MPR Thanks Public Officials for Their Support During LRT Mitigation Planning

Apr 8, 2009

After more than three months of discussion, research and testing, Metropolitan Council Chairman Peter Bell and Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling announced today that the Met Council and MPR have entered into an agreement to mitigate the impact of light rail transit (LRT) on the MPR Broadcast Center on Cedar Street.

"I'm pleased that we've reached an agreement that allows light rail to go forward and that largely protects our unique broadcast facility from the noise and vibration of the trains," said Bill Kling, MPR president and CEO. "The Met Council and Peter Bell took our concerns seriously and worked with us to craft a plan that will address the most significant impacts of the LRT line running so close to our studios."

As part of the agreement, MPR will seek other sources of funding for window reglazing to mitigate LRT noise impacts on critical listening spaces within its broadcast center, an effort supported by both the Met Council and the City of Saint Paul.

MPR credits Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman for his assistance in bringing the parties together and moving forward during the lengthy process.

"This is a great day for Saint Paul, and I was pleased to help bring Minnesota Public Radio and the Metropolitan Council to the table to move this project forward," said Coleman. "I am grateful to MPR and the Met Council for their willingness to work together, not just for their mutual interests, but for the larger interest of moving forward the largest economic development project in our City's history."

Kling also thanked Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents Saint Paul and surrounding areas, and Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for their effective participation in the process.