Northstar Commuter Rail Legislation

The Northstar Commuter Rail is subject to various 2025 legislation to either eliminate the public transportation service or to place performance measures on the system.  Staff have been aware of discussions in recent years regarding the performance of the commuter rail.  Discussions have included studies, with the most recent being a nearly complete study by MnDOT and public transportation options from the twin cities to Fargo/Moorehead area.  A Northstar Rail Corridor Post Pandemic Study was completed in 2023 and can be found at this webpage (Northstar Rail Post Pandemic Study).

Staff do not have all the information gathered, nor have we spoken to any lawmakers on the matter.  We recently became aware of the legislation due to two bills receiving a committee hearing in the House Transportation Finance and Policy committee on February 24, 2025.  HF269 would require a request to discontinue Northstar operations be submitted to the Federal Transportation Administration, with specific clause that the state will not reimburse any federal funds spent on Northstar.  This bill does have a senate companion bill, to which Ramsey's State Senator, Cal Bahr, is a co-author.  HF749 places performance measures on the Northstar operations, where if certain metrics are not met then operations are decommissioned.  This bill does not have a senate companion bill, though it was only introduced in the house on February 13th.

Staff is bringing this legislation to the attention of the City Council because we have a Northstar Rail stop adjacent to City Hall.  The city has invested money in infrastructure within the COR due to the rail stop.  This investment is projected to be paid back through TIF 14 proceeds or land sales.  Staff does use the rail stop as marketing material for developers.

Funding for the Northstar Rail has recently changed due to the implementation of the metro county sales tax.  Operations now come from the state's operating budget, similar to the Metro Mobility service we are trying to have extended to Ramsey.

Staff is seeking direction on whether the city should prepare a letter of support/opposition to the discontinuation of the Northstar Rail, should staff attend committee hearings to present the city's position of the Northstar Rail or anything else.

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Provide direction to staff on whether staff should monitor and be active in advocacy from the city on legislation related to the Northstar Commuter Rail.