MINNEAPOLIS – The Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit project has achieved a critical milestone with federal environmental approval, clearing the way for final design and construction while setting a new standard for supporting communities and businesses impacted by construction.
The Federal Transit Administration signed the Amended Record of Decision for the Blue Line Extension’s Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS), concluding years of comprehensive environmental review and community engagement.
This federal action also allows for the project to include groundbreaking measures to support residents and businesses before, during, and after construction of the line:
- $5 Million Business Support Program: Construction-impacted businesses will be eligible for up to $30,000 each in rent assistance, helping maintain economic stability during the multi-year construction period.
- $5 Million Community Investment Fund: This program will provide funding to community-serving organizations for things like rent and housing cost assistance, specifically designed to help existing residents remain in their neighborhoods.
“This is the first time this type of support for residents and businesses impacted by construction has been included in a major project in Minnesota,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando. “The Blue Line Extension will connect thousands of people to new opportunities to work, go to school, and access healthcare. It is a generational investment in communities where many people rely on transit to get where they need to go every day.”
“Light rail projects, more than any other mode of transit, generate significant economic and community investment. This project will unlock long-overdue investment in some of our state’s most vibrant communities. The strategies included in this project’s environmental documents will help make sure this investment benefits the people there today and the generations that will follow,” Fernando said.
Additionally, the environmental documents outline strategies to address other environmental, economic, and social impacts and opportunities of the Blue Line Extension, including things like noise and vibration, parking, property impacts, and more.
"This milestone represents a significant investment in our region's future," said Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle. "It brings us closer to advancing our regional transit vision to create jobs, improve mobility, and strengthen communities."
A public engagement process will launch this fall to inform the development and design of these community support programs, ensuring maximum benefit for residents and businesses once a Full Funding Grant Agreement is awarded.
The Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County continue to work closely with federal partners to advance the project toward construction while maintaining a community-focused approach.
About the METRO Blue Line Extension
The METRO Blue Line Extension is a proposed 13.4-mile light rail line that will connect downtown Minneapolis to the communities of North Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park. This transit project will provide enhanced connectivity and improved transportation options for residents and visitors throughout the northwest metro corridor.
For the latest information on community meetings, outreach efforts, and to stay informed about upcoming Blue Line Extension project announcements, please visit BlueLineExt.org.