Northstar Commuter Rail Project Breaks Ground for Anoka Station

City plans for residential, other transit oriented development

Public officials and supporters of Northstar Commuter Rail gathered today to break ground for the Anoka Station, which will be located on the corner of Johnson Street and Fourth Avenue. 

The event is a significant milestone, according to Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart, chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA).

Pedestrian Tunnel Construction Set to Begin at Site

Preparation work for the future Northstar Commuter Rail station in Fridley is getting underway. Crews will begin building a pedestrian tunnel at the site (near Main Street and 60th Avenue) during the Memorial Day weekend.

Northstar Commuter Rail Project Breaks Ground for Big Lake Station

All Northstar stations to be complete in time for late 2009 start of commuter rail service

Public officials and supporters of Northstar Commuter Rail gathered today to break ground for the Big Lake Station, which will be located south of Highway 10 and the BNSF Railway train tracks and along County Road 43.

Coon Rapids Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Beginning of Station Construction in Northstar Corridor

Stations to be complete in time for late 2009 start of Northstar Commuter Rail service

Public officials and supporters of Northstar Commuter Rail gathered today to break ground for the Coon Rapids-Riverdale commuter rail station, located on Northdale Boulevard, south of Main Street.

Construction also will get underway over the next several months at Northstar stations in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka and downtown Minneapolis. Preparation work for the Minneapolis station and the extension of the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Line to meet up with Northstar in downtown Minneapolis began last summer. In addition, construction on the vehicle maintenance facility in Big Lake is well underway.

The groundbreaking ceremony in Coon Rapids is an occasion to celebrate the tremendous progress on the project, according to Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) Chair Dan Erhart.

“Making the Northstar Project a reality has taken the dedication of officials from Coon Rapids and other Northstar Corridor communities, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, and federal and state policy makers,” Erhart said. “Today, we see our persistence paying off. Now let’s all get ready to ride the line in 2009!”

NORTHSTAR COMMUTER RAIL PROJECT SECURES FINAL FEDERAL FUNDING APPROVALS

Signing ceremony marks final financial hurdle for commuter rail construction

Federal, state and local officials gathered today at the Anoka County Government Center for the signing ceremony of the Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for Northstar Commuter Rail. The FFGA commits $156.8 million in federal matching funds and immediately releases another $97.5 million in state bonding money for Northstar construction and trains.

Northstar Commuter Rail Receives $55 Million Earmark In Congressional Conference Report

Project ranks among top 10 for Congressional funding

Northstar Commuter Rail leaders were pleased to hear this week that the conference report for the fiscal year 2008 federal transportation appropriations bill recommends $55 million for Northstar construction. Of the 40 new rail projects in the report, Northstar ranked 10^th highest in total recommended dollars.

Northstar Commuter Rail Funding Makes It To Capitol Hill

ANOKA, Minn. – The Northstar Commuter Rail Project’s application for a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) has entered the last stretch of the federal approval process in Washington. The FFGA package has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget, and it will now begin a 60-day review with Congress. The agreement will secure approximately $156.8 million of federal funding for construction and trains.

Big Lake Groundbreaking and NCDA 10 Year Anniversary

ANOKA, Minn. — More than 150 local officials and guests attended yesterday’s groundbreaking for the construction of another crucial part of the Northstar Commuter Rail Line—the Big Lake vehicle maintenance facility. When completed, the facility will be a center for fueling, cleaning and routine maintenance of Northstar trains once the line begins operations in late 2009.

Northstar Commuter Coach Bus Driver Throws First Pitch At Friday Twins Game

Twins designated Aug. 3 Northstar Commuter Rail Night

ANOKA, Minn. — The nearly 32,000 Twins fans who attended the Friday, Aug. 3 game against Cleveland learned about the Northstar Commuter Rail Project and cheered on Darle Henrikson, a Northstar Commuter Coach bus driver, as he threw the ceremonial first pitch.

From left, NCDA Chair Dan Erhart, Minnesota Twins mascot T.C. and Northstar Commuter Coach bus driver Darle Henrikson pause for a quick photo after Henrikson threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Aug. 3 Twins game.

