Chair Koznick and Impacted Communities Oppose Blue Line Extension

*Project to cost over $3.5 billion and bifurcate North Minneapolis*

ST. PAUL, MN —This Wednesday, Chair Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville) and the Transportation Committee will host a press conference with members of communities that will be upended by the proposed Blue Line Extension light rail train project.

“The Blue Line Extension, estimated to cost over $3.5 billion to build, could be the most expensive public works project in state history and should be scrapped for rapid bus options. The Blue Line Extension is a project that Hennepin County cannot afford, that lacks federal funding, and that business operators and residents do not want. The operating cost of the Blue Line rail is estimated to be $50 million a year. We should listen to these community and minority-owned businesses who have valid concerns and support better bus options instead of another boondoggle train project.

For 10-15% of the cost of light rail, we can open and operate bus routes in these communities that are tailored to the specific ridership needs of the area, without disrupting economically vulnerable businesses in North Minneapolis.

When you think of the things that Hennepin County should be focusing and spending money on, new rail lines are not a wise use of funds. With property taxes surging across Hennepin County, we need to be more responsible stewards of public dollars and prioritize critical infrastructure, such as saving HCMC, which is projected to run a $1 billion deficit over the next decade.”

The press conference will include personal testimony from residents and West Broadway business owners who support rapid bus operations and do not want a rail line dividing their communities.

Chair Koznick hosted a listening session last December in North Minneapolis and has two bills (HF3507 and HF3441) on the Blue Line Extension scheduled for a hearing at 1:00 p.m. in the Transportation Committee on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.