Costs for Minnesota's Southwest Corridor Light Rail Line Creeping Up

"Hennepin County commissioners on Thursday authorized an additional $204 million for the Southwest Corridor light-rail project," reports Janet Moore.

"The funding infusion was required after Southwest’s budget recently surged to just over $2 billion due to the increased costs of labor, steel, fuel and other unanticipated cash outlays," adds Moore. The decision to increase the funding was made despite concerns about the cost increases.

"All told, Hennepin County is expected to contribute $801 million for Southwest, a portion of which will be paid with a half-cent transit sales tax. While the board approved the expenditure in theory on Thursday, members will consider funding the full amount after several key milestones are achieved this summer." One remaining question mark is $929 million in funding expected from the Federal Transit Administration.