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Klobuchar Helps Secure Federal Funding for Northstar Rail Project

Northstar puts Minnesota on track for a 'forward-thinking' transportation strategy

December 11, 2007

Anoka, M.N. – United States Senator Amy Klobuchar said today that the Northstar commuter rail line scheduled to open in 2009 will reduce road congestion in the northern suburbs, improve rush-hour commutes and help give the Twin Cities metro area a forward-thinking transportation strategy for the 21st Century. Klobuchar, who serves on the Senate Commerce and Environment and Public Works Committees, was instrumental in making sure Northstar was included in the DOT funding bill.

“A growing, vibrant community needs a forward-thinking transportation policy – one that gives people choices, that reduces congestion on our roads and that creates a responsible transportation strategy to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases,” Klobuchar said.

Klobuchar made her remarks by video at a grant-signing ceremony in Anoka , where officials of the U.S. Department of Transportation committed the federal government to pay approximately half the $320 million cost of the Northstar project, scheduled to open in November 2009.

Running from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis, with stops in Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley, the Northstar line is expected to carry 2 million riders per year. Officials say the trip from Coon Rapids to Minneapolis would take 20 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car, and cost less than $3. In downtown Minneapolis, the Northstar line will connect to the Hiawatha light-rail line.

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