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St. Paul MN - May 13, 2021. Passenger rail advocates All Aboard Minnesota announced today that several more cities have passed resolutions asking the Minnesota Legislature to fund a second passenger train frequency between the Twin Cities and Chicago. This train would later be extended from St. Paul to Fargo Moorhead, per the MnDOT Passenger Rail Plan.
Cities along the extended route passing new resolutions include Anoka, Little Falls, Staples, Brainerd and Wadena. Citing economic and mobility benefits for their cities and residents, the resolutions stress that more passenger rail service is a needed transportation option.
Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka stated: “There is very strong support for daytime rail passenger service in Little Falls. This service will help us economically and keep our city competitive. Our residents want rail service. We rely too much on roads and highways alone.”
Brainerd Mayor Dave Badeaux added: “Daytime passenger service along the existing passenger rail line stopping in Staples and Little Falls will also benefit our city, county and region. Current travelers to our city and region come through these cities now. It will be important for our residents and travelers coming to our area to have options other than just roads. We are excited about this new train.”
As previously reported, resolutions supporting the second train have also been passed by La Crescent, Winona, Red Wing and St Paul City Councils in support of a $10M legislative appropriation to match $32M in Federal infrastructure grants to initiate the service.
All Aboard Minnesota President Brian Nelson stated: “Cities throughout the state realize that additional passenger rail service will reap economic and mobility benefits for their cities and residents. As travel needs change with the population, more passenger rail service provides transportation equity for the State of Minnesota and travelers to our state.”
Nelson added: “ It is estimated that approximately 60% of Minnesota’s population lives within 20 miles of the current passenger line between Moorhead, St. Paul, and to La Crescent. We project that the majority of riders will come out of cars, greatly reducing congestion, and highway maintenance costs.”
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