NORTH MANKATO - Bolstered by federal funds available for rail investment, more greenhouse gas emission controls and rising fuel costs, the Minnesota Rail Plan listed many passenger priority improvements through 2030.
Legislators, railroad coalition members, union reps, railroad enthusiasts and others filled a conference room Thursday to learn about the rail plan from Minnesota Highway Dept. (MnDOT) project at the Best Western, North Mankato.
Phase I Passenger Priority Projects include a line linking the Twin Cities to Mankato; to St. Cloud and Moorhead; to Duluth; to Eau Claire, Wis. and another line to Red Wing, Winona and beyond.
A new, unidentified 110-mph rail line would link a new downtown Minneapolis terminal and a renovated St. Paul Union Depot with Rochester as well as Milwaukee and Chicago hub networks.
Phase II passenger projects link Minneapolis with Albert Lea and another line to Willmar and Marshall.
Existing track would be used where possible.
The plan's rail vision was based on the statement that Minnesota should develop a robust intercity, intra and interstate passenger rail system that results in improved travel options, costs, and speeds for Minnesota and interstate travelers.
The plan's freight vision called rail a critical part of the state's multi-modal freight system and provides connections to key markets beyond the state.
Methodology includes a review of best practices around the country before recommending appropriate roles for state and regional authorities, counties and cities plus public and private railroads, shippers and related entities.
Funding requests include $130 million to renovate the St. Paul Union Depot to handle trains and buses.
Dave Christianson, a MnDOT project manager, talked about the need to create one voice for the state rail plan.
"As a state, we have to stop squabbling about different (rail) corridors and speak with one voice, or the federal government will ignore us and send funds to another state," Christianson said.
"This plan can be done," he added.
During a question and answer session, the cost of the depot renovation plan was questioned.
"You can upgrade lots of freight rail for $130 million and get a quick pay back," a member of the audience said.
Passenger Rail Co-Project Manager Dan Krom of MnDOT said the depot renovation would make it a multi-modal hub for trains and buses.
He stressed the need to make rail improvement funding a legislative priority.
Fairfax railroad enthusiast Merlin Marlow said the rail plan would help America catch up to rail systems in Germany, Japan and Australia.
He handed out information at the open house calling for the need for AMTRAK to offer more Minnesota and national passenger service including a route for "AMTRAK-less South Dakota.
Rob Edwards, Executive Director the the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Coalition, said his organization recently met with state politicos to plead their case for improving the Minnesota Prairie Line, a publicly-owned railroad that links Norwood-Young American with Hanley Falls, largely along State Highway 5 and 19.
Minnesota Rep. Terry Morrow of St. Peter said freight line upgrades have opened Far East markets to area producers via Hanska Farmers Coop and helped created sealed freight cars.
For more information, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan
(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).