Recent Board Resolutions - Summaries
Southwest Transitway - Support of LRT 3A Alignment
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) supports the continued progress and investments in developing high-quality, high-frequency transit service in our region. To serve the southwest communities of the metropolitan region, the MRCC supports a light rail transit line that serves Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Minneapolis – known as the Southwest Transitway.
In the fall of 2009, the three proposed route alignments will be evaluated and one alignment will be selected as the locally preferred alternative by the Southwest Policy Advisory Committee (SWPAC). The MRCC is a voting member on the SWPAC.
After reviewing the proposed route alignments being considered by the SWPAC, the Board of Directors for the MRCC reaffirms its support for the LRT 3A route as the locally preferred alternative for the following reasons:
• Aligns with federal Cost-Effectiveness Index guidelines
• Improves mobility with 28,000 – 30,000 trips generated daily
• Maintains lower capital and operating costs than 3C options
• Promotes multiple economic development projects
• Greater consistency with local transportation planning
Professional Sports Stadium - Minnesota Vikings
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) believes investments in Minnesota’s professional sports teams and facilities, entertainment venues and retail/commercial complexes are important economic development projects that add to the economy and quality of life. Understanding the Minnesota Vikings lease at the Metrodome is set to expire after the 2011 season, the MRCC believes finalizing of a new stadium facility plan and securing the appropriate financing is the critical next step to securing the Minnesota Vikings long-term future in Minnesota.
The MRCC supports the Minnesota Vikings and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission in their effort to advance a proposal to build a new professional sports stadium and urges both entities to create a plan that is cost-effective and beneficial to the community, while assuring the Minnesota Vikings remain in the region.
For questions or concerns, please contact Travis Bunch, Director of Public Policy at tbunch@minneapolischamber.org or (612) 370-9170.