WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsNorthstar proposal leads to lawmaker posturing
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Associated Press - May 16, 2009 3:54 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AP) - The long-awaited Northstar commuter rail line could get a boost from a pending federal transportation package, but it's causing squabbling among Minnesota members of Congress.
Democratic Rep. Jim Oberstar chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. On Friday he submitted $112.6 million in Minnesota projects, but didn't include a proposal that would extend the Northstar project.
Oberstar has been the program's leading champion, but says he'll support its funding request when Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann does.
Her district includes much of the rail line, but she has been an outspoken critic against earmark spending.
The rail line is slated to run from Minneapolis to Big Lake. Backers want it extended 30 miles to St. Cloud.
Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com
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