Minneapolis’ Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has been approved by the Twin Cities’ Metropolitan Council.
The authority is now cleared to submit proposals for the 26-kilometre extension of the METRO Green Line to the federal government for final approval.
The Metropolitan Council wants to extend the line from Downtown Minneapolis through St Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka to Eden Prairie, adding 17 new stations to the existing line.
Federal funding will make up around half of the project’s $1.65 billion cost, with the rest raised by local and state authorities.
Council chairman Susan Haigh said: “The Southwest light rail line, which will serve one of the most jobs-rich corridors in the state, will be a key addition to our regional economy when it opens.”
