By Dan Scott, former chair of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
A century ago James J. Hill and other business leaders worked together to invest in our community. Their work to build roads, bridges, buildings, and a network of railroad tracks helped this region grow. They left us a legacy and a challenge to continue building the infrastructure that sustains our economy and livelihood.
Today the business community is carrying on this legacy and meeting this challenge by again working hard to invest in efforts that are good for the entire community. This is why the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and other business groups strongly support On Board Midwest and other efforts to bring new transit to our region. From high-speed rail to light-rail, the business community understands the significance of this opportunity and our role.
Dan Scott, former chairperson of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in October to discuss the Union Depot renovations.
We have been challenged to realize that projects like high-speed rail are about more than what is good for one company or a group of businesses. High-speed rail is an investment of millions of dollars in our region that will do more than just create a new way to get to Chicago.
Revamping the state’s rail network will help our marketplace stay competitive at a time when our economy faces significant challenges. Not only will this transit investment bring much-needed jobs and economic development to our region, it will also expand freight service. Saint Paul used to be a major hub for the nation’s freight rail system and Red Wing and Winona flourished because of the jobs that trains brought to each city. But now this vital freight link has almost reached capacity. Upgrades to the freight tracks along the Mississippi River Route will help commodities reach their destination faster. Ultimately, farmers and manufacturers will be able to better reach markets around the world and keep jobs in the state.
The business community needs to continue to support efforts to bring high-speed rail to Minnesota. From funding efforts like On Board Midwest to working closely with government leaders, it is our responsibility to be part of the solution. Leaders before us understood this and accepted this challenge. We need to follow suit to make sure our region does not miss this important opportunity.
Minnesota has a bright future in rail transit. Help support and celebrate that future by attending one of the many National Rail Day events. Events will be occurring at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds and Amtrak stations in Saint Paul, Winona, and La Crosse.
