City Council Meeting Date: February 18, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution in Support of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Request for State General Funds for a Corridor Study of Regional Passenger Rail Service Connecting South Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities on Existing Rail Line Through Northfield.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves Resolution in Support of the Minnesota Department of Transportations Request for State General Funds for a Corridor Study of Regional Passenger Rail Service Connecting South Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities on Existing Rail Line through Northfield.
Summary Report:
There is an active bill to seek funding for a passenger rail study for service from southern Minnesota to the Twin Cities. This line is currently identified in the State Passenger Rail Plan. Northfield has supported this effort in the past when the plan was being completed. Additionally, the line is contemplated to run through the transit hub site that the City is currently supporting for funding and included as an attachment.
The City Council discussed this at the February 11 Council work session.
Alternative Options:
Not recommended.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Tentative Timelines:
If approved this would be added to our State legislative priority list.