High Speed Rail Funding in Minnesota

Despite legislative attempts to eliminate all funding for passenger rail projects, the Minnesota High-Speed Rail Commission and high-speed rail champions successfully fought to keep funding and make Minnesota a leader in the development of a national high-speed rail network.

Earlier this spring, the legislature proposed eliminating funding for the Passenger Rail office in the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and reallocating $26 million in bonding money for intercity passenger rail. Fortunately passenger rail funding was preserved during the July special session, sending a message to the federal government that Minnesota remains serious about developing a sustainable transportation plan for the future.

In the near term, MnDOT continues to press forward with its study to determine the best route connecting the Twin Cities to Milwaukee. An environmental impact study is currently underway, followed by preliminary engineering to be completed by 2013. Final design, engineering, and construction will follow, taking approximately two years to complete. 

The route for high speed rail would come through District 1 along the Canadian Pacific and BNSF lines along the river. This potential increase in future traffic has to be considered, along with potential Red Rock Corridor traffic and any commercial rail increases, with design of the lines. Ramsey County has undertaken an East Metro Rail Study to look at these issues.

Submitted by Tunheim Associates on behalf of Regional Rail Authority