Rail Coalition chugs on

Doesn’t hire lobbying firm

By FRITZ BUSCH — Journal Staff Writer

MORTON - On Wednesday, a coalition created to identify and build support for improvements to the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail line decided to continue grassroots efforts and not hire a lobbying firm in order to secure government funding.

"We feel it's best to go with grassroots efforts and contacts we have developed alone the (rail) line, (instead of paying a federal lobbying firm $48,000). We could go with a lobbying firm later," said Coalition Director Rob Edwards of Winthrop.

Meeting at Jackpot Junction Hotel Casino, the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Coalition serves shippers and communities in 5 counties on the 94-mile short line that serves 230 industries between Norwood-Younge America and Hanley Falls.

The group seeks project funding from the federal Transportation Bill re-authorization and state matching grants for bridge repairs to support heavier track that would allow 25 mph trains.

Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority Chairperson Bruce Pinske said the coalition is separate from the rail authority.

He added that project funding would receive final approval from the Minnesota Highway Dept., which is seeking $2 million for stop arms and rail crossing upgrades in Arlington.

"We have a good start and it's needed," Pinske said regarding work the coalition is doing.

Gerald Woodley of New Ulm, a regional representative of Sen. Norm Coleman, said the Federal Transportation Bill funding process remains in flux.

"There will be a huge debate on how to fund it. Options include gas taxes and user fees. A way must be found to pay for the Highway Trust Fund. People are driving less now while costs rise," Woodley added.

Redwood County Commissioner Gene Short - who celebrated his political retirement party at the same time but will remain on the coalition - said he is hopeful about transportation funding with President Elect O'Bama.

"He said he supports trains and light rail," said Short.

Edwards said the fact that the railroad improvement project would immediately create more than 100 jobs along the rail line must be made known in project marketing efforts.

Coalition Finance Director Scott Blumhoefer of Winthrop said area counties and cities have contributed about $46,000 to the Coalition's account with the Mid-Minnesota Regional Development Commission.

Short said legislative efforts should include extending or forgiving a $4.8 million loan from the State Highway Dept.

Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com