Calling it a major milestone in the development of the Northstar project, Governor Pawlenty today announced an agreement in principle with the BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) on financial terms for construction and general operation of the commuter rail line from Big Lake to Minneapolis.

"The Northstar project is on track and on time. With this agreement, much needed commuter rail in Minnesota is now closer to reality than ever," Governor Pawlenty said. "Northstar means more transportation capacity and less congestion for commuters in one of the fastest growing areas of the state."
                                    
The agreement between BNSF, the state of Minnesota, and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA), will allow the state to secure approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the "final design" phase of the project. When final federal approval is received later this year, construction could start in 2007 with service scheduled to begin in 2009.

"This is a major milestone toward bringing commuter rail service to the citizens of the Twin Cities area," said Matthew K. Rose, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BNSF Railway Company, "and we look forward to working together to make this a reality."

The agreement outlines the framework for construction, maintenance and operation in the Northstar corridor:

·        BNSF will make all necessary capital improvements to their tracks and facilities to accommodate and ensure the safe, efficient and on-schedule operation of commuter rail in the corridor.

·        The state will acquire property rights for commuter rail service on tracks within the BNSF right-of-way.  A one-time state payment of $107.5 million will secure these valuable "easement" rights, ensuring the operation of commuter rail service for generations. 

 
The easement agreement also means guaranteed service levels for Northstar Commuter Rail passengers:

·        Five weekday morning trips from Big Lake to Minneapolis, plus one morning reverse commute from Minneapolis to Big Lake.

·        Five weekday afternoon trips from Minneapolis to Big Lake, plus one afternoon reverse commute from Big Lake to Minneapolis.

·        Up to three roundtrips on weekends.  Special event service subject to negotiation.

·        Six commuter rail stations - Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids/Riverdale, Fridley and downtown Minneapolis.  The timing of construction of the Fridley station will be determined during final design.

·        Potential future expansion of service within the corridor, or expansion of the corridor itself, will be negotiated separately with BNSF as opportunities arise.

Governor Pawlenty acknowledged the important efforts of Minnesota's congressional delegation. Senator Norm Coleman, Congressman Mark Kennedy, Congressman Jim Oberstar, Congressman Martin Sabo and Congressman Jim Ramstad were all helpful in securing the partnership with BNSF and ensuring the continued support of the Federal Transit Administration.

"Now the state Legislature must do its part to move Northstar forward.  In these final weeks of the legislative session, I urge approval of my proposal for $60 million in state bonding to complete the state's financial contribution to the construction of the Northstar line," said Governor Pawlenty in a letter to legislators.

Governor Pawlenty reminded lawmakers that the entire $60 million request is necessary to secure FTA approval to enter final design phase. With FTA approval, the state is able to proceed with certain development and design activities that are eligible for partial cost reimbursement from the federal government.