Proposing New Funding Option for SWLRT

Governor Mark Dayton convened a public meeting Thursday, August 25, with the goal of securing public support of state and local contributions to the $1.8 billion dollar Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project. According to the administration, the funding gap that remains totals $144.5 million dollars, including $135 million dollars in state funding and an additional $9.5 million in local support. The failure of legislative leaders to reach an agreement on state funding compelled Governor Dayton's administration to seek funding alternatives to funding the transit expansion despite opposition from GOP leaders.

The administration presented the public with two alternatives for Southwest Light Rail: Option 1 would fill the $144.5 million dollar gap with funding through the Metropolitan Council's issuance of Certificates of Participation (COP) totaling $103.5 million dollars; plus secure $20.5 million dollars in funding from both the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority (HCRRA) and the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB). Option 2 would shut down the project.

Following the meeting, Governor Dayton spoke with the media and vowed to seek support from the local government entities that would help support the project. Key GOP lawmakers also addressed the media, voicing their strong opposition to the light rail project.