Pioneer Press Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:14:52 -0700
St. Paul / Light-rail cash tops bonding wish list
Ramsey County wants the trains to return to downtown's Union Depot. The James J. Hill House needs some tuck-pointing. And county officials dream of a new snow-making system at Battle Creek Regional Park. Ramsey County wants the trains to return to downtown's Union Depot. The James J. Hill House needs some tuck-pointing. And county officials dream of a new snow-making system at Battle Creek Regional Park. A host of local agencies want the state to provide at least $83 million to revive St. Paul's parks, attractions, colleges, transit corridors and historical sites. Throw in Metropolitan Council's $140 million request to help pay for the proposed Central Corridor light-rail transit line, and St. Paul's wish list totals $223 million. ...complete planning and construction of the light-rail train line along University Avenue. In the most recent session, the Legislature appropriated $40 million toward the almost $1 billion project, but Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed the entire $334 million public works bill. Still, the fact that the light-rail request made it into the bill gives Hausman hope. "In years past, it's been political, but I think there's been a sea change," Hausman said. "People now get it. The Central Corridor is the piece that makes the whole regional transportation system work. It's no more a St. Paul project than Interstate 94." St. Paul's City Hall is asking for about $51 million for Como Zoo, a new baseball and soccer complex, riverfront improvements and a new Asian-American cultural center. The $11 million Como request is the city's No. 1 legislative priority. It would help fund modern, roomier spaces for the gorillas and polar bears. The Legislature has already granted about $9 million for the polar bear exhibit, which will begin construction next spring.
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