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MnDOT’s Policy Advisory Committee meeting this Friday

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Minnesota is working in several ways to create a clear vision with a single voice for rail planning. A key part of this is making sure planners are able to receive important feedback on the plan. The MnDOT Policy Advisory Committee has been working with MnDOT planners throughout the process to get and share information as the planning process has moved forward. This group also shares their reaction with MnDOT staff on plan details and how different projects across Minnesota are included.

The full MnDOT’s Police Advisory Committee will meet on Friday, November 13th . This will be the last time the group gets together before MnDOT officially releases its final plan later this year.

Here’s more information on the meeting.

Policy Advisory Committee members and interested parties:

You are invited to attend the fourth Policy Advisory Committee Meeting for the Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan on Friday, November 13, 2009, at the Minnesota History Center. Registration opens at 9:00 AM and the meeting will begin at 9:30 AM. For those unable to attend in person, there will be web-conference and tele-conference arrangements available for your convenience. Information on these options will follow when finalized.

For more information about the Minnesota State Rail Plan, please visit the project website here. Your input throughout this process is greatly appreciated. Meeting agenda and web/teleconference details will follow in the days to come.

Sincerely,
Dave Christianson, State Rail Plan Project Manager

OnBoard Midwest will be at the meeting. Check back with us for additional information.

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The impact and importance of rail to Red Wing, its businesses and our region

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Check out our latest video that is focused on Red Wing. The entire community knows how important rail and transit is to the city’s future. From theaters, hotels, vineyards, higher learning and art galleries to a stronger connection to the region - its clear to see why support is growing in Red Wing for high-speed rail along the Mississippi River route.

OnBoard Midwest has the potential bring expanded Amtrak service, more freight, and new passenger service to Red Wing and other cities throughout our region.

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Secretary LaHood at Union Depot “It’s magnificent”

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Yesterday U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood had an opportunity to tour Union Depot to learn more about the the plans to transform the historic landmark into a multi-modal transit hub. A quick review of some of the media coverage and it appears Secretary LaHood liked what he saw.

St. Paul Pioneer Press
Union Depot touted as transit hub during tour by U.S. transportation secretary

LaHood said projects such as Union Depot are worthwhile. He touted the benefits of “livable communities” where mass transit connects people with housing and jobs, allowing them to live without cars.

“The days of just funding highways, doing all these things individually, really are gone,” LaHood said. “There are very few places around the country that are doing this.”

Associated Press
LaHood Praises Twin Cities’ Transport Hub Project

U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praised the planned conversion of St. Paul’s Union Depot into a transport hub toward a sustainable, car-free community, predicting Thursday that the project will ignite the city’s economy.

Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough (L), U. S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (R) tour Union Depot.

Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough (L), U. S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (R) tour Union Depot.

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MnDOT Union Depot hearing - statewide vision, high-speed, and expanded freight opportunities

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

More than 90 people gathered at the Union Depot to meet with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation as the process to complete the Minnesota Comprehensive Rail Plan continues. People last night has the chance to disscuss the proposed high-speed rail corridor along the Mississippi and how important it is to St. Paul. The crowd also showed its interest in the Minnesota state-wide plan for rail transit, as well as the opportunity for the historic depot to be a multi-modal hub.

October 14 MnDOT Rail Plan Meeting

Since the days of James J. Hill, St. Paul has been an important part of the nation’s freight rail system. Increased demand for freight traffic has created the need for expanded capacity in our region. The expanded freight service would be just one of the benefits that come from high-speed rail service along the Mississippi River corridor. Not only would commodities reach their destination faster, the plan would create more jobs and development.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at the Union Depot. The meeting was very successful.

Today, U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will tour the Union Depot with Rep. Betty McCollum. OnBoard Midwest will also be there to talk with LaHood, so check back for updates on the tour and his reactions.

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Red Wing shows its support for the Mississippi River route

Friday, October 9th, 2009

More than 140 people filled a meeting room last night in Red Wing to show their support of the proposed high-speed rail corridor along the Mississippi River. The great turn-out shows the growing support along the corridor for Minnesota’s statewide rail plan and the Mississippi River corridor.

Supporters of high-speed rail along the Mississippi River pack a meeting room during an MnDOT sponsored open house.

Supporters of high-speed rail along the Mississippi River pack a meeting room during an MnDOT sponsored open house. Red Wing had the chance to learn more about the Minnesota comprehensive statewide rail plan and show their support for high-speed rail along the Mississippi River corridor.

The open house meeting was hosted by MnDOT open house to help rail planners share and collect information on the development of the Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan.

On Board Midwest has worked closely with business and community leaders in Red Wing who understand how important this project is for the city and the region. More freight, expanded Amtrak, new commuter rail service along with high-speed passenger service are important for Red Wing’s future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at the Red Wing library. We encourage others to join us next Wednesday at the Union Depot for the next meeting. It is our way to support a single vision for Minnesota rail transit and to make sure there is a high-speed rail connection between St. Paul’s Union Depot and Chicago.

If you can’t attend the meetings, you can still share your thoughts on high-speed rail in Minnesota, you can submit comments online here or by email.

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