Met Council, U of M holding court-ordered mediation

The Metropolitan Council and the University of Minnesota are heading into court-ordered mediation this week to resolve their differences over the proposed Central Corridor light-rail line.

The latest battle involves the university's refusal to grant easements needed for the project.

Later this week, state lawmakers will consider a proposal that would allow the Met Council to condemn university property. Rep. Frank Hornstein said he's concerned that the impasse could delay the project by a year, and said that could result in the loss of tens of millions of dollars.

"I can tell you this is something the Legislature is going to be watching very closely," Hornstein said. "We've scheduled the hearing to allow the parties to have straightforward discussions, but leaving us the option of taking action if for some reason it doesn't succeed."

University officials have said they won't grant the easement until they reach a deal on how to address any future problems affecting the U's research facilities.