U.S. Transportation Secretary’s visit affirms confidence in Northstar

Northstar Commuter Rail planners received a big boost of confidence July 10 from U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and Federal Transit Administrator James Simpson.

“I think you should feel confident” that Northstar will receive federal matching funds later this year, Peters said during a visit to the future site of Northstar’s downtown Minneapolis station. “We’re not going to let a project that is designed to get commuters moving get stuck in some kind of bureaucratic backup.”



(Northstar Executive Director Tim Yantos
addresses transportation officials and
media at the downtown Northstar site.
From left to right are U.S. Transportation
Secretary Mary Peters, Governor Tim
Pawlenty, Lieutenant Governor Carol
Molnau, Yantos and Minneapolis Mayor
R.T. Rybak.)

Buy your discounted tickets ASAP for the Twins Game

The Twins will welcome us back on Friday, August 3, at their game against the Cleveland Indians.

Click here to print and mail in your order, or call 612-375-7433.

You will receive discounted lower reserved tickets in a dedicated Northstar section for just $29. The ticket price also includes:

• A pre-game event dinner and program (food and soft drinks included).
• Entrance in a drawing for free tickets to the Twins game on July 31 – if you reserve your spot for Northstar Night by July 25.
• Free bus ride to the game from Coon Rapids / Riverdale. Seating is limited. It leaves at 4:30. Must reserve seat with separate call. Call 763-323-5729 or 1-888-478-6782.
• August 3 is Twins Cap Night – the first 20,000 fans in the door will receive a Twins baseball cap.

Northstar Corridor Development Authority Proceeds with BNSF Easements

Vote directs Northstar to make first of five payments on May 31

Today, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) Executive Committee approved the first of five payments to BNSF Railway for the purchase of easements that will give Northstar Commuter Rail access to BNSF train tracks.

FTA Letters Encourage Northstar to Advance to Final Step

On Monday, May 21, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formally invited Northstar Commuter Rail officials to apply for federal matching funds. The invitation advances Northstar to the final steps in the federal funding process and allows Northstar officials to consider beginning construction of the project this summer.

Northstar Corridor Development Authority Approves Study of Future Commuter Rail Extension to Becker, St. Cloud and Rice

The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) agreed Thursday afternoon to fund a feasibility study of the second phase of Northstar Commuter Rail, which would extend the line in the future from Big Lake to Becker, St. Cloud and Rice.

State of Minnesota, Northstar and BNSF Sign Key Agreement

Officials from the state of Minnesota, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) signed a key agreement today that defines Northstar’s rights to operate along the 40-mile stretch of BNSF train tracks between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis.

President Bush Recommends Northstar In 2008 Budget

President George W. Bush recommended federal funding for construction of the Northstar Commuter Rail project as part of his fiscal year 2008 budget, released Monday. The budget includes $9.4 billion for transit programs.

Northstar Construction Update - January 27, 2007

Please see the map below for the Northstar project's utility relocation work in downtown Minneapolis on 5th Street North and 2nd Avenue North. This work is part of the Northstar project's light-rail transit (LRT) connection, a 4-block extension of the Hiawatha line to meet with the Northstar line. As the map indicates, beginning Wednesday, January 31, there will be one lane of thru traffic open on 5th Street North between 1st Avenue North and 2nd Avenue North. Additional lanes of traffic will also be opening at the intersection of 5th Street North and 2nd Avenue North. In addition, access to Ramp B (5th Street parking garage) will be restored to pre-construction conditions.

Commissioners Erhart, Petersen Assume New Leadership Positions on the Northstar Corridor Development Authority

Anoka County Commisioner Dan Erhart and Sherbure County Commissioner Ewald Petersen have assumed positions as the new chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA). Their positions are effective immediately.

Minnesota Twins Celebrate Northstar

The nearly 40,000 Twins fans who attended the Saturday, Sept. 9 game against Detroit learned about the Northstar Commuter Rail project as they cheered on the Twins to victory.

FTA Announces Intent to Grant Northstar Final Design Approval

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has notified Congress of its intent to grant the Northstar Commuter Rail project permission to enter final design, moving the project a major step closer to securing federal matching funds for construction.

