Fast Rail for Rochester? -- MNDOT Meeting April 22

Rochester MN REALTORs David and Lois Marris -- Community Call to Action

The state of Minnesota must have their rail development plan in place by the end of this year in order to be considered for any federal tax dollars to help with auto-alternative transportation. Rochester wants very much to be a part of any type of plan which brings travelers to our doorstep!

There are several proposed rail routes from Minneapolis to Chicago and only one includes the city of Rochester. Other routes usually travel along the Mississippi River. However, the Mississippi river already has an Amtrak passenger route providing service. Why put a new passenger high speed rail system right next to an existing passenger rail system?

I believe any new rail system should expand our existing service. All of southeast Minnesota would benefit greatly by a statewide rail system which includes a commuter route from Rochester. Rochester is one of just a few growing Minnesota cities, attracting international business and personal travelers. Rochester has a growing university population, bio-science business center and visitor and convention business. Combined with the billion dollar Elk Run Development planned for Pine Island, the Rochester area is an excellent city for high speed rail transportation. As we attract additional travelers, they spend their travel dollars here, benefiting us and the state.

To learn more and express your support for Rochester high speed rail, please attend the MN/DOT Transit and Rail Plan Open House. Youwill be able to talk directly to MN/DOT officials. Please let them know why you think Rochester should be included in a high speed passenger rail route.

MN/DOT Transit and Rail Plan Rochester Open House, Wednesday, April 22nd

Heintz Center

Rochester Community and Technical College

1926 College View Dr SE

4-5pm: Greater Minnesota Transit Plan, rom HA102

5-7pm: Statewide Passenger and Freight Rail Plan, Commons Area

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Rochester MN Real Estate Agents David and Lois Marris are top REALTORs at Edina Realty. Edina Realty is the number one brokerage in Minnesota. Visit www.davidandloismarris.com to search for Rochester homes for sale. Contact: LoisMarris@EdinRealty.com, DavidMarris@EdinaRealty.com, 507-398-3251.