Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

Press Contact

Joel Gross
Press Secretary
(202) 224-3244

News Releases

Klobuchar Announces $53.9 Million in Federal Funding for Northstar Rail Project

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

May 8, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released $53.9 million in federal funding for the Northstar commuter rail line from Big Lake to Minneapolis. Klobuchar, who serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee, was instrumental in securing DOT support for the project and making sure that Northstar was included in the 2007 DOT funding bill.

“A growing metro area needs a forward-looking transportation policy – one that gives people choices, gets them out of rush-hour traffic and reduces congestion on our roads,’’ Klobuchar said. “North Star is also an important step toward a broader transportation and energy strategy to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases.”

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. In downtown Minneapolis, the Northstar line will connect to the Hiawatha light-rail line.

“Minnesota deserves a 21st Century transportation system to match its 21st Century economy,’’ Klobuchar said. “The tremendous growth of communities along the I-94 corridor is one of the great success stories of the Upper Midwest, and Northstar will help to keep that growth on track.’’ 

Last December DOT officials gave their blessing to the North Star project and committed the federal government to pay approximately half of the $320 million cost. The line is scheduled to open in November 2009.


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