Commissioners Erhart, Grandy Recognized for Leadership on Northstar Commuter Rail Project

Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart and Benton County Commissioner Duane Grandy have been recognized “for their many years of hard work, for their extraordinary efforts, and for their leadership, persistence and patience” on behalf of the Northstar Commuter Rail project.

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.

Northstar Corridor Development Authority Passes Resolution Endorsing BNSF Agreement in Principle

Following an agreement in principle announced Monday by Governor Pawlenty, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) today passed a resolution approving a memorandum of understanding and urged Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau to sign it.

Northstar Corridor Development Authority Thanks Governor, Members of Congress for Their Work on Successful Northstar-BNSF Agreement

The chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) today praised Governor Tim Pawlenty and members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation for their valuable assistance in reaching an agreement in principal with BNSF Railway. The agreement in principle allows the Northstar Commuter Rail project to move ahead with the next steps in securing passenger rail service for commuters along a 40-mile segment of the BNSF rail line from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis.

FTA Plans to Recommend Northstar for Entrance into Final Design

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to grant the Northstar Commuter Rail project approval to enter the final design phase of development upon completion of federal requirements, according to a March 8 letter sent to state officials. FTA approval for final design is a required step toward gaining the federal funding needed to complete the Northstar project.

Northstar Commuter Rail Returns to FTA’s List of Recommended Projects

The Northstar Commuter Rail project has returned to the list of recommended U.S. transit projects, according to the 2006 Annual Report on New Starts projects released this week by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). In detailing Northstar’s rating, the report noted the significant progress in the last year on design and funding requirements made on the Northstar project by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA).

Latest Construction Cost Estimates for Northstar in Line with Preliminary Budget

Federal Government Requiring Additional Contingency Budget

Anoka, Minn. – After completing 60 percent of the design of the Northstar Commuter Rail required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) has found that updated capital cost estimates are consistent with preliminary cost estimates of $265 million. The latest numbers are the result of an in-depth engineering of all project elements today compared to when estimates were developed during preliminary design.

NCDA Applauds Minnesota's Congressional Delegation for Northstar Funding

Federal Transportation Bill Includes $80 Million for Northstar Commuter Rail

Anoka, Minn. – The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) today applauded Minnesota’s congressional members for authorizing $80 million in federal funds for the Northstar Commuter Rail project. The $286.4 billion federal transportation bill was overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. House and Senate last Friday.

NCDA Hosts Bonding Bill Signing

Gov. Pawlenty signs 2005 bonding bill into law at future Northstar Commuter Rail station

Gov. Pawlenty and Comm. Duane Grandy, NCDA Chair, celebrate the bonding bill signing.

Coon Rapids, Minn. – Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed into law today the $886 million bonding bill, which included $37.5 million in funding for Northstar Commuter Rail. Key legislative leaders, local elected officials and a large crowd of Northstar supporters were on hand at the future site of the Riverdale Coon Rapids commuter rail station to witness the bill signing.

Statement from Commissioner Duane Grandy, Chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority, on the bonding bill agreement

Anoka, Minn. – On behalf of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA), I want to thank Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders for reaching an agreement on the 2005 capital investment bill. We are very pleased that the Senate and House have agreed to fund the full request from Governor Pawlenty of $37.5 million for Northstar Commuter Rail as part of their bonding package.

Northstar Funding Passes the House of Representatives

For the first time ever, Northstar included in the bonding bill passed by the full House

Anoka, Minn. – The Minnesota House of Representatives today passed a capital investment bill that includes funding for Northstar Commuter Rail. The bill, authorizing $10 million in state bonding for Northstar, passed by an overwhelming margin of 121 to 12. An amendment to remove Northstar funding from the bill failed on a vote of 29 to 104.

Northstar Commuter Rail Legislation Introduced with Strong Bipartisan Support

Bipartisan backing indicates positive momentum behind Northstar in 2005

St. Paul, Minn. – Legislation to authorize state bonding for Northstar Commuter Rail was introduced today in the Minnesota House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. House File 246 would appropriate $37.5 million in low-interest bonding for Northstar, which is the same amount Gov. Pawlenty included in his capital investment recommendations earlier this month.