Title
Supporting funding for a second daily train from Saint Paul to Chicago.
Body
WHEREAS, the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Second Train Passenger Rail Study will complete analysis for introducing a second daily train between Saint Paul, Milwaukee and Chicago at speeds up to 80 miles per hour in June 2018; and
WHEREAS, the project seeks to implement a second daily round trip passenger train on the Empire Builder route to improve mobility and increase reliable travel options between Minnesota and Illinois, while minimizing capital investment; and
WHEREAS, passenger trains would utilize the existing Amtrak Empire Builder corridor from Saint Paul to Chicago with Minnesota station stops at Union Depot in Saint Paul, Red Wing and Winona; and
WHEREAS, a second round-trip passenger train from the Twin Cities to Chicago will benefit Minnesota’s economy by supporting and creating jobs, increasing tourism and providing a more economical travel choice; and
WHEREAS, freight railroads will benefit from the capital improvements needed for the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Second Train and crossing improvements will make auto and truck travel safer; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation Passenger Rail Office has made a $4 million funding request to the Minnesota legislature to complete the environmental analysis, service development plan and final engineering, to advance this vital project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Saint Paul City Council, that it hereby supports MnDOT’s $4 million funding request to the Minnesota Legislature for the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Second Train.