In the upcoming legislative session, the fate of the proposed high-speed rail line from Minneapolis to Duluth is once again to be debated. In 2009 Representative Mary Murphy of Hermantown and I submitted bills to provide for $13 million in bonding to perform a feasibility study to determine whether such a rail line was a viable transportation alternative. Our bill moved through the committee process but did not pass. Every session since then has seen Senate and House bills attempting to secure bonding approval for the Northern Lights Express, the proposed name for the rail line, fall short. In the mean-time legislators, rail enthusiasts and federal transportation officials have kept pressure on to keep the project front and center of all rail discussions.
This year, my Senate File 816 and Representative Murphy’s companion House File 387 have perhaps the best chance of passing since we first tried 10 years ago. Speaker Melissa Hortman is a co-author of the House bill, adding major significance to the legislation. Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk has given his verbal support to my SF 816. Perhaps of even greater importance, Representative Murphy is the current Chair of the Capital Investment Committee. This is the committee that will determine which bonding bills pass and be moved on to the Governor for signature. There are no guarantees but being able to move her own bill is the best hope we have had in years to see the Northern Lights Express come to fruition.
The concept of creating the Northern Lights Express (NLX) has been around since perhaps 1986, when Amtrak discontinued rail service from Saint Paul to Duluth. Meetings of representatives from Anoka, Hennepin, Isanti and Saint Louis Counties and the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe took place in the 1990’s focusing on high speed rail service between Minneapolis and Duluth with stops only in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinkley, Sandstone, Superior and Duluth. Whereas Amtrak rail was limited to speeds of 50 mph, the proposed NLX would provide 4 round trips a day at up to 125 miles an hour. A third rail and a new station would be added in the vicinity of the Coon Rapids Park and Ride to accommodate both NLX and NorthStar, meaning many more reliable trains a day between Coon Rapids and Minneapolis for commuters. It also provides a nice alternative for residents of our area who would prefer not to have to drive on Highway 35 to and from Duluth.
The last time that gasoline prices jumped to nearly $5.00 a gallon we learned that people who lived in the Cambridge area were calling for rail service between there and their work sites in the Twin Cities. We also know there is a significant number of seniors who would enjoy being able to catch a train in the late morning for the Casino in Hinkley, enjoy lunch and gaming there and still be able to get home for dinner and the 6 p.m. news. So, whether it is for work, business, leisure or pleasure, the addition of the NLX is a win for the entire North Metro.
About Senator Jerry Newton
Jerry Newton is a state senator who represents Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Spring Lake Park. He is the Ranking Member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee and a member of the following committees: Aging and Long-Term Care Policy; and Higher Education Finance and Policy. Sen. Newton is also Chair of the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission and Member of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. A high-resolution photo of Sen. Newton is available for download here.