May 10, 2008 12:25 pm US/Central
Lawmakers Try To Save Federal Light Rail Funding
(WCCO)
Efforts are underway at the state capitol to try to save the Central Corridor Rail Line.
The new light rail would connect Minneapolis and St. Paul, but Governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed state funding for the rail line out of the capitol construction bill.
That means millions of dollars for the project could disappear, unless state money is reinstated right away.
Light rail transit posted record ridership numbers this year. The Hiawatha Line topped 2 million this year so far -- a 16 percent jump in riders.
Like these University students on the way to the Mall of America.
"It's so much cheaper than having a car here ... it's very practical," said one rider.
However, a $70 million plan to expand light rail between Minneapolis and St. Paul is in trouble.
If the Central Corridor money isn't re-approved by the end of the session next week, the state will likely lose $450 million in federal matching money.
"A game of chicken is conduct unbecoming for a government official. Don't play poker with $450 million in federal money. Those stakes are too high," said Rep. Alice Hausman.
The light rail would not be such a problem, says the governor, if Democrats would send him a budget balancing bill he can accept -- and until they do, he won't agree.
"Whether there is a bonding bill or not will hinge on whether we have a budget deal and what that looks like," said Pawlenty.
The light rail is a lightening rod for some conservative Republicans who believe it is too expensive and inefficient.
Even so, it's hard for many to believe that any governor would leave half a billion federal dollars on the table and walk away.
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