Governor signs bonding bill that authorizes state funding of construction for Northstar Commuter Rail

On Thursday, June 1, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the 2006 bonding bill, which includes $60 million in bonding authority for the state’s first commuter rail line. A large crowd of elected officials and Northstar Commuter Rail supporters attended the event at the site of the future Northstar Elk River station.

Minnesota Legislature Approves Final Commuter Rail Funding

This weekend, the Minnesota Legislature overwhelmingly approved $60 million in bonding authority requested by Governor Pawlenty for construction of the state’s first commuter rail line. Governor Pawlenty is expected to sign the bill into law soon, which will allow the state to seek federal matching funding for construction of the Northstar project.

Minnesota House Approves Northstar Funding

The Minnesota House of Representatives has included $50 million in funding for the Northstar Commuter Rail project as part of the bonding bill Representatives approved April 12. The bill passed 114 to 16, with strong bipartisan speeches in support of Northstar during the preceding floor debate.

Senate passes Northstar funding

The Minnesota Senate overwhelmingly approved $60 million in bonding for the construction of Northstar Commuter Rail on March 23rd. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support on a 56-9 vote.

The Minnesota House must now pass its version of the bonding bill before a conference committee of House and Senate members meets to resolve the differences between the bills.

Legislature Back in Session

The 2006 Minnesota Legislature will be asked to approve the remaining portion of the state commitment for Northstar -- approximately $60 million. It is critical that supporters urge their legislators to support this level of funding. Contact your legislators here: http://ga3.org/campaign/ontrack

Governor Includes Northstar in Bonding Bill

In January, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced his bonding recommendations for the 2006 legislative session. The proposal includes $60 million for Northstar, which is the final state funding needed for Northstar’s construction. This level of funding will allow the state to apply for 50 percent federal matching funds from the Federal Transit Administration.

Gov. Pawlenty’s ongoing commitment is a critical step toward keeping Northstar on track to be operational in 2009. Now, the Minnesota House and Senate need to pass bonding bills with the $60 million request in order to advance the project. The Legislature overwhelmingly supported $37.5 million in Northstar funding last year, but the additional authorization is required to complete the state and local funding package.