ANOKA, Minn. — Commuter rail projects, such as the proposed Northstar commuter line, continue to be popular with the public, according to a recent survey of 7,201 people conducted by the Minnesota House of Representatives at the 2002 Minnesota State Fair.
Sixty-four percent of respondents support state investment in commuter rail systems such as the Northstar Corridor line, compared to only twenty-five percent who are opposed. Complete results from the 2002 state fair survey are available at http://www.house.mn/hinfo/2002fair.htm .
“At the State Fair, you hear the voices of real Minnesotans — which makes these results particularly important,” said Paul McCarron, chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA). “Polls continue to show that Minnesotans want better roads and transit and they are willing to pay for improved transportation.”
Northstar commuter rail’s popularity was apparent throughout this year’s state fair. An estimated 40,000 visitors stopped by the Northstar commuter rail informational booth at the state fair. According to Tim Yantos, director of the Northstar commuter rail project, “People told us, ‘this is a project that just makes sense.'”
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) is asking the Minnesota Legislature to approve state funding for forty percent of Northstar’s construction costs, or approximately $123 million. When combined with the ten percent financial commitment already made by local governments in the Northstar Corridor, the state and local funding would provide the fifty percent match that is needed to qualify for federal funding.
“These survey results are meaningful because they were sponsored by the Minnesota House, which rejected funding for Northstar commuter rail during this past session,” McCarron observed. “Public opinion continues to demonstrate that people support Northstar commuter rail, will use it, and believe the State of Minnesota has a role in helping fund this needed transportation improvement. We hope and trust that the will of the people is honored by the 2003 Legislature and Governor.”
About the Northstar Corridor rail project
The Northstar Corridor, an 82-mile stretch along highways 10 and 47 from St. Cloud to Minneapolis, is the fastest growing area in Minnesota. The NCDA is a joint powers board of 30 counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the corridor. For more information about the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project, please visit the NCDA web site at www.mn-GetOnBoard.com .