The Metropolitan Council's decision to pause funding that would expand the Twin Cities light-rail network barely lasted three weeks, and two projects — extensions of the existing Blue and Green lines — are forging ahead.
On Wednesday, the Met Council approved a $75 million grant to jump-start the Blue Line light-rail extension between downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park.
The council also approved a resolution to close a shortfall of up to $340 million in the $2.7 billion Southwest light-rail line's budget. Under the pact, Hennepin County would pay 55% up to $190 million, with the council covering the rest, using federal funds up to $150 million.
There was little comment from supporters of either line Wednesday.
Council Member Deb Barber, who pushed for more transparency on the Southwest deal, supported the cash infusion for the Blue Line extension, despite having some concerns about post-pandemic ridership and the ability of the council to juggle two megaprojects at once.
"We needed more information to make sound decisions," she said. "Our goal with this step is to answer the questions we keep getting [from the public]."
The Southwest line, which is about 75% complete, is expected to link downtown Minneapolis with Eden Prairie beginning in 2027. The project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, as well as an ongoing probe by the state's Office of the Legislative Auditor.