Gov Dayton “Appalled” at New Cost of Proposed Rail Project

St Paul, MN (KROC AM News) -  Governor Mark Dayton says he was “ shocked and appalled “ when he found out last Friday the estimated cost of the proposed Southwest Line Rail Transit project had skyrocketed to nearly $2 billion, almost $350 million higher than the previous figure.

 According to a statement from the governor -   “The continuing escalation of the costs to design and build this line raises serious questions about its viability and affordability. “

His statement says the full Board of the Metropolitan Council should quickly review other options for public transit to this region of the metro area.

Dayton also recommended the Metropolitan Council Board conduct an in depth evaluation of its staff to determine if it is capable to manage a project of this magnitude. Dayton says he will not recommend committing any more public money to the project until he is satisfied its cost can be justified and properly managed.