The Northstar Corridor Development Authority is "working hard" to get federal money that would punch the Northstar Commuter Rail through to St. Cloud. Tim Yantos, Executive Director of the Authority, says they will likely soon apply for a Small Starts federal grant. If secured, the grant would provide up to $75 million of the estimated $150 million project.

Currently, the Northstar line goes from Big Lake to Target Field in Minneapolis. If the line is extended, proposed stops would be added in Becker and St. Cloud. A recent survey administered to 1,700 Northstar riders and folks who live along the rail line found that 79% of the respondents support government funding to extend rail service to St. Cloud.