March 15, 2023
Representative Rick Hansen, Chair, called the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to hear a presentation on the evaluation report, Southwest Light Rail Transit Construction: Metropolitan Council Decision Making, by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA).
Judy Randall, Legislative Auditor, explained that OLA had received a legislative directive to conduct a program evaluation or a special review, or both, of Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT). She said that OLA took that directive seriously, and over the course of a year, will be releasing four different reports on SWLRT. Ms. Randall explained that the report being released is the second of the four reports. She introduced David Kirchner, OLA Project Manager, who presented the report findings and recommendations. OLA staff responded to several comments and questions from LAC members.
Representative Hansen invited Charles Zelle, Metropolitan Council Chair, to address the commission. Chair Zelle kept his statements brief, and asked for members to offer comments or questions to help guide what information he should provide. Many of the legislators in attendance provided feedback and asked questions of Chair Zelle.
Due to the lack of time, Representative Hansen requested that Chair Zelle provide written responses to legislators’ final questions to the chairs of the House and Senate transportation committees. Chair Zelle agreed to do so.
Representative Hansen adjourned the meeting at 9:28 a.m.
Representative Rick Hansen, Chair
Shelly Gilb, Recording Secretary
