Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
The Federal Transit Administration recommended funding for the City of Rochester Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the METRO Gold Line BRT
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Federal Transit Administration has recommended funding for two Minnesota transit projects in its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Capital Investment Grants (CIG) report released today. The report recommends $56.1 million for City of Rochester Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and $100 million for the METRO Gold Line BRT in St. Paul, MN.
“Investing in public transit creates jobs, reduces traffic, and ensures Minnesotans are able to travel to school, work, and other destinations safely,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The Federal Transit Administration’s recommendations include critical grants for our state’s transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Washington to continue pushing for funding to improve transportation across Minnesota.”
“We need to create an economy that works for everyone, and connect people with opportunities all across the state,” said Senator Smith. “These projects will help us achieve that goal by providing important transportation options for Minnesotans in Rochester and the metro area. What’s more, these investments will support many jobs during construction.”
The City of Rochester BRT is a critical 2.6 mile transit project that will connect downtown Rochester, the Mayo Civic Center, Mayo Clinic campuses, and the Rochester-Olmsted Government Center. The corridor is one of the most heavily-used corridors in the City of Rochester, carrying more than 21,800 vehicles and 13,000 transit riders each day. This project would significantly reduce congestion; connect people to jobs, health care, education, and recreation; and support economic development in the region.
The Metro Gold Line BRT would run 10 miles from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury, Minnesota, supporting thousands of commuters, students, and workers. The funding would go toward increased transit service and enhanced stations, improving accessibility in the region.
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