Elk River has more and more riding on rail

When officials in Minnesota and Washington celebrated the federal funding of the Northstar commuter rail line in December, experts said the economic impact of the line could be nearly $1 billion.

But the mayor of Elk River says rail experts are underestimating the public's expected response when the $320 million line from Minneapolis to Big Lake opens next year.

That response, Mayor Stephanie Klinzing said, will be measured in an parking lot next to Elk River's station site. Officials have considered doubling the 500 parking spots, now used as a park-and-ride lot for bus riders.

"That's all fine and good, but we don't believe that will be enough," Klinzing said. "We think Northstar will be that successful."

Elk River isn't waiting for the next train to find out. The city's planned station-area ventures include an entertainment center with a hotel, a bowling alley and a conference center.

Marketing tool

Overlooking the Mississippi River are two new buildings, one with 64 condominiums and one with 60 moderately priced rental units.

City business leaders are using Northstar as a marketing tool for Elk River, said Jeff Gongoll, president of the Elk River Chamber of Commerce.

"It's a positive for the current employment base and it provides a way to draw workers from other areas," Gongoll said. "It's all about the economy and everything about Northstar seems positive for Elk River."

A car wash recently opened along Hwy. 10, near the station site, and there is talk of new restaurants, a convenience store, a coffee shop, cleaners and other shops that would complement commercial traffic, Klinzing said.

June marked the completion of a park, which will hold weekly concerts, along the Mississippi -- a possible attraction for riders from as far away as St. Cloud, assuming Northstar eventually is expanded west, beyond Big Lake.

Unique situation

"Each of the station sites are looking at what type of development makes sense," Yantos said. "The situation in Elk River is unique."

The Elk River station's proximity to three major highways -- 10, 169 and 101 -- plus connectors to Interstates 94 and 494 makes it a destination point for commuters far beyond the city limits. Commuters from Zimmerman and points north are expected to drive to Elk River to make the commute to Minneapolis, said Lori Johnson, Elk River city administrator.

"With commuters coming from as far as Milaca, Elk River may be seen as a growth area," Gongoll said.

How the west could be lost

But Elk River could lose other commuters. Commuters from the west who drive to Elk River to take the bus may eventually take the train -- from Big Lake. Bus commuters from the east may take the train from the Coon Rapids station.

He noted that Elk River's population of 22,500 will likely grow to 40,000 within 30 years. And the Northstar estimates do not predict the growth of other communities in Sherburne County and neighboring Wright County, Motin said.

"We're doing things necessary to accommodate a larger population, from all over the place," Klinzing said.