Saint Paul Branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. United States Department of Transportation

The Saint Paul Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Community Stabilization Project; Aurora/Saint Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation; Shear Pleasure, Incorporated; Metro Bar & Grill, Incorporated d/b/a Arnellia’s; Carolyn Brown; Deborah Montgomery; Michael Wright; Leetta Douglas; and Gloria Presley Massey (the neighborhood group) (plaintiffs) opposed the construction of the Central Corridor Light Rail transit project (the project) planned and approved by the United States Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Metropolitan Council (the agencies) (defendants). The project comprised 11 miles of light-rail line and 18 new stations. The agencies completed a thorough analysis of the project as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The agencies prepared a final environmental-impact statement (EIS) after producing several drafts. The EIS indicated that there would be no disproportionate adverse effects on minority populations and that the substantial benefits of the project would outweigh any potential adverse impacts. The new project was going to affect the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, which was predominantly Black, so the agencies specifically considered how the previous construction of I-94 through the area had devastated the local community. The agencies also considered comments from the public on the importance of maintaining community cohesion and the character of the local neighborhoods. The project was intended to enhance pedestrian activity in the area and increase connectivity between neighborhoods. The neighborhood group brought an action against the agencies seeking an order that the agencies prepare an adequate EIS and an injunction against further construction of the project. Both the neighborhood group and the agencies moved for summary judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.