Met Council Takes “Big Step,” Sends Blue Line Extension Project To Cities for Vote
In what’s described as a “big step” forward for the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project, the Metropolitan Council voted this week to send the estimated $3 billion project to cities along the route to decide whether to approve the line.
The process is called municipal consent. The Met Council vote on July 24 was 10-3.
The Blue Line Extension route would connect Target Field in Minneapolis to Robbinsdale and Crystal before ending by the Target campus in Brooklyn Park.
One of the dissenters, Judy Johnson, pointed out that cities are in a difficult spot with their vote because they aren’t allowed to switch the mode of transportation from light rail to bus rapid transit. Johnson represents District 1 on the Met Council, which includes Plymouth and Maple Grove.
“This is the area if a city feels this isn’t the right project for them, they’re really boxed in,” said Johnson.
Some elected officials in Robbinsdale and Crystal oppose the current route because it runs right down the middle of County Road 81, also known as Bottineau Boulevard.
Johnson said she has heard from constituents wondering why bus rapid transit isn’t being considered.
Municipal consent votes are expected to take place in the next couple months, which Johnson said she preferred to have happen after the fall elections.
‘We’re Stuck in This Process’
State law doesn’t permit cities along the planned route to vote to choose bus rapid transit, but instead must decide on the plans for the actual project.
Besides Johnson, Met Council members Susan Vento and Wendy Wulff also voted no.
“There is serious problems with this project in terms of cost versus ridership and property impacts that seem like the only way to solve them would be to look at BRT as a mode rather than LRT,” said Wulff.
A decision to reset would ultimately rest with Hennepin County, which has supported going with light rail.
Johnson said unless Hennepin County decides to change its mind, “we’re stuck in this process.”
Support for Light Rail
Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle pointed out in the 10-3 vote that he has also heard strong support for light rail and against using bus rapid transit.
“I’ve heard an equally and frankly stronger number of voices saying ‘no, this is the mode. And as an extension of a robust Blue Line, that this is actually an appropriate investment,'” said Zelle. “I’ve heard it all.”
Met Council member Reva Chamblis, who represents District 2 that includes Brooklyn Park and Osseo, also supported the project. She said light rail for this region has been looked at “for decades.”
Municipal consent votes are expected to occur between August and October.
The full Metropolitan Council discussion can be seen here.
Also See: Residents Crowd Robbinsdale Council Meeting To Protest Light Rail Route
