All Aboard Minnesota Plans for 2026 Legislative Session at November Annual Meeting

All Aboard Minnesota (AAMN) members from across Minnesota and the Midwest gathered for the annual meeting on November 1, 2025. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and networking with fellow passenger rail supporters while hearing updates from Barb Thoman, AAMN board president, and Brian Nelson, past board president. Both highlighted the proposed rail network, emphasizing the organization’s priority routes from Saint Paul to Kansas City and Saint Paul to Fargo.

Ken Buehler, technical advisory committee member for the Northern Lights Express, was enthusiastic about the potential for a train to Duluth. That project is in Phase I planning in the federal Corridor ID Program and state matching dollars have been secured. State funding allocated previously allocated for new rail passenger engines and coaches was clawed back last legislative session for deficit reduction.

The highlight of the day was a stimulating discussion with Minnesota State Representative Erin Koegel (39A) and Minnesota State Senator and Transportation Committee Chair Senator Scott Dibble (61). Both Koegel and Dibble expressed their support for improving our passenger rail network, and shared important context for the upcoming legislative session.

Joined on that panel was Peter Wagenius, legislative director for the Sierra Club Northstar Chapter. Wagenius emphasized why passenger rail is critical for sustainability and how it benefits communities and the economy.

AAMN will advocate for the passage of HF3176 / SF 2887 to begin the study process to restore passenger rail service from the Twin Cities to Kansas City and to add daytime passenger rail service between Saint Paul and Fargo/Moorhead. The bill directs MnDOT to submit Corridor I.D. grant applications to the Federal Railroad Administration.

The immense success of the Borealis service between Saint Paul and Chicago proves that Minnesotans want more passenger rail options. AAMN will work with supporters and legislators to pass HF3176 / SF2887. Let your legislators know you support this bill!

Contact your elected officials

Minnesota Senate

Sen. Scott Dibble, Chair, Senate Transportation Committee - 651-296-4191

Sen. John Jasinski, Lead Republican, Senate Transportation Committee - 651-296-0284

Sen. Erin Murphy, Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate – 651-296- 5931

Minnesota House

Rep. Erin Koegel, Co-Chair, House Transportation Committee - 651-296-5369

Rep. Jon Koznick, Co-Chair, House Transportation Committee – 651-296-6926

Rep. Lisa Demuth, Majority leader of the Minnesota House - 651-296-4373

Find your representatives here.

Minnesota Governor

Governor Tim Walz - Phone 651-201-3400