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Hennepin County, Regional Railroad Authority approve Blue Line negotiation extension through June 30, 2027
Summary
The Hennepin County Board and the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority approved actions advancing the Blue Line Extension: the county supported the project on the consent agenda and the RRA approved a negotiation agreement with Met Council to extend the project date to June 30, 2027 with no increase to the not-to-exceed amount.
Hennepin County officials on June 11 signaled continued support for the Blue Line Extension and approved a Regional Railroad Authority negotiation agreement extending the project schedule to June 30, 2027 with no increase to the not-to-exceed (NTE) amount.
Chair Irene Fernando highlighted item 9Q on the county's consent agenda, thanking residents, workers and communities that have advanced the project and noting the corridor's strong transit reliance. "We're at 90% design," Fernando said, framing the extension as crucial for residents who rely on transit and for local economic development.
Commissioner Greene and others voiced support on the record for the project, emphasizing system-building and climate benefits of light rail. The county approved the consent block, which included item 9Q, by voice vote.
After adjourning the county board and convening as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, commissioners moved to approve a negotiation agreement with the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County for the Blue Line Extension that extends the agreement date to June 30, 2027 and specifies there will be no increase to the NTE. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
County leaders described broad municipal consent and continued design progress as reasons to maintain momentum. Commissioners said they would keep working with Met Council and corridor cities to finalize the project details and implementation steps.
The approvals on June 11 do not authorize new funding beyond the previously established NTE; they extend the negotiation and schedule parameters as the project completes final design and municipal consent processes.
