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.

Read the entire press release below.

 Dec. 14, 2010

Bryan Anderson
507-284-5005 (day)
e-mail: bryan@semnrail.org
 

FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER TO TWIN CITIES RAIL CORRIDOR
WORK INCLUDED IN MULTI-CORRIDOR COMPROMISE

Mn/DOT Passenger Rail Forum Agrees on Allocation of Existing $26 Million in Rail Funds

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Members of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Intercity Passenger Rail Forum agreed to a multi-corridor funding package that includes $2 million for design and pre-engineering work on a Rochester to Twin Cities high-speed passenger rail corridor.

The compromise package, agreed to at a meeting yesterday, also includes funding for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, Northern Lights Express, St. Paul Union Depot and Minneapolis Interchange. A resolution of support was unanimously agreed to and will be sent on to Mn/DOT Commissioner Thomas K. Sorel as a recommendation for allocation of the $26 million in existing passenger rail funding that was dedicated to Mn/DOT by the Minnesota legislature during the 2009 session. 

“The Forum’s actions make it clear that passenger rail planning and development in Minnesota continues to move forward and Rochester is definitely in the mix,” said Olmsted County Commissioner Kenneth Brown, who submitted the Rochester request and worked with his counterparts to reach a compromise that ensured funding for the Rochester line. “The collaboration and support we’ve received from Twin Cities metro area and Duluth corridor representatives send an important message about the value a Rochester rail connection offers to the entire statewide system. We look forward to getting the planning and analysis work underway.”

The Intercity Passenger Rail Forum will continue to meet on a monthly basis in 2011. Members will work with Mn/DOT and the Minnesota legislature to advance the multi-corridor package. Olmsted County will begin the process of developing a work plan for use of the $2 million for presentation to Mn/DOT in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Alliance visit www.semnrail.org.

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