Rep. Angie Craig Celebrates Federal Transit Administration’s Investment in Orange Line

Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig commended the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) investment in the construction of Metro Transit's Orange Line bus rapid transit project. The FTA announced last week that they would grant $74 million to help finalize the project, which includes a 17-mile highway bus line connecting South Minneapolis with Burnsville, Richfield, and Bloomington.

Funding for the Orange Line bus rapid transit project is provided through FTA's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, which provides funding for major transit projects nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds. Service is expected to begin in 2021.

"Folks across my district have voiced the need for increased access to public transit," said Rep. Craig. "The development of the Orange Line is a huge step forward in connecting my constituents to the metro area. I'm glad to see the federal government prioritize bus rapid transit services to serve our growing communities."

"The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the federal funding of $74 million for the Orange Line. This investment is critical for expanded transit services in Dakota County," said Maureen Scallen Failor, President of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. "When investments such as this take place in our communities our businesses and stakeholders are able to grow, attract and retain employees. We need to continue these investments in Dakota County and throughout the metropolitan area and greater Minnesota."

"The Orange Line is extremely important to Burnsville and our neighboring communities, and we are so excited to see the project move forward," said Elizabeth Kautz, Mayor of Burnsville. "Enhanced mobility, ease of travel, and more frequent service to and from downtown is necessary to spur economic growth south of the river. The Orange Line will not only make it easier and more convenient to bring employees and visitors into our communities, but it will also augment the excellent express service already provided by our partners at the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority to downtown Minneapolis."

"Our regional prosperity depends on advancing our transit system," said Nora Slawik, Chair of the Metropolitan Council. "Transit improves mobility, provides opportunities, and increases our economic competitiveness. Projects like the Orange Line not only connect Minnesotans to jobs, but also create them. Thank you to the FTA for their continued partnership and commitment to advancing more efficient, cleaner transportation options in our region."

"We are thrilled to have the Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit coming to Burnsville, it will provide a great connection for people who want to live, work, learn, shop and play in our community," said Jennifer Harmening, President of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce. "Burnsville has over 2,000 businesses with job opportunities in any field you can imagine, and now people will have a new way to connect to those jobs and all that our community has to offer!"

In Congress, Rep. Craig serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where she advocates for robust, bipartisan investments in transportation projects that connect Minnesotans to their surrounding communities and grow local economies.