Federal money might soon become available to extend the Northstar Commuter Rail to St. Cloud. Last week, the US Senate’s Appropriations Committee approved $1.5 million dollars for phase two of the project. The money would go toward extending the rail’s final stop from Big Lake to St. Cloud. For the money to become available, the bill must still be passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the US House of Representatives, and signed by President Obama. The Northstar Commuter Rail opened last November. It’s about 40 miles long, extending from Big Lake to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis.