A joint rail project connecting three states has received a Consolidated Railroad Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) competitive grant for final design and construction of project improvements.
The Wisconsin-Minnesota Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago (TCMC) Passenger Rail Project would receive a funding allotment of $31.8 million through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), noting the funds would enable an additional daily round-trip between the Twin Cities, La Crosse, Milwaukee and Chicago, and points in-between, along the existing long-distance Amtrak Empire Builder route.
The TCMC service is slated to serve as an extension of one of the existing Amtrak Hiawatha round trips.
“The expanded service provides a much-improved connection between the Midwest economic hubs of Minneapolis/St. Paul, La Crosse, Milwaukee and Chicago,” Craig Thompson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary-designee said. “Just as important is the enhanced service for residents in the many rural communities. They will have increased travel options, with better reliability and on-time performance.”
The TCMC project increases the existing rail service on the corridor from one round-trip daily to two daily round-trips; doubles schedule options making more regional trips viable by rail; and supports tourism efforts among communities on the route.
“Minnesotans will benefit from the expanded passenger rail service by having access to a safe, reliable and affordable alternative to driving or flying,” MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher said. “This project will also help Minnesota create new jobs and generate economic growth in our communities and improve access to higher education facilities along the corridor.”
Officials indicated the first year of TCMC rail service is anticipated to start in 2024.