The proposal from Gov. Pawlenty is for the state to pay two-thirds of the non-federal portion of Northstar's construction costs, or $88.3 million, and for the local county regional rail authorities to pay one-third, or $44.2 million. The Governor's recommendation calls for $37.5 million from both the State of Minnesota and the NCDA in 2004, with the balance of the funding in 2006.
The NCDA approved the proposal with the understanding that the local commitment would not exceed one-third of the construction costs and that the NCDA can develop alternatives to local property taxes to pay its share of the construction and operating costs for Northstar. The NCDA also reaffirmed its commitment to extending the Northstar service in the future to St. Cloud.
The regional rail authorities of Hennepin, Anoka, Sherburne and Benton counties would provide the local funding commitment. Each rail authority will now consider approval of their proportional share of the local funding for Northstar.
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