Greetings,

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to grant the Northstar Commuter Rail project approval to enter the final design phase of development, according to a letter sent yesterday to state officials. This is an important and exciting step for the project. FTA approval is required to gain the federal funding needed to complete the Northstar project.

Reaching this important milestone speaks to the high level of support and commitment for Northstar among supporters and elected officials who have worked tirelessly for this project.

Obtaining final state funding of $60 million for Northstar's construction is also required to gain federal funding. Over the next week, here are ways you can help achieve this:

1. Attend Transportation Day at the Capitol
Monday, March 13, 2006, 10–10:30 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN

RSVP here: http://ga3.org/northstar/events/rally/details.tcl?member_key=na95b6jmd&

2. Contact your legislator
Your message will help show legislators that Minnesotans support this viable transportation alternative: http://ga3.org/campaign/ontrack/na95b6jmd?

With your help we will have Northstar operating in 2009.

Thank you.

Duane Grandy
Chair
NCDA