Politics & Government

Business Leaders Push I-94 Transit Improvements

The number of people living near Interstate 94 is projected to increase 30 percent by 2030.

Area business leaders were in Woodbury last week to go over the latest transit alternatives for the Gateway Corridor.

If the east metro wants to maintain a vibrant business climate, a strong transportation system will have to be part of it.

That was the message conveyed last week when nearly 80 business leaders—many from the Woodbury and St. Paul chambers of commerce—met at Globe University to explore the latest plans for the Gateway Corridor, the ribbon of Interstate 94 stretching from downtown Minneapolis to Eau Claire, Wis.

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For the St. Paul Chamber, improving transit options along the corridor is “an extreme high priority,” said Dan Scott, a member of the group’s board.

Woodbury Chamber member Greg Watson said the transportation system in the east metro must be improved if the area wants to attract and retain large employers.

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Much of the transit improvements in the Twin Cities—which have been accompanied by business growth—have taken place in the west and south, Watson said.

“We want that kind of vibrancy coming east,” he said. “If we don’t do the heavy lifting now, by the time we need to make that move, we’ll never make it.”

Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik opened the Feb. 3 presentation by noting that the area is “one of the most congested corridors” in the region and population and business growth along the interstate isn’t likely to slow.

There are no plans to expand the freeway in the works at this point, said Weik, who added that improved transit in the area is essential to the area’s economic vitality, in addition to improving safety and mobility for residents.

Project manager Andy Gitzlaff outlined the latest options for the corridor, which range from commuter rail to buses with their own lanes to express buses from the downtowns to Woodbury. Check out the full list of alternatives on the Gateway Corridor website.

A study of the transit options is nearing completion; the results are set to be announced this spring. A preferred alternative would be announced this summer. The Gateway Corridor Commission is looking for 50 percent of the funding to come from the federal government.

There are 300,000 people living within a few miles of either side of Interstate 94, Gitzlaff said, and that number is expected to balloon 30 percent by 2030. Gateway Corridor officials hope to begin work on some option by 2018 with it up and running by 2021.


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