Help for Small Businesses Affected by Central Corridor Construction

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Small businesses along the future Central Corridor light rail line are getting a boost, with the Metropolitan Council announcing a $1 million contribution Tuesday to an interest-free loan program.

The loan program is part of an initiative called Ready For Rail that’s designed to help small businesses adversely affected by light rail construction prepare for the work on the Central Corridor line between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

“The goal is to look at each individual business needs, and the circumstances and what they need to bridge whatever challenge that they have during the course of the construction,” St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said.

Construction on the Central Corridor line is already underway and is expected to ramp up this fall.