Light rail projects face funding questions with Trump administration
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The Green Line project under construction in Minneapolis in 2023. Photo: Nick Halter/Axios
The Green Line extension to the southwest metro, already nearly $1 billion over budget, now faces another question: Will the federal government send the remaining $234 million it awarded the project in 2020?
Why it matters: After many delays and cost increases, the multibillion dollar, 14.5-mile project is more than 80% complete and supposed to begin service in 2027. But President Trump's attempt to halt federal grants raises questions about the final phases.
The latest: "We are carefully reviewing all of the executive orders to fully understand the impact it could have not only on services we provide, but existing regional development programs and partnerships," Met Council spokesperson Laura Baenen said in a statement. "It will take time to gain full clarity and legal authority associated with each executive order."
Catch up quick: The project, expected to cost $2 billion at the time of groundbreaking, was awarded a $929 million federal grant during Trump's first term. The Met Council has received $695 million of that so far.
- The project cost has ballooned to nearly $3 billion, with Hennepin County taxpayers having to make up for a big chunk of the shortfall. The county is funding $1.28 billion — or 45% — of the total project cost.
What they're saying: Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, told Axios Trump's attempt to freeze federal spending is "disgusting and outrageous."
- Stopping the remaining funding "would be a violation of a contract," he said.
Of note: When asked how much money the Met Council has in reserves in the event the remaining federal funds are withheld, Baenen said "We are not going to speculate on what has not happened."
- U.S. DOT did not respond to a request for comment.
What we're watching: What happens to Trump's grants freeze, which was halted by a federal judge.
Blue Line is next debate
Trump, and his new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have also left local officials wondering about funding for the planned Blue Line extension from downtown Minneapolis to the northwest suburbs.
State of play: Minnesota Republicans are already trying to sink the project, which has come under more scrutiny following delays and cost overruns on the Green Line, as well as a scathing auditor's report about the Met Council's management of the work.
The latest: A Republican-backed bill to pause the Blue Line extension until the Green Line project is complete fell just short of passage on Monday, though it could be revived as part of end-of-session budget talks.
What we're hearing: The bill's chief author, Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove), told Axios that she'd support Duffy and the DOT cutting off funding for that project, which could cost north of $3 billion.
- "The situation on the ground has changed so dramatically, and we shouldn't just keep throwing taxpayer money at light rail," Robbins said of the broader decline in demand from downtown commuters.
- She wants lawmakers to explore serving the corridor via bus rapid transit lines instead.
The other side: Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston testified that 20% of Hennepin County households without a car live within one mile of what would be the Blue Line extension.
Torey Van Oot contributed reporting.