History: Resolution 17-0207, approved by the Board on June 13, 2017, commits Hennepin County to fund a portion of the net operating costs for the three rail transit lines located wholly or partially within Hennepin County: the Blue Line light rail (Project Number 1006448), the Green Line light rail (Project Number 1006449), and the Northstar commuter rail (Project Number 1006450).

Resolution 18-0109, approved by the Board on March 27, 2018, authorized the execution of the 2018-2022 Master Operations Funding Agreement (“Master Agreement”) (A188684) with the Metropolitan Council, Anoka County, Hennepin County and Ramsey County. This four-party agreement identifies the terms and conditions for county contributions to transitway operations and limits the amount of funding the Metropolitan Council can request from the counties. Funding for transitway operations is provided through annual grant agreements, following submission of a grant application by the Metropolitan Council. 

On January 8, 2021, the Metropolitan Council submitted three grant applications requesting a total of $23,231,533 from Hennepin County for 2021 transit operating grants. The proposed grant agreements would cover transit operations during the period of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The source of funds for these grants will be the 0.5% sales and use tax and $20 motor vehicle excise tax, as designated by the county’s Sales and Use Transportation Tax Implementation Plan.

Current Request: This Resolution would authorize execution of annual grant agreements for the year 2021 in the amounts requested by the Metropolitan Council, in the form provided by the Master Agreement.

Impact/Outcomes: Financial support for 2021 operations of the Blue Line light rail, Green Line light rail, and Northstar commuter railwill provide essential transit services to Hennepin County residents. This financial commitment aligns with county goals of reducing transportation disparities for residents and advancing climate action efforts.