U of M making progress in negotiations over Central Corridor rail line

University of Minnesota officials said Friday that they're making progress in negotiations over a billion-dollar light rail line from St. Paul to Minneapolis.

The University is concerned the proposed Central Corridor rail line would disrupt sensitive laboratories in the heart of the university's Minneapolis campus. The university sued the Metropolitan Council over the issue.

Clyde Allen, chair of the University's board of regents, said both sides have come to an agreement on how to protect the laboratories. But Allen says the University still has concerns.

"We cannot have our laboratories at risk, for the stability and effectiveness of their work. And so performance standards are important, and meeting those performance standards are important," Allen said. "And that's an issue that's yet to be resolved. What happens when the light rail does not meet those performance standards?"

Allens said the university is in no hurry to make a final agreement on the rail line.

Minnesota Public Radio and a St. Paul community group have also sued over the proposed light rail project.

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