Editorial: The U's halting effect on light rail

Tortuous, technical negotiations are far from over between the University of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council over how to protect research labs located close to the proposed Central Corridor light-rail line. At this stage it is the university that must demonstrate good faith by yielding a point that could save taxpayers $1 million.

On the larger issue of the labs, the two sides, led by U President Robert Bruininks and Met Council Chairman Peter Bell, have agreed to mediation after weeks of high-level diplomacy from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin and Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough, among others.

While these efforts may yet produce a breakthrough, the failure so far of such seasoned politicians to forge an agreement speaks to the deep divisions between the two parties. It also threatens significantly higher costs when -- or, at this point, if -- the project moves forward.

Ultimately, it's likely a solution will be reached, though it may involve moving some labs or lab equipment, which would add significantly to the rail line's $957 million budget.

With costs continuing to spiral, the U should be doing everything in its power to protect taxpayer dollars. One thing it can do is to stop blocking the temporary easement that is needed to begin work on side streets, which will see more traffic once Washington Avenue, the main route that trains will take through campus, is shut down.

Time is of the essence, according to the Met Council, which needs to commit by April 8 to meet a planned May 3 start of side-street construction. This would allow the work to be finished before fall football and classes start.

If the U allows the work to proceed, savings of at least $1 million will be realized. Construction business is slow right now, holding down contractors' prices.

The U seems to want to hold back on granting the temporary easement as leverage in the broader negotiations. But it would still have other cards to play if needed down the road. At least one more temporary easement, as well as the permanent easement, will be required.

Meanwhile, stubbornly holding out now is a policy and public relations blunder. The university can't afford to alienate taxpayers, legislators, the governor and other public officials -- but especially not taxpayers. Unnecessarily driving up public costs is never smart, but it will be viewed as particularly irresponsible during these tough times of slashed budgets for even basic human services.

The U rightly claims it needs to protect its investment in the labs, which pay great dividends to the state. But it indeed smells like a "red herring," as described by the Met Council's Public Affairs Director Steve Dornfeld, to claim that even this preliminary construction work could jeopardize lab equipment. "This is low-impact construction," Dornfeld said. "It's certainly not doing anything as destructive as building a new stadium," he added, alluding to TCF Bank Stadium, which was erected relatively close to the labs.

No institution will benefit more than the U from the Central Corridor line. Two-thirds of campus commuters already use transit, according to Kathleen O'Brien, the U's vice president of services. Adding light rail to buses would expand options for those attending class or sporting and cultural events. Yet the U has a history of resistance at nearly every turn, including a long fight for the so-called "northern alignment" line through Dinkytown, or, if that didn't work, a tunnel under Washington Avenue.