$5.8 million OK'd to keep light rail on track

The Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority on Tuesday approved spending $5.8 million to help keep construction on the Central Corridor light-rail line going through the first part of next year.

The move was made without any guarantee of federal funding, but Central Corridor officials are confident the money will come through despite a major makeover in Congress after the recent election.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is expected to pay for half of the $957 million project, but a decision isn't likely until March.

The project, however, has several "letters of no prejudice," which must be issued by the FTA before local money can be spent without the federal funds. Project officials say the FTA has never reneged on funding after issuing the letters.

Tuesday's action means Ramsey County has spent $15.8 million of its $67 million share of the project cost without any federal commitment. Hennepin County, the state and the Counties Transit Improvement Board also contribute money.

The 11-mile line connecting the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis is expected to begin operating in 2014.

CHRIS HAVENS