Open House Coming Up for the High Speed Rail Project

If you attended the Topics on Tap in February, you learned about the proposed high speed rail line from Duluth to the Twin Cities.  You also learned that there would be some upcoming public forums.  If you want to get more information and/or get involved check out this press release (thank you Jeff Anderson for passing this on to me so I can share it with Fuse!):

Contact:        Donna Lindberg, Mn/DOT Central Office,   651-366-4268

Mn/DOT seeks public input for freight/passenger rail, transit plans

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Members of the traveling public, transportation stakeholders, transit providers and local government officials are invited to provide input for development of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan and the draft Greater Minnesota Transit Plan at one of seven upcoming open houses statewide.

“We invite the public to attend one of these open houses and give us their ideas about rail and transit issues that affect their lives and businesses,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel.

Public input from these open houses will help Mn/DOT develop a vision for effective use of the state’s rail network and public transportation across Minnesota.

The 2009 Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan will:
● Define public and private sector roles for use of rail in the state’s transportation system.
● Identify priority intercity and high-speed passenger rail corridors for travel within and beyond Minnesota.
● Enhance national and international freight access to markets, services and logistics.
● Develop measures and guidelines for public investments in rail assets and services.
●  Outline requirements for Minnesota’s participation in national rail initiatives, programs and resources.

The completed Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan will be presented to the Minnesota Legislature in late 2009.

The 2009 Greater Minnesota Transit Plan, scheduled to be completed this spring, will:
●       Provide content and direction on public transit programs in Greater Minnesota.
●       Identify steps for preserving Minnesota’s investment in current public transit services.
●       Look for opportunities to enhance public mobility options.
●       Focus on services for the elderly, low income, disabled and commuters.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mn/DOT transit officials will answer questions and take input on the draft 2009 Greater Minnesota Transit Plan. The plan will be available at the open houses and will be on Mn/DOT’s Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports.html by April 13.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a brief presentation on the Freight and Passenger Rail Plan planning process. After the presentation, Mn/DOT officials and national rail consultants will be on hand to discuss current and future rail programs, answer questions and take input. For information about the 2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan, go to www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/.

To request these documents or information in an alternative format call 651-366-4718 or e-mail ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.

For more information about these open houses, call Mn/DOT’s Office of Transit at 651-366-4191.

2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan and Greater Minnesota Transit Plan  OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:

ST. CLOUD
Mn/DOT Office and Training Center
3725 - 12th St. N.
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Tuesday, April 21
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

ROCHESTER
Rochester Community/Technical College
Hines Center
1926 Collegeview Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Wednesday, April 22
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

DULUTH
Duluth Union Depot and Transportation Museum - Great Hall
506 W. Michigan St.
Duluth, MN 55802
Wednesday, April 29
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

ROSEVILLE       Mn/DOT Metro District Headquarters
1500 W. County Road B-2
Roseville, MN 55113
Thursday, April 30
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

RED WING
Red Wing Main Library
Foot Room
225 East Ave.
Red Wing, MN 55066
Wednesday, May 6
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

MANKATO
Best Western N. Mankato
1111 Range St.
Mankato, MN 56003
Wednesday, May 13
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

MOORHEAD
LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED
Thursday, May 14
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

(For more information about open houses, call Mn/DOT’s Office of Transit at 651/366-4191.)

To request an ASL interpreter at an open house, call 651-366-4720. To request other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4718; the Minnesota Relay Service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY, Voice or ASCII) or 711, or e-mail your request to ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.

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