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Bill Could Halt Blue Line LRT Extension Work
A bill from a Maple Grove lawmaker could bring work on the Bottineau Blue Line LRT Extension to a halt.
Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) introduced the bill in the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 12.
The bill would prohibit the Metropolitan Council from expending funds on light rail projects, including the Bottineau extension, until the Southwest Green Line LRT extension is finished.
“I represent a lot of taxpayers in Hennepin County and they are incredibly frustrated that the county would take this project on,” Robbins said. “I mean, we haven’t even gotten off the ground and it’s already — the costs have tripled.”
Push for BRT Over LRT
The nearly 14-mile Bottineau Line is planned to connect downtown Minneapolis with Crystal, Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Park.
Project officials expect construction on the line to start in 2027.
Robbins said the Blue Line — which could cost more than $3 billion to construct — is too expensive to justify compared with bus-based alternatives.
“We should be considering bus rapid transit before we think about another mile of light rail in this state,” Robbins said. “Bus rapid transit is flexible, it’s much more affordable, it meets the needs of the communities.”
A Met Council official said delays in the project would likely add about $100 million a year to construction costs.
Several local elected officials spoke against the bill.
Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando and Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston were among the testifiers.
“Numerous developers have said they look forward to the Blue Line Light Rail coming so that they can build that out,” Winston said.
Robbinsdale City Council Member Aaron Wagner also spoke to the potential economic benefits of the line.
“Builders need extra incentive to invest, and light rail accesses that incentive,” he said. “Just the hint of extending the Blue Line has breathed new commercial life into my city.”
The Republican-dominated committee passed the bill on a party-line vote. It’s now headed to the House floor.
SOURCE: CCX MEDIA
