Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joined members of the METRO Blue Line Extension Light Rail Project's Corridor Management Committee (CMC) today to discuss the ongoing development of the project. This marks the first time a sitting Minnesota governor has attended a CMC meeting.
Governor Walz reiterated his support for light rail transit and this project: “Our opportunity with the Blue Line Extension allows us to address equity, economic development, sustainable transportation, and affordable housing choices that will make a difference in our communities and for our neighbors. With that in mind, it is time for this project to begin writing its next chapter. It is too important for the people served by this line to wait any longer.”
Together with its project partners — Hennepin County, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, and Minneapolis — the Metropolitan Council will begin assessing potential alignments for the Blue Line Extension in early 2021 with an eye toward equity, economic development, and affordable housing choices.
“The Blue Line Extension is an important piece of this region's transit network," Chair Charles Zelle. “This is a line that will serve chronically underserved communities and transform neighborhoods. It is because of these benefits we can no longer delay this project. I am in total agreement with the governor and look forward to seeing this project to fruition.”
The Corridor Management Committee advises the Metropolitan Council on issues related to the design and construction of the METRO Blue Line Extension Project.
More information on the Blue Line Extension Project