Railroad projects have come to the forefront again as a nation looks for energy saving ways to move goods and people across the vast country that is the United States.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Congressman Tim Walz in a joint statement recently called for a complete study of the state’s rail transportation needs as the state applies for federal stimulus funds for worthy rail projects.
The governor is putting together an advisory group, including Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel and the Minnesota Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation Forum, to study all potential for future rail projects in the state. Some $8 billion of the federal stimulus bill is targeted to help build high speed rail lines and intercity rail lines throughout the country.
While Pawlenty has suggested a potential new line between the Twin Cities and Duluth, known as the “Northern Lights Express,” and the high speed rail between the Twin Cities and Chicago be included in the study, Congressman Walz noted Winona and Rochester also may tie into those high speed projects but that other projects around the state should be considered as well.
The opportunity to expand rail transportation comes at a particularly opportune time. Gasoline prices have been horrendously high the past few years, and are likely to remain at least very volatile into the future. As a result, moving goods by truck has become expensive with the high fuel prices.
Even if the trucking industry can survive high fuel prices, it is become increasingly difficult and expensive to keep roads and highways in a condition that makes them safe and congestion free for the trucking industry.
Consumers, too, are looking for ways to reduce their commutes and reduce their carbon footprint.
Hence railroads, an old idea in transportation, are coming back into vogue. Railroads can move a ton of cargo over the country at a cheaper rate per mile than trucks. Railroad beds don’t have to be repaired nearly as much as roads and highways. Many railroad expansion projects, such as the high speed rail projects, can use existing right of ways without the need to buy a lot more land.
In the Mankato area, the option of more railroad transportation and competition would bolster the farm economy and spur economic development.
Studying transportation and getting a plan in place quickly to take advantage of federal stimulus funds is a good first step. Let’s hope this train doesn’t run out of steam.
