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On Dec. 31, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) released a statewide freight- and passenger-rail plan that outlines the state’s high-speed rail plans.

Mn/DOT will continue to participate in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and support the development of sustained 110 mph service or connections from the Twin Cities to Wisconsin and the Chicago Hub network, according to the plan. In addition, high-speed passenger service from the Twin Cities to Madison/Milwaukee/Chicago, and to Duluth and Rochester, are priorities.

The Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance, which worked with Mn/DOT during the planning process, backs the inclusion of the Rochester line as a top priority.

“While we believe a Rochester high-speed passenger line offers even greater ridership potential and economic return than reflected in Mn/DOT’s report, they have sent a clear message that the state’s third-largest city needs to be part of a statewide passenger-rail system,” said Olmsted County Commissioner Ken Brown in a prepared statement.

Meanwhile, the state also plans to enhance “conventional” passenger-rail service (identified as train speeds reaching 79 mph to 90 mph) from the Twin Cities to St. Cloud; Mankato; Fargo, N.D.; and Eau Claire, Wis., and between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Mn/DOT will accept public comments on the plan through Jan. 29. The agency expects to finalize it in February.