St. Paul transit improvements may finally be getting some traction. The long-awaited dream of returning transit to St. Paul's Union Depot, which sits at the core of the Lowertown neighborhood, and numerous riverfront development opportunities, seems to be just around the corner. Some good news, and some bad from the last few weeks:
T H E G O O D :
- NORTHSTAR MAY FINALLY BE FUNDED. The Republican-controlled Minnesota House, spurred by electoral losses that seemed to be related to underfunding public transit, approved funding for the Northstar Commuter Rail Line. Northstar serves Minneapolis, but it paves the way for other projects (see below). The House had not approved the Northstar funding before, yet still only approved $10 million of the required $37.5 million needed to leverage $132 million in federal funds for the train line. It is thought that the full amount will be secured in conferencce committee, with the Governor and Senate supporting the full amount (http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/10966047.htm, and http://www.northstartrain.org for more info)
- NEXT UP: CENTRAL CORRIDOR TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS. While Northstar will not directly serve St. Paul, but its approval paves the way for the next several major transit projects. In particular, the House provided $1 million to study the Central Corridor along University between the downtowns. $5.25 million in bonding money is needed to move forward at a dedicated pace. (http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:vAwJ2ZRm6wwJ:www.twincities.com/ mld/twincities/2005/02/06/news/editorial/10820956.htm+site: www.twincities.com+hl=en)
- ON DECK: RED ROCK AND RUSH LINES. In addition, the Red Rock Line to Hastings, and Rush Line to Hinckley, all of which would serve Union Depot also received $500,000 in money for study (http://www.redrockrail.org, http://www.rushlinecorridor.com)
- THE POST OFFICE is continuing down the road of relocating many of their operations to Eagan, which allows trains to serve the old train concourse.
T H E B A D :
- BUSH'S BUDGET WOULD ELIMINATE TWIN CITIES AMTRAK SERVICE. President Bush's budget would eliminate most Amtrak service, including all service to the Twin Cities. An odd choice, given the faltering airline industry and security concerns. I would suggest we ST. PAULITES CALL SENATOR NORM COLEMAN, so that he takes a real leadership role on the issue in the Senate. As Mayor, he knew how important Amtrak service is to the future of St. Paul and downtown. Let's not let him forget... Coleman's St. Paul office is at 651-645-0323.
Bob Spaulding ...from an affordable Downtown neighborhood
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