MnLRT...Moving Minnesoootans Into the Next Century

 
• Nov 12, 1998 Longfellow and other neighborhoods' public meeting about LRT at Ann Sullivan School, Minneapolis 6:30-9pm
• Nov 18, 1998 Workshop II, plan presentation for public review at Minneapolis Convention Center

Visit the Longfellow Community Page on LRT.

The LRT Debate Continues at the Star-Tribune: Check Out the Latest Commentary Regarding LRT in Dallas, Texas.

Comment: MnLRT is highly encouraged by and fully welcomes the Governor’s tentative support for the Hiawatha Corridor LRT plans. According to Hennepin County, the Hiawatha LRT line would carry approximately 21,000 riders per day, and would cost approximately $7-10 million per year to operate. That $7-10 million would be off-set by approximately $6 million in fare revenues, plus additional revenue through other concessions. MnLRT strongly encourages any public investment in LRT to be as self-sufficient as possible in terms of operating costs, and encourages all public investment to result in the greatest possible return on investment. 

In other developments, Governor Arne Carlson, a longtime opponent of Light Rail Transit, is deciding whether he will sign a bill from the Minnesota Legislature that contains money for LRT. "He hasn't ruled it out," said spokeswoman Jackie Renner. "Right now, what we're trying to do is check on the finances. Once you get it up and running, does it run on its own?" she asked. Governor Carlson is also concerned about the absence of $65 million in the bill for the St. Paul hockey arena, which, along with a proposed new Twins stadium, is one of the Governor’s pet projects.

Comment: While MnLRT welcomes and encourages vigorous public scrutiny of the Hiawatha LRT project to ensure the highest possible return on investment for Minnesota taxpayers, MnLRT continues to be concerned over the Carlson Administration’s application of one set of standards for LRT and other non-automobile transportation, and another set of standards (none) for examining the financial implications of roads and highways. Interstate 394 has cost Minnesota taxpayers over $450 million to date. In what year was it "profitable"?

Minnesota taxpayers still do not have complete disclosure of the real costs and benefits of highways. We should be very careful to judge all current and future transportation decisions by a truthful, comprehensive and fair set of standards.

The House Capital Investment Committee meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Committee leadership includes: Kalis-DFL (Chair), Luther-DFL (Vice-Chair), Dempsey-R (Lead Republican).

"Standing at the back of the room was Lyle Wray, director of the anti-rail Citizens League. He dismissed Wednesday's presentation as a "love fest" and said there will be another side."

Join the LRT Discussion at the Star-Tribune Online.

Members of our Congressional delegation in Washington, DC are working together to obtain $200 million in Federal funding for the Hiawatha Corridor, as well as for the Riverview Corridor in St. Paul and the Northstar Corridor to Anoka. This $200 million represents nearly half of the cost of our first light rail system and would be part of a six-year Federal Transportation bill known as ISTEA.

Read the full Hiawatha-LRT Fact Sheet.

According to county officials, there is a good chance of getting Hiawatha light rail included in the national plan because U.S. Reps. Jim Oberstar and Martin Sabo both hold important positions on key committees. This year, Congressman Martin Sabo obtained $12 million in federal funding to grade the land and build the bridges necessary for either light rail or a busway on Hiawatha."

Light Rail along the Hiawatha Corridor, between the Mall of America, MSP-International Airport and downtown Minneapolis would have an enormous, positive impact on transportation mobility and quality of life in the area. For less than $2 per person over the next 15 years, Minnesota can finally make a wise investment in the economic, social and environmental health of the Twin Cities metro area.