| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| February 1, 2002 | Shannon Robinson (651-296- 5989) |
ST. PAUL Rep. Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove) went before the House Transportation Finance committee on Wednesday to support the Governor's bonding recommendation to fund the Northwest Corridor Busway. Stanek has authored legislation that would include $50 million for the project in the House bonding bill.
The Northwest Corridor runs along Hennepin County Road 81, connecting downtown Minneapolis to the northwestern suburbs, including Brooklyn Park, Osseo, Maple Grove, and Rogers. According to Rep. Stanek, the addition of a busway in the Corridor would ease congestion on County Road 81, which handles suburban commuter traffic at a volume of 13,000 to 28,000 vehicles each day.
"The Northwest Corridor Busway presents a tremendous opportunity to link transportation improvements with economic development in our district," said Rep. Stanek. "But timing is essential. I am requesting bonding dollars for this project now so it can be combined with re- construction of County Road 81."
Significant cost savings are possible through integrating a busway with planned roadway improvements. Hennepin County is now undertaking a major redesign of County Road 81, and is committed to integrating a busway into its road improvement process. By combining these efforts, there is a significant potential cost savings for busway construction. At present, the project budget includes a commitment of $30 million from Hennepin County and local government entities.
Local communities are also actively supporting the development of a busway and roadway improvements. In May 2000, the Northwest Corridor Partnership was established by local communities and the private sector to promote transportation and economic development in the Corridor. "I've seen a very positive and effective collaboration between the local communities and private sector businesses in the Corridor," said Rep. Stanek. "So far, all six cities in the Corridor, as well as Hennepin County, have adopted resolutions supporting the Northwest Busway. It is definitely a high priority in this region."