Apparently Representative Keith Ellison (MN-D) has not read Mobility First, the outstanding book by Sam Staley and Adrian Moore that presents solutions to our 21st century transportation network.  Or maybe he is only interested in bringing home some pork to the Minneapolis 5th congressional district.  As he proudly announces here,  "The $500,000 appropriation will be used to develop a new transit-hub located in downtown Minneapolis that will serve as a center for current and future commuter and light rail lines (LRT). The $250,000 appropriation will be used to help pay for the planning of a potential light rail line that extends from Downtown Minneapolis through North Minneapolis and into the Northwestern Suburbs including Robbinsdale, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, Osseo and Maple Grove" While both expenditures seem wasteful, the $250,000 is of greater concern since it's the down payment on the next billion dollar transit line in the Twin Cities.  "I could not be more pleased to have this provision included for the Bottineau Transit project and thank Congressman Ellison for his leadership," said Hennepin County Board Chair Mike Opat. "This appropriation will take us one step closer to building a major transit investment and transportation equity in the North Minneapolis and northern suburban communities."

Not one comment about relieving congestion or improving safety.  Not to worry though, at least we will get some 'transportation equity' in Representative Ellison's district.