ST. PAUL, Minn. — A proposed audit of the most expensive public works project in Minnesota history — a light-rail extension that could end up $750 million over budget and four years late — is in the hands of the state Senate after being approved by the state House of Representatives last week.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the bill, authorizing the Legislative Auditor’s office to review the troubled 14.5-mile Southwest Extension of the light rail Green Line, passed the House by a 129-1 margin. Rep. Erik Mortensen (R-Shakopee) cast the only no vote.
A companion bill passed the Senate Finance committee the same day.
The House vote, which provides $200,000 to fund the audit, came after unsuccessful efforts by some Republican legislators to amend the bill to pause the project or kill it outright.
The bill proposing the audit was introduced with bipartisan support in January after the Metropolitan Council, the regional governing body overseeing the Metro Transit agency, said the cost of the project had rising from $2 billion to as much as $2.75 billion in a year, and now is expected to be completed in 2027 rather than 2023 [see “Legislators want investigation …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 28, 2022].
A lot more obstacles & different terrain with this route than the blue & green lines. There is the RR retaining wall BNSF demanded to separate the right of way, a tunnel, a park creek to cross & wealthy neighbors. Light rail has to appease everyone unlike highways which just bulldoze homes & businesses no questions asked.
Are the cost increases attributable to the NIMBY’s? Or poor planning? Or BOTH.]?