Minnesota funding for second train to Chicago thwarted But supporters remain determined to add daily service between St. Paul and the Windy City. November 4, 2020 7:38pm Text size Copy shortlink:
Supporters of a proposed second round-trip train between the Twin Cities and Chicago are determined to advance the project despite failing to win funding at the legislature last month. The second train is by no means dead, said Brian Nelson, president of the passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard Minnesota. We are investigating a whole host of [funding] alternatives.
Earlier this year, the project received a boost when the Federal Railroad Administration awarded it $32 million. But the money comes with the caveat that Minnesota kick in $10 million in matching funds.
Minnesota is being asked for a $10 million commitment to make the passenger train option a reality. 7:29 am, Mar. 15, 2021 ×
The Great River Rail Commission presented a town hall discussion Thursday, March 11, 2021, about a proposed second passenger train from St. Paul to Chicago with stops in Southeast Minnesota including Red Wing and Winona. (Map courtesy of Great River Rail Commission)
RED WING Rail advocates met online Thursday to talk about a proposed second Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago passenger train.
Hosted by the Great River Rail Commission, the public discussion began with a presentation about what a second daily train from St. Paul to Chicago – with Southeast Minnesota stops in Red Wing and Winona – would mean in terms of costs and benefits.