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Yesterday, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) announced the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to recommend the commuter-rail project begin final design. The administration’s approval is required for NCDA to obtain federal funds.

NCDA still needs to complete federal environmental requirements. The FTA is expected to complete its environmental review and project evaluation during the next several weeks.

NCDA also needs to secure the final piece of state funding before it can obtain federal dollars. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has included $60 million for Northstar in his bonding recommendations, which now needs to be approved by the Minnesota legislature.

Last year, the state of Minnesota approved $37.5 million for the 40-mile commuter-rail line that would run between Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minn. The project also has received $44 million in local funds.