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State Representative Linda Slocum
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7158
For more information contact: Joan Nichols 651-29X-XXXX
Column/LTE
High-Speed Rail For Minnesota Derailed By Veto
Minnesota's partnership to develop high-speed rail from St. Paul to Chicago was among the Governor's 52 line-item vetoes to the Capital Investment Bill.
This veto derails Minnesota from moving forward with the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWPRI). The MWPRI is a cooperative, multi-agency effort to develop a ten-state 3000-mile regional high-speed passenger rail system.
The ten member states of MWPRI are investing bonding dollars in this transit option that reduces both traffic congestion and air pollution. Lawmakers across the Midwest, with the exception of our Governor, understand the fact that high-speed rail is very time-competitive with air and auto travel.
Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa and Ohio are well ahead of Minnesota and have committed resources to facilitate high-speed passenger rail. The train is leaving the station and Minnesota is, unfortunately, not on board.
Minnesota is falling behind because of the Governor's lack of vision to invest in our state's future. Diversifying our transportation options is critical, especially now as we see how fragile our airline industry is. The long-range value to our state of a transit system that efficiently links cities and regions is profound. This forward-thinking initiative for energy efficient, fast and reliable passenger rail service would greatly benefit Minnesota's economy and environment.
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