Metropolitan Council leaders told members on April 9 that they had appeared before an oversight committee and the Office of Legislative Auditors (OLA) to answer questions about the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project and that much of the criticism reflected earlier work and conditions.

Chair Charlie Zelle and council members acknowledged the project had been over budget in earlier years but said recent progress justifies cautious optimism: "85% done, we are on track to be open in 2027," Zelle said. He told the council the criticisms aired at the OLA hearing largely concerned field work and decisions made four to five years ago.

Why it matters: SWLRT is a major regional capital project with significant budget, schedule and public interest implications. Oversight hearings can influence public confidence and potential legislative or funding decisions.

Council response and context
Zelle said private conversations with OLA staff and follow-up work indicated the project team "have come a long way" since earlier stages. He said the council acknowledged earlier budgetary issues and that council leadership and staff worked to keep the project moving and protect taxpayer interests.

"When we said the taxpayers have been well represented, we mean it," Zelle said, adding that council members must take a long view given the project's history and scale.

No new schedule changes or budget authorizations were recorded at the April 9 meeting. Council members said they would continue to monitor the project and report progress; Zelle said he planned to visit the project office to thank the team.

Next steps
Council officials said they will keep the council informed and return with additional information as it becomes available. The council did not take a vote related to SWLRT at the April 9 meeting.