Saint Paul, MINN—It was announced earlier today that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is requiring an additional environmental study of a planned collocation wall along the Southwest Light Rail Line and BNSF Railway.
Rep. Linda Runbeck, R-Circle Pines, who chairs the House Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee, released the following statement regarding this decision.
Another day, another delay for the Southwest Light Rail boondoggle. This project continues to grow in cost with construction delays and glaring mismanagement from the Metropolitan Council. In their rush to try and garner federal approval, the Met Council has tried to force through this wall without proper review or an environmental impact study, leaving local and state leaders concerned about the implications and long-term effects this project will have.
I am pleased the Federal Transit Administration is holding the Met Council’s feet to the fire and requiring them to do their due diligence. The Met Council can and must be held accountable.