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A majority of Minnesota residents support Northstar commuter rail and a proposal to provide more state funding for the project, according to a statewide survey.

Between Nov. 30 and Dec. 13, research firm Decision Resources Ltd. conducted a survey asking randomly selected residents about the state’s transportation system. The poll showed two-thirds of Minnesotans are in favor of constructing the 40-mile commuter-rail line between Minneapolis and Big Lake, and believe the state legislature should authorize the final $60 million in state funding needed for the project.

In addition, 68 percent of the respondents believe highway congestion has become worse during the past few years, 87 percent agreed additional transportation investments will be needed during the next 10 years to support economic growth and 54 percent said the state government is primarily responsible for improving area transportation.

Last year, the Minnesota legislature authorized $37.5 million in state bonds for Northstar. This year, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is seeking the remaining state bonds, which are necessary to begin construction. The remainder of the funding will be provided through federal and local dollars.