"This is one of the fastest growing corridors in the country," Pawlenty says. "We need to bring relief and more choices to commuters so they can spend more time they way they choose, rather than sitting in traffic."

The Northstar commuter line will use mostly existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway lines, connecting Downtown Minneapolis to communities along a 40-mile stretch to Big Lake. It is predicted to save over 890,000 commuter hours per year.

Of the $265-million project cost, half is to come from the federal government, with the state and counties splitting the rest. Northstar is one of the marquee initiatives in the bonding bill.

The entire $945-million package includes $886 million in general obligation bonds and $59 million from user financed bonds. It would create an estimated 10,000 construction jobs. The House and Senate passed the bill April 6.

Highlights of the bill include:

$108 million for the University of Minnesota, including $39 million for upgrading and remodeling academic health facilities, life science and science buildings.
$213 million for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, including increased funding for remodeling of MnSCU science classrooms and numerous upgrades and renovations to technology, labs and classroom space.
$21.7 million for the U of M/Mayo Clinic biotechnology research facility in Rochester and $18.5 million for biotechnology and health science development.
$84.8 million for Phase I expansion of the corrections facility in Faribault, $3.5 million to start construction of a 150-bed segregation unit at Stillwater prison, and $15.8 million for design and construction of a secure nursing facility for sex offenders and upgrading an existing facility.
$20.6 million for design and construction of major new exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo.

Instant Insights /

State Approves $945M in Construction

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