The St. Cloud Area Planning Organization is asking 12 central Minnesota jurisdictions to adopt resolutions supporting the extension of the Northstar Commuter Rail from Big Lake to St. Cloud. The jurisdictions include the counties of Stearns, Benton and Sherburne, the cities of St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, St. Augusta, St. Joseph, and Waite Park, and the Townships of Haven, St. Joseph and Le Sauk.

Scott Mareck, Executive Director of the Planning Organization, says support from local townships, cities and counties could increase the chances securing a “Small Starts” federal grant for the Northstar extension project. If secured, the grant would provide up to $75 million dollars of the estimated $150 million dollar 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 in St. Cloud.