TO THE EDITOR:

Big Lake resident Bret Collier pointed out in error that Anoka County has been withholding funding for the Northstar Commuter line for years and wished Sherburne County do the same.  That is not correct. Anoka County in fact had just approved funding at their County Commissioners hearing on May 23rd. (3. Commissioner Schulte made motion approving a total payment in the amount of $1,957,796 for the 2023 Annual Operating Grant between Metro Transit and Anoka County for the Northstar Commuter Rail. Commissioner Reinert seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.) Given the reduced ridership and operation of the train their payment has gone down for the last three years but that is because of reduced service.

Dale Swanson

Big Lake, MN