Citizen Group Files Lawsuit To Stop SWLRT Plans
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Southwest Corridor Light Rail project has another obstacle to overcome after a group filed a lawsuit to stop it.
Lakes and Parks Alliance, a grassroots citizen group, claims the project violates state and federal law since the latest design was approved before the environmental impact study was complete.
The Minneapolis City Council approved the light rail plan last month.
People who live along the Kenilworth Trail say they understand the positive impact a light rail train through their neighborhood would have on the economy.
"Our intent is to compel the governing body to follow environmental laws," George Puzak said.
They just don't want any more movement on the $1.6 billion project until an environmental impact study is completed.
"You're not to go on and make decisions on what this project will look like in any final way, which is what the municipal consent process is about, until the environment review is conducted, so the decision can be informed. That's what this lawsuit is about," attorney Tom Johnson said.
Lakes and Parks Alliance wants the court to decide if the Met Council broke the law by not completing the study before the project was approved.
The group says it has concerns about possible ground water contamination.
They also worry about LRT running right next to the existing rail road tracks that often carry ethanol-loaded freight trains.
"They cannot state definitely every single thing that is going to influence the environment," said Sigrid Hutchenson.
Some who live in the neighborhood feel the lawsuit may jeopardize the project and the federal money slated to help make it reality.
The Met Council says an environmental impact study draft was completed in 2012, but the citizens groups say it is not current.
The council says an impact study addressing the groups concerns will be available in early 2015
The Met Council says it does not comment on pending litigation.
It did say the project received nearly an additional year of public review and citizen input.
All five cities along the proposed LRT line signed off on the project.
