Brooklyn Park Hosts Hearing on Blue Line Light Rail Extension

Local residents had the chance to weigh in on the future of the Blue Line Light Rail Extension project in Brooklyn Park on Tuesday, July 23.

Project officials hosted a public hearing at the Brooklyn Park Library to gather community feedback.

The hearing was part of ongoing work on a document called a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement. It’s a lengthy document that the federal government requires for some large construction projects that could affect the surrounding environment. 

In the document, project officials are considering the light rail’s benefits and negative impacts. 

Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene, left, and Metropolitan Council Member Reva Chamblis attend a hearing on the Blue Line Light Rail Extension at the Brooklyn Park Library.

Recent estimates place the costs for the rail line — which will run north from downtown Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park — were $2.2 billion before contingencies.

Comments gathered at the hearing, as well as online or in other formats, will influence future planning.

“The comments that we receive from community are really critical, because they represent people’s lived experiences,” said Kelcie Young, environmental manager for Metro Transit. “People who live and work in the corridor just know the best about how we should plan for the next steps of the project.”

Comments on the draft document are being accepted through Aug. 6.

For instructions on how to submit a comment, click here. 

See also: Blue Line Extension Project Reaches ‘Major Milestone’

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