well underway on the Northstar train stations. This week, local officials and other Northstar supporters broke ground for the commuter rail station in Anoka. In recent weeks, similar events were held in Coon Rapids and Big Lake. We expect to break ground on the Elk River station later this summer.

Workers continue grading the sites, getting materials into place and completing other crucial site preparations. To see what you can expect when the stations open in 2009, take a look at our new fact sheets posted on the Northstar web site:

• Anoka station
• Coon Rapids station
• Big Lake station

Information about other stations will be updated soon. Here's a brief recap of other progress on the project.

Minneapolis Hiawatha LRT/Northstar Commuter Rail Station Site Construction Progressing Well
At the downtown Minneapolis station site, work has moved into a new phase of road, sidewalk and light rail construction. Crews are reconstructing Fifth Street North and have begun to install the rail track segments that will allow the Hiawatha Light Rail Line to connect with Northstar outside of the future Twins' Ballpark. The Hiawatha Line will offer Northstar Commuter Rail passengers connecting service to the Metrodome, Mall of America, the airport and stops in between.

Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Big Lake Takes Shape
With most of the exterior construction of the vehicle maintenance facility in Big Lake complete, work is currently focused on completing interior plumbing and duct work and installing the rail lines that will link the facility to the main BNSF train tracks.

Locomotives, Rail Cars Being Constructed
Northstar locomotives and passenger rail cars have been ordered and are being manufactured. The first locomotives are expected to be delivered to Minnesota by this fall, with the passenger cars arriving in early 2009.

Tunnel Work for Future Fridley Station Begins
Over Memorial Day weekend, construction crews will build tunnel infrastructure at the future Fridley station. The timing of this work provides less disruption to BNSF freight traffic. The Anoka County Regional Rail Authority is paying for the $1.5 million tunnel construction. The Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority has acquired land to advance the station project. The tunnel will be completed for use at a later date. However, it is important to note that construction of and service at a Northstar station in Fridley cannot proceed without additional funding.

We remain on schedule to ride the line in 2009 and with 88% of contracts in place we are assured to be on budget! To keep up-to-date and check out photos of construction, go to www.mn-GetOnBoard.com.

Sincerely,

Dan Erhart
NCDA Chair