Southwest Light Rail Needs Legislature to Act Ahead of Critical Funding Deadline

The following article by Janet Moore was published in the March 20, 2016 edition of the
Star Tribune.

Southwest Light Rail Needs Legislature to Act Ahead of Critical Funding Deadline

“It’s a real moment of truth,” said Adam Duininck, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, builder of the transit line, said of the stark deadline for the Southwest light rail line.

Photo by Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune

“It’s a real moment of truth,” said Adam Duininck, chairman of the Metropolitan
Council, builder of the transit line, said of the stark deadline for the Southwest light
rail line.

The controversial Southwest light-rail line has one more shot at funding from the Minnesota Legislature this year, this time under a stark deadline that could put the whole $1.79 billion project in jeopardy.

“It’s a real moment of truth,” said Adam Duininck, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, builder of the transit line.

The Met Council must coax $135 million from lawmakers during the short legislative session this spring to qualify for federal matching funds of $895 million. Without that state match, the 14.5-mile line linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie could be imperiled — after about $118.5 million in local money already has been spent on it.

To continue reading, click on the link to the Star Tribune

http://m.startribune.com/southwest-light-rail-faces-critical-funding-deadline/372767201/