Chair Jon Koznick and the Transportation Committee announced on March 24 that they will hold a press conference with members of communities affected by the proposed Blue Line Extension light rail train project.
The announcement comes as concerns grow over the project’s estimated cost of more than $3.5 billion and its potential impact on North Minneapolis. The issue matters because it involves significant public spending, community disruption, and questions about transit priorities for Hennepin County.
Koznick said, “The Blue Line Extension, estimated to cost over $3.5 billion to build, could be the most expensive public works project in state history and should be scrapped for rapid bus options. The Blue Line Extension is a project that Hennepin County cannot afford, that lacks federal funding, and that business operators and residents do not want. The operating cost of the Blue Line rail is estimated to be $50 million a year. We should listen to these community and minority-owned businesses who have valid concerns and support better bus options instead of another boondoggle train project.” He added that “for 10-15% of the cost of light rail, we can open and operate bus routes in these communities that are tailored to the specific ridership needs of the area, without disrupting economically vulnerable businesses in North Minneapolis.” Koznick also said, “When you think of the things that Hennepin County should be focusing and spending money on, new rail lines are not a wise use of funds. With property taxes surging across Hennepin County, we need to be more responsible stewards of public dollars and prioritize critical infrastructure, such as saving HCMC, which is projected to run a $1 billion deficit over the next decade.”
According to Koznick’s office, personal testimony from residents and West Broadway business owners who support rapid bus operations will be featured at the press conference.
Koznick previously hosted a listening session last December in North Minneapolis regarding this issue. Two bills related to the Blue Line Extension (HF3507 and HF3441) are scheduled for hearings at 1:00 p.m. in the Transportation Committee on Wednesday.
