Updates on Infrastructure in Minneapolis

I noticed today that there are a few Minneapolis city infrastructure and service projects being talked about and planned.  I thought that I would list them here, because they are some important developments that will affect the quality of life here. These are in no particular order.

Water Filtration Upgrade to Be Canceled

In a move that would dampen water rate hikes in Minneapolis and seven suburbs, the city is moving to cancel a $90 million water filtration upgrade. A staff recommendation would end work on the planned Fridley ultrafiltration plant, originally budgeted at far less than the expected cost. The move was endorsed by a City Council committee on Tuesday. The cancellation would remove the biggest cost factor driving up city water rates, although they're still expected to rise. Minneapolis was poised to spend $18.5 million this year alone on the project.

Read more about this at the Star Tribune.

An Elevated High-Voltage Line Proposed Along Midtown Greenway

Xcel Energy is proposing to route a high-voltage power line along the border of the Midtown Greenway, crossing the recreational corridor four times, and is seeking public reaction to the plan today. The proposal to beef up Xcel's transmission capacity in the Lake Street corridor has kicked up concerns among those who question the need for the line and worry about possible health effects and the visual impact. But the utility said it needs to offer more reliable service in the area, which has redeveloped with denser housing and with once-vacant businesses now occupied. Xcel is proposing an aerial line, which is cheaper but runs counter to the sentiment of area council members that the line should be buried. They prefer a route under E. 28th Street if the line goes ahead.

Read more about this story here, also at the Star Tribune.

MPR to Collaborate with the Met Council on the Central Corridor Light Rail Line

Though MPR released an ultimatum on the light rail line not too long ago…

In what could be more of a cease-fire than a peace treaty, Minnesota Public Radio and the Central Corridor light-rail line have agreed to work together on reducing the noise and vibrations that will come from trains on Cedar Street in downtown St. Paul. After a meeting called Wednesday morning by St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, MPR pledged to collaborate with Metropolitan Council engineers, who say that when the line opens in 2014, the media company's headquarters will actually experience less vibration than it does now.

Read more about it at the Star Tribune.

East Metro Transit Routes Eyed for Future Development

With all the construction that has been happening in the west and south, the Eastern Metro residents who have to commute have been wondering…

But what about us? The public asked that question after seeing a metrowide transportation plan that included few options for east metro commuters. The Metropolitan Council, which sets the long-range vision for transportation needs, responded. On Wednesday, the council recommended that five east metro routes — including Interstate 94 East, Minnesota 36 and the Red Rock Corridor — be studied for future light-rail, busway, bus rapid transit or commuter-rail development. After release of an earlier draft of the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, some Washington County officials were vocal about the need to take another look at east metro growth and transportation needs, and the council's recognition of that need came as a relief.

There you have it:  Important community information that you might not have heard.  How these develop will be important for the future of the Twin Cities.

 

Until next time!