Winkler Praises Dayton's Focus on Transit

Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-District 44B), announced that he supports Gov. Mark Dayton's decision to delegate $2 million to the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Transit project.

According to statement released Thursday, Dayton announced which projects would receive part of the $47.5 million in DEED bonding funding.

In a press release, Winkler said:

“I would like to thank Governor Dayton for recognizing that this region's economic competitiveness requires a modern, efficient transportation grid that includes mass transit. I would also like to thank the Twin West Chamber of Commerce, Greater Minneapolis Chamber and Greater St. Paul Chamber for supporting Southwest Corridor, and for making the clear statement that rail transit is good for business.

It's time for Republicans in the Legislature to listen to the business community and drop their anti-transit obstructionism and come together with Democrats and the business community to build important projects like Southwest Light Rail Transit.

It’s also time for Minnesota's political leaders to turn our attention away from high-priced, high-profile building projects that create construction jobs now, but will not deliver long-term prosperity. We need to focus on expanding innovation, improving education, and creating opportunity for all Minnesotans.”

The City of Golden Valley hasn't always been supportive of modern transportation. After months of debates and studies, in June, the proposed Bottineau Light Rail Transit. In a 3 to 2 vote, the Golden Valley City Council became the first city along the route to oppose it.

According to the Metropolitan Council, the Bottineau Light Rail Transit would connect to the Southwest Light Rail Transit.