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Greetings, The Northstar Commuter Rail project has returned to the list of recommended U.S. transit projects according to a report released last week by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This recommendation is a critical step in gaining the federal funding necessary for construction of Northstar. Projects seeking federal funding need to demonstrate a strong local commitment to the proposed transit service. After three consecutive years as a recommended project, Northstar was removed from the list of recommended projects in 2003 due to the lack of state funding. During that time the FTA adopted a more rigorous review process for evaluating transit projects. This latest recommendation puts the project on track to begin operating in 2009. In order to continue our progress with the FTA, the MN Legislature needs to approve the final piece of state funding – approximately $60 million – during the 2006 legislative session. Contact your legislators and urge them support the final piece of state funding: http://ga3.org/campaign/ontrack/nz15bt8i3? Your letter will help show legislators that Minnesotans support this viable transportation alternative. Thank you! The FTA's 2006 Annual Report on New Starts Projects acknowledged the significant progress the Northstar project made on design and funding requirements. This, along with the strong showing of support for Northstar from the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Pawlenty has reaffirmed our positive standing with the federal government. Duane Grandy |
