Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance

Dayton takes Zip rail to D.C.

Gov. Mark Dayton met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in Washington, D.C. to tout the benefits of a Rochester to Twin Cities high-speed rail corridor, including broader access to a growing and first-class medical community. The St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Rochester Post-Bulletin and Minnesota Public Radio reported that Dayton presented the project to LaHood as a key component of a Midwest rail system.    

Interest in Zip Rail Spreading Across Dakota County

Zip Rail is gaining increased attention from leaders around Dakota County who are eager to learn more about the project and its potential, including officials from the City of Rosemount. The Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance has found an active partner in the Dakota Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents some of the state's largest employers.

Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance Unveils Zip Rail

Zip Rail—the new name and brand for the high-speed passenger rail line between Rochester and the Twin Cities—was revealed at a Rochester program on Jan. 18 that brought together more than 300 supporters, elected officials and business leaders.

Star Tribune Endorses Rochester Route

Today’s Star Tribune editorial predicts opportunities for Minnesota to influence the region’s high-speed passenger rail route in light of setbacks in Wisconsin. The editorial says: “Despite the setback, there could be an opportunity for Minnesota to have increased influence on the eventual route. If so, every effort should be made to route trains through Rochester.”

Rochester Corridor Funding Approved by Mn/DOT Group

Mn/DOT is recommending $2 million for design and pre-engineering work on the Rochester to Twin Cities high-speed passenger rail corridor. The funding is part of a multi-corridor package unanimously approved by Mn/DOT's Intercity Passenger Rail Forum on December 13.

Midwest Rail Corridor Receives Federal Aid

More than $43 million in federal funding was recently awarded to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois for a Twin Cities to Chicago high-speed passenger rail corridor.

Record Ridership on Amtrak's Midwest Routes

People across the Midwest are riding the train in record numbers according to Amtrak’s most recent annual ridership and revenue report.

Rochester's Job Growth and Population Make Route Most Logical Option

Citing a recent report about predicted job growth in Rochester, an assistant professor in the Architectural Engineering Department at Milwaukee School of Engineering says a route connecting the city to Chicago and the Twin Cities via Rochester is the most logical option.

Rail for Rochester Continues to Move Forward

Rochester continues to move forward on securing high-speed passenger rail for our community and state. A recent article posted on the Post-Bulletin website mentioned a potential “speed bump” in Rochester’s efforts to advance high-speed passenger rail. However, a later article provided clarification and affirmed Rochester’s standing in future rail planning, including this quote from Mn/DOT:

Olmsted County Action Moves Rail Planning Forward

Yesterday, the Olmsted County Board took an important step in advancing our community's approach to rail planning. The County allocated $100,000 in funding from its existing budget to support initial planning and analysis of Olmsted County's freight and passenger rail options.