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Archive for the ‘High Speed news and information’ Category

Another milestone for our regional transit vision – MnDOT adopts the statewide rail plan

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

On Board Midwest learned today that MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel has officially adopted the Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan Final Report. This is another key step forward in our collective efforts to bring new rail investment to our region.

Upgrading tracks along the Mississippi River to create a high-speed rail connection along between Chicago and Saint Paul and restoring Union Depot are key parts of the plan. On Board Midwest congratulates Commissioner Sorel, MnDOT and everyone who came together to help make this plan happen. Minnesota has a clear vision for future rail transit in our region, and we will make sure we make the most of this important opportunity to bring new investment and economic opportunity to Minnesota.

Click here to read our news release about the plan. Click here to view a video about the plan.

Here is a message from Dave Christianson, project manager for MnDOT’s statewide rail plan.

I am pleased to announce that the Commissioner of Transportation has adopted the Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan Final Report. The plan was developed after extensive interaction with the public and transportation stakeholders, and I would like to thank everyone for their participation in the process. The plan is available here.

Thank you,
Dave Christianson
Project Manager

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Minnesota Public Radio tour of Union Depot

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Jim McDonough, eChair of the Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority took MPR’s Tom Crann on a tour of Union Depot as plans for restoring the landmark continue to move forward.

St. Paul, Minn. — It’s been nearly 40 years since passengers got on or off a train at St. Paul’s Union Depot. But soon, the historic train station could become a major transit hub once again.

The Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority is expecting to assume ownership of the Union Depot’s concourse this week.

Once it does, the Rail Authority plans to begin renovating the 86-year-old structure, so it can serve a number of different transit lines, including light rail and even high-speed rail to Chicago.

A tour of the St. Paul’s Union Depot | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ.

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Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems supports high-speed rail

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Gundersen Lutheran Health System has healthcare facilities in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.  They strongly support the High Speed Rail plans and are excited about the number of ways in which it will benefit their organization and the patients they serve.

They have joined OnBoard Midwest and our coalition to bring high-speed rail to our region.  Click here to read their letter of support.

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Media coverage of the MnDOT State Rail Plan

Monday, January 4th, 2010

The Minnesota Department of Transportation last week released its draft State Rail Plan. The proposed high-speed rail route along the Mississippi River is included as a key project in the plan.

This is a key milestone in Minnesota’s effort to create a high-speed rail connection between St. Paul and Chicago. Here is some of the media coverage of the plan.

WINONA POST- High Speed River Route priority in state rail plan
The “River Route” connecting high speed rail through Winona and to Chicago and the Twin Cities is still on the table, after the Minnesota Department of Transportation released its draft State Rail Plan on Thursday

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD - Minnesota supports high-speed rail line
Minnesota goes on the record in support of a high-speed rail line between the Twin Cities and Chicago. That project is expected to cost more than a billion dollars.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE - Minn. endorses high-speed rail to Chicago
Minnesota transportation officials are going on the record in support of a high-speed rail line between the Twin Cities and Chicago.

WEAU-TV EAU CLAIRE - Minnesota transportation workers going on record in support of high-speed rail line.
Minnesota transportation workers are going on the record in support of a high-speed rail line between the Twin Cities and Chicago.

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Secretary LaHood: “This is the start of high-speed passenger rail service in America.”

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

U.S. Secretary Ray LaHood stopped by The Daily Show this week to talk to Jon Stewart about transportation policy. LaHood talked about the Obama Administration’s commitment to rail and transportation.

LaHood said the Midwest will be an area for high-speed rail and pointed to the $8 billion dollars in money for rail projects. He said he will be making some announcements soon.

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In October, Secretary LaHood came to St. Paul to tour the Union Depot to learn more about plans to restore the landmark and make is a multi-modal transit hub.
Touring Union Depot

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