In addition to what I said about trying to build up the sunk costs
so as to say "we can't stop now...", there is the legality of signing
the "full funding agreement" with the federal government.  Once that
is signed, the project must either be completed at all costs, no matter
what the overruns are, or the federal money must be paid back in full.
That's why there is such a rush to get the FFA signed.

Take a look at this link in Seattle, where the estimated costs of the lrt
are already 55% over the original estimate and rising.  See the articles
about calling for an audit and the citizens' oversight panel report.  As in
Minneapolis, the trolley is estimated to have less than a 1% impact on the
number of auto trips.  http://www.gt-wa.com/RTA


Bruce Gaarder
Highland Park  Saint Paul
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

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