The Minnesota High-Speed Rail Commission was honored to host Alene Tchourumoff, the new Minnesota State Rail Director at its November 4 meeting. The position of rail director was created by Governor Mark Dayton in April 2016. The role of state rail director is to proactively address coordination of state agencies which monitor trains hauling oil and other hazardous waste, increase rail safety measures, and expand freight and passenger rail opportunities. This statewide position is the first of its kind in the nation. 

 

In July, Governor Dayton created a Freight Rail Council to pull industry and state agencies together. According to Tchourumoff, Governor's Council has three main goals ...

Amtrak's fiscal year 2016 financials show a revenue record of $2.14 billion and ridership numbers of a record 31.3 million passengers. Amtrak Chairman of the board Anthony Coscia says "The results demonstrate the value we deliver to our customers and the vital role Amtrak plays in our nation's transportation system. We are off to another strong start for the new fiscal year and will provide a great travel experience for customers who choose Amtrak in the upcoming holiday season."

Among many strong ridership numbers and increases, ridership for the Empire Builder route between Chicago and Seattle that serves the Mississippi River Route is up 3.7 percent. The Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee also so a record year in both ridership and revenue.

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St. Charles is the City with a Smile and a population of under 4,000. It's known as the Gateway to Whitewater valley and was made famous by resident Carl Fischer who worked with hybrids of the gladiolus flower. Whitewater State Park attracts lots of visitors who have an interest in fishing, cross country skiing and camping through the historic town of St. Charles.

Learn more about this city on the River Route Spotlight.

This was the second MNHSR Commission meeting to take public comment on the TCMC Second Train. A number of questions or comments were provided, including technical questions about train service between Chicago and Milwaukee and a question about how the public can support the TCMC Second Train during the legislative session. Dan Krom, MnDOT Passenger Rail Office, promised to communicate MnDOT legislative priorities to the MNHSR Commission, which will share them through Facebook and with Enewsletter subscribers.

Commission members reached consensus on proposed changes to the joint powers agreement. A committee will be formed to review the financial partners funding formula prior to seeking final approval of the amended agreement.

Stay up to date with the commission and join us at our next meeting on Thursday, January 5 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Jury Assembly Room at the Goodhue County Justice Center located at 454 W. 6th Street in Red Wing, MN.