Greetings:

University of Minnesota Legislative Network Update - September 2009


Central Corridor LRT Update

The Metropolitan Council, the governmental agency in charge of the project, in late June submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), detailing the potential impacts of the Central Corridor light rail transit (CCLRT) project along its proposed route.

While a strong advocate of public transit and supporter of the CCLRT project, the University has raised concerns about the use of Washington Avenue at grade since planning for the CCLRT began in 2001. The University has stated on numerous occasions that its fundamental objective is to identify effective solutions - based on sound science - that will move the project forward while protecting the University's public mission and resources from potentially serious degradation.

In late July, over 170 University supporters sent letters of concern to the FTA asking them to protect U research along the CCLRT proposed route. These letters, along with the University's own comment letter, became part of the FEIS that was reviewed by the FTA. On August 19, the FTA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the CCLRT project. The FTA made no significant modifications to the FEIS in the ROD, despite the University's and supporters' letters. The ROD constitutes the federal government's determination that the FEIS meets all the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and approves the environmental mitigations identified in the FEIS for the project, as submitted by the Met Council.

The University will continue to work with the CCLRT project staff and the project partners (Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Minneapolis, and St. Paul) to reach agreement on identifying scientifically proven solutions that will protect the large investment of tax dollars in the University's research infrastructure. However, the University will use all appropriate means to protect its research. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to update you.

Legislative Network at the State Fair

The Legislative Network will be at the U of M's State Fair booth this Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by the University's building on Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street through September 7 to meet experts and scholars in a wide range of fields.

Statewide Speakers Tour

The Alumni Association has begun its statewide speakers tour, featuring University of Minnesota physicians and researchers speaking on children's health issues and the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital, the largest and oldest children's hospital in the state of Minnesota.

Upcoming tour dates and locations include Willmar (9/2), Hopkins (9/10), Benson (9/15), Fairmont (9/21), St. Cloud (9/22), Fridley (9/30), St. Louis Park (10/5), and New Brighton/Mounds View (10/20). More dates will be announced later in the year.

Stories You May Have Missed

Thanks to our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter sites, the Legislative Network is able to share news as it happens with audiences everywhere. Here are some of the stories we have posted online since our last newsletter. If you like these stories, consider following us on these other sites, too.