The year 2004 brought both challenges and rewards, with the Hiawatha light-rail project leading on both counts.

This important regional project is the result of intense debate, two million hours of construction labor, a major public investment and just plain hard work by a host of partners. They include Minneapolis and Bloomington, Hennepin County, Congress, the State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metro Council.

But a quarter century of determined planning is paying off. The rail line is enjoying overwhelming public enthusiasm with ridership exceeding all projections and expectations. It has been my pleasure to preside over the launch of light-rail transit in the Twin Cities region.

Adoption of the 2030 Regional Development Framework this year didn’t generate the same amount of attention, but it is no less significant.

The Framework will guide future growth in the region, projected at nearly a million more people between 2000 and 2030. As I see it, there are few things we will do as a Council that are more important than adopting a plan that guides the growth of the region in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Other milestones include:

• Adoption of the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, including policies and strategies designed to slow growth in congestion and improve mobility.
• $2.5 million in Council funding for the Northstar commuter rail project from Minneapolis to Big Lake—one of the most congested corridors in the state. The funds helped leverage additional federal matching grants.
• Completion of new incinerators at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce emissions, including mercury emissions, and odors.
• Numerous grants that benefit communities and the region, including grants that helped establish the new 880-acre Doyle Kennefick regional park in Scott County.
• An internal audit that achieved nearly $1 million in savings for the Council, including more than $500,000 in excessive overhead charges from Hiawatha LRT contractors.

Finally, transit ridership is rebounding nicely despite a very difficult bus strike. We also achieved a favorable state Supreme Court ruling that upheld Council authority to plan for a better region and brighter future.

The rewards have been great and it is with hope and gratitude that I look forward to 2005.

Peter Bell

December 2004