Hennepin County approves Central Corridor deal with U

Hennepin County officials signed off on an agreement Tuesday with the University of Minnesota which resolves a dispute over construction of the Central Corridor light rail line.

The university had sued the Metropolitan Council over concerns that the project might disrupt sensitive equipment located along the planned route.

Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said the agreement clears the way for planners to receive funds from the Federal Transit Administration.

"The agreement will allow the project to come in on budget. This is not going to be a budget-busting agreement, it's within the budget for the project that was established," he said. "I think it's very positive. I think this is going to be a great asset within Hennepin County."

The Minneapolis City Council is also expected to approve the agreement next week. Two other lawsuits against the corridor planners are still pending, one from Minnesota Public Radio and a civil rights suit.

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