St.Paul to Duluth Rail Line - News? (Minneapolis, Hinckley: price, traffic)

[aluminumpork]

Hey all, just curious about what's currently happening with the rail line proposal for St.Paul to Duluth. Living in Duluth, something new like this gets me kind of excited. Any one have any websites or other information about the line?

[newcastle]

The Duluth City Council reveresed its earlier "no" vote on paying for its portion of the rail study and voted "yes" in early December.

[aluminumpork]

I thought the study already happened and went through a few stages. From a "it wouldn't be profitable" to a resounding "it would bring millions to Duluth and surrounding communities in economic development".

[Minnehahapolitan]

If Minnesota can get its act together (probably in spite of Pawlenty); Oberstar will push federal funding down the national throat for us. Apparently it is gatting nasty around Hinckley.

[newcastle]

The initial study took place in 2000, and at that time the study recommended that the train would not be feasible. The most recent study (done by the same group) approves of the rail line and belives it will be profitable in about 1 1/2 years after it is up and running. Ticket prices are suggested to be about $72 dollars which is competative with filling up the tank, parking, and avoids the hassel of traffic nightmares. Much more competative than flying to MPLS.

Each county along the route paid for the feasabilty study and Duluth needed to cough up $40,000 as its portion of the cost. The council voted it down and then changed its mind and voted to pay for it.

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

If Minnesota can get its act together (probably in spite of Pawlenty); Oberstar will push federal funding down the national throat for us. Apparently it is gatting nasty around Hinckley.

What do you mean by "it's getting nasty around Hinckley"?

Thanks for clarifying newcastle.

[tvdxer]

Originally Posted by aluminumpork

What do you mean by "it's getting nasty around Hinckley"?

Thanks for clarifying newcastle.

Maybe it has something to do with Hinckley being a major stop along I-35 for those driving between Minneapolis and Duluth and vice versa.

[Minnehahapolitan]

That too; but I remember reading that another town near Hinckley was trying to win the stop over Hinckley. It was apparently holding up funding of the line in Pine County. Don't hold me to it, I only vaguely remember the story.

[aluminumpork]

Ohhh, by getting nasty you meant traffic wise. Haha, I agree with you there.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I didn't originally mean that (I do agree with the point that tvdxer brought up).
I meant that the towns in Pine County were fighting over placement of the train station.