ST. PAUL, Minn. — The problem-plagued Southwest extension of the Twin Cities’ light rail Green Line is short $500 million in funding, according to a review of the project from the state’s nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor, and it is unclear where that money will come from.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the money represents almost 20% of the total cost of the 14.5-mile Southwest LRT project, which has doubled to at least $2.7 billion over a decade and is now projected to open in 2027, nine years later than originally planned.
Part of the cost overruns reflect the fact that two elements of the project were not included in the original bid package: a station in Eden Prairie and a $93 million crash wall required by BNSF Railway to separate its trains from the light rail line [see “Digest: New MBTA subway cars …,” Trains News Wire, March 24, 2021]. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Council, which oversees light rail operator Metro Transit, said the crash wall was not included because it was still under environmental review, but Rep. Frank Hornstein called the omission of that element “a huge red flag.” Hornstein was one of the legislators who pushed for the audit of the project [see “Minnesota Senate approves audit …,” News Wire, March 15, 2022].
Hennepin County, which has provided $1 billion for the project, told auditors it would be “challenging” to provide more funding. Metropolitan Council spokeswoman Terri Dresen said the body is “working with our project partners to finalize a long-term funding source.” The state is legally blocked from providing more funds.
The report from the legislative auditor’s office outlines the facts of the project; its recommendations are expected next year.
I guess its time to tell Eden Prairie to cough up or step off. No dough, no go.
If they resist, then give them an economy platform with no shelter or bathrooms and a handicap ramp and call it a day.
Whatever else one can say, it’s notable that the Minnesota state legislature has, at least for now, put a cap on state contribution. Hennepin County has sort of drawn a line in the sand. What happens next, who knows.
I always think of light rail as transit on the cheap. Except that these days, nothing is cheap.
I looked up the cost of the 1950’s half-baked conversion of a seven mile long Boston and Albany branch line to light rail, what now is the MBTA Green Line D-Riverside train. Cost under $10 Million, which in those days was real money. At today’s cost structure, and more important, designed to today’s standards, it would cost a billion or two.