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DFLers slam Pawlenty for cutting light-rail funds
Lawmakers and others lined up to say that unless the governor revives funding for a light-rail line to St. Paul, the project is dead.
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DFLers blasted Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Tuesday for cutting $70 million for the Central Corridor light-rail line from the bonding bill. Many say the project is dead unless Pawlenty tries to revive it, and they indicated they wouldn't seek an override.
Pawlenty on Monday announced $208 million in cuts from the $925 capital investment bill the Legislature approved.
"Yesterday, Gov. Tim Pawlenty killed the Central Corridor light-rail project with his veto pen," said U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., who was among more than two dozen elected officials from the U.S. House, the state Legislature and local governments who lined up at a news conference Tuesday.
The 11-mile line would go from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul. Construction on the $909 million line was set to begin in 2010, with service starting in 2014.
Advocates for the line are concerned that if they can't show regional support -- financially and politically -- then its chances diminish in the competition for federal money.
Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said other cities and regions around the country were smiling because of the situation.
"If Democrats are interested in discussing Central Corridor or other projects, we would be willing to listen," Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said. "However, we first want to see if they are willing to responsibly deal with our budget deficit, show fiscal restraint especially in light of troubling national economic signs, stay within our credit card limit, and address other important statewide priorities."
He said there continue to be questions regarding the line, including a request by the University of Minnesota for $100 million to mitigate the impact of the project and parking issues on University Avenue.
Rep. Michael Paymar, DFL-St. Paul, expressed optimism.
"Nothing is dead until it's actually dead and, even then, projects can get on life support," he said. "And I don't think this project is dead."
Chris Havens • 651-298-1542
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Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
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