The Orange Line will help connect the Twin Cities metro area, including the districts of Representatives Angie Craig (MN-2), Betty McCollum (MN-4), and Ilhan Omar (MN-5)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Representatives Angie Craig (MN-2), Betty McCollum (MN-4), and Ilhan Omar (MN-5) announced today that a major step has been taken to further construction of the METRO Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project. The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has sent the notice of the 10-day Congressional Review Period and they intend to sign the agreement allocating the $74,080,000 Capital Investment Grant to deliver the federal portion of the project. The Orange Line BRT will connect downtown Minneapolis with south Minneapolis and the cities of Richfield, Bloomington, and Burnsville.
“Today’s announcement that we can soon begin further construction of the Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit Project is a major victory for our state,” Klobuchar said. “Connecting the Twin Cities with this new rapid transit service will give residents more options to travel between work, school, and the area’s many businesses and cultural institutions. This project will spur additional investments in the region’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”
“This milestone for the Orange Line is the culmination of hard work in Minnesota—including Met Council, MnDOT, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, the cities of Bloomington, Burnsville, Lakeville, Minneapolis, and Richfield, as well as Dakota and Hennepin Counties—and I’m glad to see the federal government doing its part to support this project,” Smith said. “Modern transit systems like this BRT line are essential to keep Minnesota’s economy competitive and growing, while reducing traffic congestion and emissions.”
“A robust, multi-modal transportation system for the 21st century is necessary to keep the Twin Cities and Minnesota economically competitive. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for investments in transit to make our businesses stronger and communities more livable,” McCollum said.
“Folks across my district have voiced the need for increased access to public transit,” Craig said. “The development of the Orange Line is a huge step forward in connecting my constituents to the rest of the state, and I’m glad to see the federal government prioritize bus rapid transit services to serve our growing communities.”
“Investing in mass transit is critical to building a 21stcentury infrastructure system in Minnesota. By investing in transit, we can ensure people have access to good jobs and reduce our carbon emissions The Orange Line is a big part of that in Minnesota and I’m thrilled that it is moving forward,” Omar said.
This grant will further construction of the Orange Line BRT, a 17 mile highway bus rapid transit project that will feature frequent, all-day service in both directions, seven days a week. This project will provide the residents and businesses along the route with a reliable transit connection to job centers throughout the region. The project includes highway improvements and upgraded station amenities for transit users.
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