Asian Media Access has collaborated with Hennepin County to bring the timely Blue Line Extension (BLE) information to our communities. The BLE project is very important to effectively address long-term regional transit mobility and local accessibility needs while providing efficient, travel-time-competitive transit service that supports economic development goals throughout BLE Route from North Minneapolis, Crystal, Robbinsdale, all the way to Brooklyn Park, especially areas within 1 mile of the proposed Blue Line Extension alignment.
Currently, the Metropolitan Council and the Federal Transit Administration have prepared a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the METRO Blue Line Extension project. This document evaluates the potential social, economic, and environmental benefits and impacts that may occur because of the design, construction, and operation of the Blue Line Extension and outlines potential measures to avoid or reduce those impacts. There are few identified adverse impacts of the Project Alignment, need our communities’ attention. Public comments received before August 6th will inform the Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement, which will outline specific project commitments to address those impacts.
The report has included the most communities concerned topics – Safety (at Ch. 4 – Community and Social Analysis), Potential Displacement (Ch. 6 – Indirect Impacts and Cumulative Effects), Area Parking (Ch. 3 – Transportation) and Noises (Ch. 7 – Environmental Justice and Justice40 Initiative, P. 47). Please check out the Draft Report at https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension/Environmental/Supplemental-Draft-EIS.aspx
Comments are welcomed through below methods. Members will be requested with name and contact info, so the Collaborative can notify you when the Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement is available in mid 2025. PLEASE:
- Submit a comment online – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YQHWTWK
- Record your comment by calling the SDEIS project hotline at 612-373-3970
- Email comments to BlueLineExt@metrotransit.org any time during the comment period
- Provide written comments at the Public Hearing or at the office hour
On August 13 from 5-8pm, Asian Media Access will host another discussion about the AAPI Cultural Hub along the Blue Line, we welcome interested AAPI small business owners who have business entities at those areas to join us for an in-depth discussion how to better involve in the BLE, as well as to find out more anti-displacement services.
Register: https://forms.gle/VzF1RtSiCQh8H3Cv5 Total of 20 slots available
For more info or help to answer your concerns: amamedia@amamedia.org, 612-376-7715
