But the political squabbles marking the Hiawatha light rail line development will likely prove as a good a cadence for commuter rail than the sound of clicking tracks. While some lawmakers warmly embrace the multimodal initiative, others remain highly skeptical and the House will again likely prove the epicenter of debate. But with House and Senate leaders showing at least lukewarm support and Gov. Jesse Ventura proving a stout defender of light rail development, a small bet might be wagered that funding will be found for the Northstar commuter rail line. Certainly there ll be fireworks.
Nothing is assured.
Carried legislation Rep. Jim Abeler, R, Anoka, carried the Northstar funding legislation last session and believes a metro-wide commuter rail system should be developed. I wouldn t give it a 50-50 chance, said Abeler, speaking earlier in the month. Abeler said he believes commuter rail must overcome the stigma that rail transit now carries for some lawmakers resulting from the increased costs and scaled-backed development of the Hiawatha light rail line. But Abeler also said that gaining supporters for commuter rail funding will be tougher among Republicans than DFLers. Rep. Bruce Anderson, R, Buffalo, said one thing that bothers him about commuter rail transit is that he doesn t see a break-even point that he can see in highway investments.