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.”
“The Mayo Clinic is an economic locomotive in its own right, and a growing bioscience corridor between the Twin Cities and Rochester could be the incubator for world-class research (and the good jobs that go with it).”
Recognizing its economic development opportunities and potential for growth, other top transportation experts agree that Minnesota has gained a new foothold and should take the initiative on designing a high-speed passenger rail plan that includes service from the Twin Cities to Rochester.
The Star Tribune affirms that the state should keep high-speed passenger rail service moving as it develops more transportation options, stating “it’s prudent to plan for the long term with high-speed rail while seizing the immediate opportunities in building light-rail lines as well.”
