High-speed rail expands the opportunities for business people, families and senior citizens to travel to great destinations within and outside of the scenic Mississippi River Route.
High-speed rail increases freight and passenger rail capacity, avoiding more expensive cars and trucks while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Photo: John Fladung
High-speed rail could lead to $2.3 billion in economic benefits and 1,600 permanent jobs in Minnesota in addition to the 15,000 construction jobs needed to complete the project.
High-Speed Rail – Good for Minnesota
More than a million people travel annually between Chicago and the Twin Cities by air; more than 10 million by car. Those numbers are growing, and it's no wonder. Minnesota is home to 20 Fortune 500 companies, and the number of jobs in the Twin Cities metropolitan area is expected to grow by 34 percent by 2040.
Investment in transportation infrastructure between these major Midwestern metropolises will be critical for continued economic growth. The Minnesota High-Speed Rail Commission, consisting of 16 local units of government along the Mississippi River Route, advocates for a high-speed rail alternative to increase productivity, increase freight rail capacity and offer another choice for travelers.
Why High-Speed Rail?
High-speed rail is proposed to link the Twin Cities with Milwaukee and Chicago to:
- Provide a safe and competitive
transportation alternative; - Save money and the environment; and
- Grow our economy.
High-speed rail expands the opportunities for business people, families and senior citizens to travel to great destinations within and outside of the Mississippi River Route. This “three-for-one” investment increases the speed and frequency of passenger service, increases freight rail capacity, avoiding more expensive truck transport, and shares costs with the development of the Red Rock Corridor commuter rail project.
The project is forecast to provide up to $2.3 billion in economic benefits for the state, and would create 1,600 permanent jobs and 15,000 construction jobs in Minnesota. Learn More
Where will it go?
Service will start at the Twin Cities, including a stop at Union Depot in St. Paul, with additional stops in Red Wing and Winona before continuing on to Milwaukee and Chicago. There could be up to a dozen stations in three states. Learn More
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