Bill Proposed To Stop Spending on BLE Until SWLRT Opens in 2027
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Photo: metrocouncil.org
MINNEAPOLIS - A bill has been proposed to halt spending on the Blue Line Extension until the Southwest LRT has opened for service.
RT&S has reported on Metropolitan Council’s issues regarding the Southwest Light Rail Extension. Now, a bill has been proposed by Republican lawmakers that would halt spending on the Blue Line Light Rail Extension until the SWLRT opens for service in 2027. According to the Star Tribune, Representative Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove), who is one of the chief sponsors of the bill, stated that once the SWLRT is up and running, a decision can be made on whether the Blue Line Extension “still makes sense.”
Last October, RT&S reported that preliminary design plans for the Blue Line Extension were approved by Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Cry. star, and Hennepin County. Then, in December, Met Council announced it was seeking public feedback on Lowry Avenue station design alternatives for the BLE.
The SWLRT project is reportedly more than 80% built, but it has been overwrought with delays and inflated costs. However, if the BLE is delayed for two years, the $3.2 billion budget would increase another $200 million, according to Met Council government affairs director Judd Schetnan. On Wednesday, director Schetnan testified with others that the BLE “is an important cog in the build-out of the metro area’s transit system.” He also pointed out that funding from the state “plays a minor role in building the Blue Line extension.” The main sources of funding for the BLE are Hennepin County and the federal government. Rep. Robbins has said her constituents are frustrated the county would take on the project when it does not serve Maple Grove.
