The fate of the $3.5 billion Blue Line Extension light rail project took on new urgency at a special meeting at Metro Transit headquarters in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon. RELATED: Cost of $3B Blue Line Extension project increases again — by over $330MThe gap has to be resolved before managers can apply for federal funding worth more than $750 million. Despite those pledges from local leaders, researchers in Washington, D.C. say there is growing concern that the Blue Line Extension may not receive federal support even if the project qualifies. RELATED: Vocal opposition to $3B Blue Line Extension amplified at lawmaker’s listening sessionIn a statement, the FTA told 5 INVESTIGATES that “multiple projects are currently working their way through this process,” but it added that it cannot discuss the chances of funding any particular project such as the Blue Line Extension. Click here for KSTP’s full coverage of the Blue Line Extension.