Northstar Advocates Concerned About Anoka County’s Support Of Phase 2

ST. CLOUD -- Some new members on the Anoka County Board of Commissioners has some Northstar Commuter Rail Line supporters concerned. There's fears that new commissioners won't continue Anoka County's financial support to extend the rail line to St. Cloud.

Sherburne County Commissioner and Northstar supporter Felix Schmiesing wants Anoka County to stay a partner and points to Stearns County's commitment to the rail line despite the rail line's design not passing through Stearns County.

Schmiesing says he believes Anoka County will continue supporting the extension after studying the plans.

Schmiesing admits they need to increase ridership before going after federal funding. In December, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority decided against going for federal funding until those ridership numbers can better sustain the extension.