Rep. Ellison Statement on Approval of Local Funding for Southwest Light Rail

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after Hennepin County officials, the Metropolitan Council, and the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) approved funding for the Southwest Light Rail (SWLRT).

"Securing funding for an ambitious and critical project like the Southwest Light Rail is never an easy task. It's even harder when Republicans in the legislature try to stand in the way. Thankfully, Governor Dayton recognized the importance of building a modern transit system. We need to give folks the option of leaving the car at home and reducing congestion. And yesterday, Hennepin County officials, the Metropolitan Council, and the Counties Transit Improvement Board stepped up -- above and beyond their expected contributions -- to fulfill the local funding commitments of the project. This will unlock nearly $1 billion in Federal investment that could otherwise have gone to another region. I thank all of these local officials. They are wonderful partners.

"Two years ago I had the honor of riding the first train to run between Minneapolis and St. Paul on the METRO Green Line. Now we're one step closer to linking the Twin Cities and the suburbs of Eden Praire, Minnetonka, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park. The Green Line extension will connect residents to economic opportunity, and it'll create thousands of construction jobs in the process.

"This is a huge accomplishment. And it's a testament to what federal, state, and local government can do when we work together."

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