Minority-owned business talks progressing

ST. LOUIS -- Community activists said they're making progress in talks to provide more work to minority-owned businesses on a light rail expansion project.

Activist groups halted additional Metrolink protests for at least a week on Friday.

Members of the Concerned Citizens Coalition and MoKan, a nonprofit group that assists minority and women contractors, said Metro officials have agreed to set separate goals for awarding work to minorities and women on the project.

The groups are working together to create a new economic review board, and they're talking about other ways to improve minority involvement on projects.

None of the plans are finalized, but activists said they're encouraged.

"There are very talented African Americans here in St. Louis when it comes to the construction trade," said Jamilah Nasheed, Concerned Citizens co-chairwoman. "They can do the work well if they can get in the door."

Activists with the Concerned Citizens Coalition and MoKan wrote to the Rev. Al Sharpton Friday and told him he doesn't need to return to St. Louis for another protest on the issue.

The presidential candidate had vowed he would return Monday if he was needed.

Metro, the agency which also runs city buses, previously has said it is trying to find more minority-owned contracting businesses on its $550 million expansion project, but had trouble finding bids from the firms. Attempts to reach Metro officials after business hours Friday were unsuccessful.