Northstar Commuter Rail open house
Commuter rail comes to Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (February 23, 2000) City Council Member Paul Ostrow, County Commissioner Mark Stenglein and Northeast neighborhood groups are sponsoring an open house and town meeting about the Northstar Commuter Rail Line and a proposed station at Broadway and Central Avenue.

WHERE: The Northeast Armory in Minneapolis, 1025 Broadway St. NE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 26. Open House starts at 9 a.m. Town Meeting presentation starts at 10 a.m.
WHAT: Open House and Town Meeting Presentations about Northstar Commuter Rail Line.
WHO: 1st Ward City Council Member Paul Ostrow, Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein and project staff.

The meeting is an opportunity for residents and others to learn about the Northstar Corridor, a transportation corridor, which will utilize the existing railroad tracks connecting the St. Cloud area and downtown Minneapolis along U.S. Highway10.

The Town Meeting will focus on presenting information and answering questions about the commuter rail line and a proposed station near the intersection of Broadway and Central Avenue. The goal for completion of the Northstar Corridor is 2003.

Project planners and representatives from the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) will be on hand at the meeting. The NCDA is a joint-powers board made up of counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the corridor. The board has secured federal and state authorization to study, design and construct the potential commuter rail system. Council Member Paul Ostrow serves as NCDA vice chair and Commissioner Mark Stenglein represents Hennepin County on the NCDA.

Contact: City Council Member Paul Ostrow
673-2201

FAQs about the Northstar Corridor

What is the Northstar Corridor?
The Northstar Corridor is a transportation corridor that extends approximately 70 miles between the St. Cloud area and downtown Minneapolis along the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line.

Why is the Northstar Corridor important?
The area between St. Cloud and Minneapolis is the fastest growing region in the state, and one of the fastest in the nation. There are no plans to expand Highway 10 in the next 20 years. Without transportation alternatives, congestion will grow to a critical level.

Who is studying the Northstar Corridor?
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) is a joint-powers board made up of counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the corridor. Anoka County is a member and acts as project coordinator for the NCDA.

What is the Authority doing?
The Authority has secured federal and state authorization to study, design and construct the potential commuter rail system and other transportation improvements. This commuter rail will connect with the Hiawatha light rail transit corridor and with other planned rail projects. It will provide connections with the entire metropolitan area including downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the Mall of America and downtown St. Paul.

What are the benefits of improved transportation in the Northstar Corridor?
„h An improved transportation system will shorten your commute to work or school and provide better access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, health care, and recreation opportunities.
„h Improved transportation will keep this region economically vital by giving residents better access to job opportunities and making it easier and more efficient to move people and goods in any weather.
„h It also will give persons who do not drive - young people, the elderly, the disabled and those on fixed incomes - safe, economical transportation alternatives.

Where can I get more information?
City of Minneapolis, Paul Ostrow, 612/673-2201
Hennepin County, Gary Erickson, 612/348-4182
NCDA web site: http://www.brwinc.com/northstar/

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