Met Council seeks input on transportation projects

With major transportation projects proposed that would have major effects on travel in and out of St. Paul, the lines are open at Metropolitan Council to receive public input.

The council is making one of its periodic amendments to its regional Transportation Policy Plan (TPP), says Met Council spokeswoman Bonnie Kollodge, and it wants to hear from the public.

“Whenever we make any amendments to [the TPP] or updates, we take public comment,” Kollodge says.

The revised document will include a Minnesota Department of Transportation plan to improve traffic flow and safety, and incorporate mass-transit improvements on I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The revised TPP will also include a proposal to extend light rail from Eden Prairie to the Target Center station in Minneapolis, where it would link up with the Central Corridor line.

The Met Council has scheduled a public hearing to gather public input on both projects for 5 p.m., April 12, at the council’s St. Paul offices, 390 N. Robert St.

The public comment period ends April 22. All comments will be reviewed by staff as the process moves forward.

Kollodge says that interested citizens can:

•Write the Regional Data Center at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101.

•E-mail the Regional Data Center at data.center@metc.state.mn.us.

•Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651-602-1500 (TTY 651-291-0904).

•Fax the Regional Data Center at 651-602-1464.

The full council will vote on the TPP amendments May 12.