01-077 RESRESOLUTION 01- 7 7
City of Elk River
Resolution of Support for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project
Whereas, the City of Elk River is a member of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority,
established by Joint Powers Agreement in 1997; and
Whereas, demographic projections indicate that growth patterns and traffic congestion in both
the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the Northstar Corridor will increase dramatically in the
next 20 years; and
Whereas, the City of Elk River supports Northstar commuter rail from Minneapolis to the St.
Cloud/Rice area to help relieve pressure on an overburdened state highway system; and
Whereas, the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project, when completed, will provide greater
access to and from the City of Elk River, allowing our residents to commute to and from jobs
reliably and safely, and to allow our residents and non-residents throughout the corridor area to
commute to and from jobs in Elk River; and
Whereas, Northstar Corridor commuter rail will provide a viable transportation alternative for
Elk River senior citizens on fixed incomes, students and those with disabilities; and
Whereas, the Hiawatha and bus connections will allow Elk River residents access to other parts
of the Twin Cities, such as the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Mall of America, and
the University of Minnesota; and
Whereas, City of Elk River has endorsed the proposed station location by its approval of the
Advanced Corridor Plan; and
Whereas, the commuter rail station will provide the City of Elk River with a focal point for
transit oriented development and the opportunity to contain urban sprawl; and
Whereas, the City of Elk River's ongoing support for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project has
been demonstrated by its active involvement in the Northstar Corridor Development Authority
since 1997;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City of Elk River hereby reaffirms its support for the
Northstar Commuter Rail Project;
Now, therefore, be it further resolved, that the City of Elk River requests that the Minnesota
Legislature authorize $120 million in state bonds to provide a match for the Northstar Corridor
Commuter Rail Project.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River, Minnesota, this 19th day
of November 2001.
Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor
ATTEST
Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk