FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said that the federal funding for both projects “will help create jobs and support communities as they recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
The line will connect riders along the route to major job centers, including downtown Minneapolis.
This is the first major renovation for the 25-year-old transit center, which was upgraded in 2004 when the METRO Blue Line opened.
The union’s president noted that although the most recent agreement was overwhelmingly rejected, he is optimistic an agreement will be reached before the deadline.
The bids were opened last month and represent the bulk of the construction work involved in building the tracks, road, bridges, trails, tunnels, stations, and other facilities needed for the 14.5-mile light rail line.
The Metropolitan Council, which operates the service, expects the number of rides will climb to 2.9 million by 2020, about double what it was in 2010.
The agency's statement comes after a plan was introduced in the state legislature to redirect the funds for the project to roads and bridges instead.
Metropolitan Council and St. Paul city officials reported in roughly two years of operation, there has been more than $4.2 billion in economic development along the Green Line, in addition to large investments on a future new rail line and extension.
The 20-page report prepared by the regional planning agency found that “fare evasion” is worse on the nearly year-old Green Line, which connects the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The opening of the 11-mile corridor is nearly six months earlier than required by the FTA, which is funding half the $957 million project.
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