Rochester Seeking Federal Funds For Planned Transit Project
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Planners of a proposed transit program for Rochester are now waiting to hear if they will receive a huge contribution to help pay for the project.
The city has submitted an application with the Federal Transit Administration for a grant that would cover 49-percent of the estimated $114-million cost of the rapid transit project.
The project consists of a 2.6-mile high-capacity, high-amenity rapid transit line to begin operations in 2025. The line will run along 2nd Street with eight stops connecting Saint Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic’s Downtown Campus, Mayo Civic Center, University of Minnesota-Rochester, and the Government Center to established urban neighborhoods and a future 13-acre transit-oriented development referred to as the West Transit Village. The local share of project costs will be covered by state, county, city, and DMC funds.
The city says the next milestone is a project rating from the FTA, expected next spring. A spokesman says projects rated medium or better will advance in the process and that “Our estimated overall rating is a medium-high.”
The city says planning work will continue as the grant application is being reviewed:
“The architecture and design of the rapid transit line is a years-long process with important decisions being made starting this fall. The public is encouraged to remain engaged. One such opportunity is to become a co-designer for the station planning. The city is seeking applications from community members interested in helping make decisions about the eight rapid transit stations. Co-designers will work with the project team to co-create the design for high-amenity Rochester rapid transit stations. Applicants should be connected and active in their community or aspire to be. No experience in planning, design, or art is required, though interest is preferred. Neighbors and transit riders who live, work, or regularly travel on 2nd Street in the project area are encouraged to apply.”
More information about the co-design process and how to complete the applications is available here.
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