rail071307

Rail funding gets a boost

By Paul Levy, Star Tribune

Last update: July 12, 2007 - 11:52 PM

The Northstar rail project, seeking nearly $160 million in federal funding, got a boost Thursday when a U.S. Senate committee approved $65 million for the commuter line next year. The bill needs approval by the full Senate.

The 40-mile commuter line from Minneapolis to Big Lake is intended to ease traffic congestion.

The transportation appropriations bill also includes $35 million for the proposed Central Corridor light-rail line connecting downtown Minneapolis with downtown St. Paul.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters told officials during a visit to Minneapolis this week that a decision on federal funding of the Northstar project will be made this fall.

The bill also contains:

$1 million for the city of Browns Valley to help it rebuild after a flood earlier this year;

$4 million for Greater Minnesota Transit bus and bus facilities;

$1 million for the St. Cloud Metrobus project in St. Cloud;

$1.5 million for land acquisition for the St. Cloud Airport;

$500,000 for U.S. Highway 14 between Waseca and Owatonna; and

$1 million for the interchange of CSAH 12 and U.S. Highway 14 in Blue Earth County near Mankato.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)