Rail advocates to unveil name for Rochester route

The Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance is hosting a party on Jan. 18  in Rochester to announce the name of a proposed high-speed rail line. More than a year ago, the alliance asked people to submit their name ideas for the route. Suggestions included "Silver Fox" and "Spirit of Rochester." It will be interesting to see what they select.  For the alliance, this marks the official kick-off of an effort to brand a Rochester high-speed rail line.

Of course, these efforts come as a proposed high-speed rail line from the Twin Cities to Chicago has hit a roadblock. New Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker rejected $800 million in federal stimulus money to build the Madison to Milwaukee part of the line citing concerns about the ongoing maintenance and operation costs associated with the project.

While Rochester is still pushing to be a stop on the Chicago to Twin Cities line, local rail advocates are focusing their attention on getting a direct passenger rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities.

The celebration called "Rethink Rail" kicks off at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the Rochester Art Center. The invitation promises food, drink and live music. People are encouraged to RSVP to the event at info@semnrail.org.

 

Comments

[Kevin Scanlon]

We need a solar electric-megnetic train. Railroad has owns the land and we need to put it to uses. What is the 30 year plan for transportation? 24 lane highways? bad call! we need to reduce and re-use. Solar power is the future so lets get to it.
If we had a solar train system it would also create a solar electrical grid to supply solar energy to the state. Get xcel energy and RNEL.gov involved they have the money/grants and engineers to make this Idea work. Be the first state to do this state wide and watch the rest of the USA get on the band wagen.

Good luck and God Bless the USA!