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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen

Friday, March 4, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation that would require the legislative auditor to conduct a special review of the much-maligned Southwest Light Rail Project. The audit will examine why the project is delayed and why it is so grossly over budget. 

Remember, the project has nearly tripled in cost since it was first approved more than a decade ago. Once estimated at about $1 billion, cost overruns and inflation have pushed the price to nearly $3 billion. The cost of the project is an astonishing $3,325 per inch of track. No other project in Minnesota better displays the costs of government inefficiency.

If I had my way, we would have scrapped this project long ago, or not even proceeded with it in the first place.

Republicans have been raising concerns about the cost and management of this project for years. I am glad that Democrats are finally sharing our concern and while the audit is good, we should be freezing all spending on this project until the audit is complete. 

Stay tuned on this important bill and further developments as the audit moves forward.

Staying in Touch

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns as it relates to state government. I can be reached at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.

Have a great day,

Glenn