Southwest Corridor light rail suit to go forward
A federal judge is allowing a lawsuit over the proposed Southwest Corridor light rail project to go forward.
The nonprofit Lakes and Parks Alliance of Minneapolis argues in the suit that appropriate environmental review hasn't been conducted on the route through the project's Kenilworth Corridor — a popular recreation area. They're asking that the court stop the Metropolitan Council from moving ahead on the project until those reviews are completed.
The Metropolitan Council tried to have the suit dismissed, arguing the Lakes and Parks Alliance of Minneapolis lacked standing and the federal court lacked jurisdiction.
But Judge John Tunheim ruled the group has a legitimate case against the Metropolitan Council.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The Lakes and Parks Alliance worries the tunnel added to the plans to win support from the city of Minneapolis will harm nearby lakes. It argues there should have been more in-depth analysis of the project's environmental impacts before the city approved it.
Tunheim cautioned the ruling doesn't mean the lawsuit will ultimately succeed. He'll hear arguments on the merits of the case Monday.
The suit represents the last major legal obstacle to the $1.65 billion dollar transit project — the most expensive one in state history.
While the case against the Met Council is still alive, Tunheim ruled the Federal Transit Administration, which was also named in the suit, is immune from the legal action.