Earlier this month, OnBoard Midwest hosted a meeting where a group of approximately 40 officials from Winona to St. Paul came together to share information about high-speed rail along the Mississippi corridor.

The outpouring of positive comments from state legislators and local officials from Dakota, Washington, Ramsey, and Goodhue counties shows how strong the support for high speed rail is throughout the entire region.

The meeting gave people a chance to learn more about what is currently happening and share concerns about the status of other projects. Several issues were discussed, opportunities for economic development related to new transit along the river route and a commitment to work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to support the statewide comprehensive rail plan.

As a result of the discussion, everyone felt that they have an even greater understanding of the issues and projects better. Opportunities to come together like this are important because the more we can all understand, the better we can work together to support projects like this.

This meeting is another example of the strength of the support transit investment has from elected officials throughout the region.

OnBoard Midwest knows key groups and official are very supportive of high-speed rail along the river route, but this project is about more than that one route and mode - it is part of a larger vision. Meetings like this help key stakeholders stay focused and better connected to our regional vision of transit, economic development, and jobs.

MnDOT will release its statewide comprehensive rail plan in the coming days. Stay tuned to On Board Midwest for more information about the plan and what it means for transit across the region.