The location of the planned Southwest Light Rail Line Transit has been in dispute since it was proposed, but the issue is entering the home stretch, after the freight rail line Twin Cities and Western (TC&W) and the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) both gave deadlines to the Met Council.

The CTIB, which grants funds for large transit projects, promised $375 million, and has already given $30 million.

The CTIB chair Peter McLaughlin said if the cities are unwilling to compromise, the board will move on to other projects.

Students are concerned over the cost of the project.

“The light rail is a good thing for public transit, but it’s a lot of money to be putting in,” sophomore Conrad Phelan said.

McLaughlin and the CTIB believe the deadline will help move the project closer to a solution.

McLaughlin said, “We’re saying to the cities, ‘OK folks, this a great investment. It’s time to move forward and make a choice.’”

The TC&W rail line, whose trains will be rerouted, sent a letter to the Met Council stating that it will not support any reroute through St. Louis Park.

The railway said in a press release that the St. Louis Park reroute is not safe, efficient or cost effective. The press release cites reverse curves and elevation changes.

These conditions increase the risk of accidents, something the rail line wants to avoid.

According to the press release, many of these conditions violate the railroad association rules which prohibit such unsafe elements.

Some students disagree with this decision however.

“I dislike the line’s refusal to cooperate and help the community,” junior Thanasi Pantazides said.

Regardless, the final decisions are finally in sight.