Letter of Transmittal

Enclosed is my feasibility report, “Revisiting the extension of the Northstar Commuter Rail, 2014.” This report contains a review of the feasibility of extending the Northstar Commuter Rail to Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Presently, the Northstar Commuter rail extends forty-miles on BNSF owned tracks from Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minnesota. The current transportation system that connects people living in the Saint Cloud area to the Northstar Commuter Rail is through the Northstar Link bus service. The rail line opened in 2009, and cost 320 million dollars to complete. Federal and state governments along with regional rail authorities in Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Twins funded the project.

This report examines the opportunity Minnesota can obtain by creating a sustainable mode of transportation to Saint Cloud, Minnesota. In 2004, the project was shortened from 82 miles to 40 miles because funds to construct the rail did not meet the total cost needed. The extension of the Northstar Commuter Rail will connect the largest city in central Minnesota with the Metropolitan area. This project will connect people with jobs, and businesses with workers through a cost saving mode of transportation that promotes sustainability.

I hope this report will provide the information wanted to reevaluate the extension of the Northstar Commuter Rail to Saint Cloud, Minnesota. There are multiple steps that need to be completed in order for the extension of rail to become a reality. The most important step involves gaining the support of the people living in Minnesota. Next, the necessary funding needs to be approved to construct the extension of rail. Then, negotiations must be met with BNSF railway for the use of their tracks. Finally, Minnesota as whole must be committed to making this project a reality, and continue to show support for the extension of the Northstar Commuter Rail.

Thank you for your