The Southwest Light Rail project will have a public kick-off event, hosted by by the Metropolitan Council, to provide information to construction contractors about possible job opportunities.

According to Laura Baenen, communications manager for the project, the event is open to the public. However, she said, it’s mainly targeted to the construction contractors and subcontractors, including those eligible in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

“The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is designed to help those who are eligible minority-owned and women-owned businesses participate in public infrastructure projects, and the Metropolitan Council’s bidding process,” Baenen said.

Baenen said during the kick-off, project staff will give a presentation on the overall project elements and construction timeline.

“It is designed for construction contractors to meet with project staff, learn details of the project and ask technical questions,” Baenen said. “Contractors need time to prepare bid packages, which will be due in the of spring 2016. The information session will help answer some of their questions and provide details to help contractors  begin their preparations.”

Junior Estelle Djaoupe said she looks forward to the light rail and thinks it will help the community out.

“I think it will help out a lot of people and would make commuting to places a lot faster. It’s great to have more transportation options in general,” Djaoupe said.
The event takes place at 2-4:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Minnetonka Community Center and admission is free. Baenen said those who want more information about the light rail project are encouraged  to go to the event.