Rep. Jim Knoblach (R- St. Cloud)
A key state lawmaker is proposing Northstar commuter rail service be extended to Saint Cloud. It currently runs from Minneapolis to Big Lake. Saint Cloud Republican Jim Knoblach proposes that to keep the state’s costs essentially the same, there would be one fewer round trip per day between the Twin Cities and Saint Cloud. Knoblach responds the state might actually save money, because the line would collect fares in Saint Cloud that it currently does not receive. But Dayton administration officials say it’s unlikely BNSF railway would allow the state to operate on its track at no additional cost. MN-DOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle says “any proposal to extend Northstar will take real funding solutions.” Governor Mark Dayton supports extending Northstar service to Saint Cloud.