By Alice Hausman and Linda Slocum, Pioneer Press; February 22, 2018
Passenger rail connects people to places, providing an efficient, relaxing method of travel and an economic benefit to communities along the route. Given its many benefits to individuals and communities, we are very troubled that the Minnesota House and Senate Transportation Committee chairs have stopped the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) from accepting already-allocated federal funds to continue environmental planning for the high-speed rail line connecting the Twin Cities and Chicago.
These funds were the final installment of a federal grant allocated to complete a high-speed rail study. Minnesota has already invested $600,000 in state money and $400,000 in federal funds. It is common sense to continue the process, finish the planning and be prepared to go, should all the funding be approved.
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