Remembering Rail Advocate Andru Martin Peters

A dedicated public servant and tireless advocate, Andru was a steadfast member and Vice Chair of the Minnesota High Speed Rail Commission (precursor of the Great River Rail Commission - GRRC) and a passionate supporter of passenger rail. He championed transportation improvements across Minnesota, especially through his work with the GRRC. Whether in St. Paul or his hometown of Lake City, Andru worked tirelessly to advance the interests of veterans, rural communities, and public transit.

A U.S. Army veteran, longtime transportation professional, and respected civic leader, Andru combined his professional expertise with heartfelt dedication to public service. His advocacy led to the passage of multiple veterans’ bills and was instrumental in expanding regional trail networks, including efforts to improve Highway 61 and support the Great Ridge Trail.

Andru will be remembered for his relentless energy, deep love for his community, and unwavering commitment to making Minnesota better for future generations.

2025 River Route Summer Activities

The Great River Rail Commission invites you to explore the amazing destinations along the Mississippi River Route. From charming towns to vibrant cities, each stop offers something unique—including everything from lively local festivals to captivating Jazz performances. We've compiled a list of exciting activities to help you plan your journey.

Download the guide and start creating your perfect River Route itinerary today!

URGENT: Legislative Communication Needed Now

Proposed Cut to Passenger Rail Capital and Operating Funding

House language in a version of the Transportation Bill would set the base passenger rail appropriation at $1.273 million for each of Fiscal Years 2028 and 2029. This is a reduction of $8.94 million over the two year period. Senate language does not propose this base.

A Transportation Conference Committee is meeting now at the Minnesota State Capitol to discuss this bill. The committee is working to combine House and Senate language into one bill before the end of the legislative session on Monday.

If the House language is adopted, this could result in a reduction of service in a corridor that has demonstrated strong performance and widespread public support for this transportation alternative. Diminished service would risk undermining its success and erode public trust.

Take Action Now

Today is the day to contact members of the Transportation Conference Committee and let them know how you feel about the language proposed by the House and the Senate. A sample letter to the conferees is below, as is contact information for each of the conference committee members.

Tips for Contacting Legislators

• With the legislative session about to end, email or phone contacts are best.

• Use the sample letter below in an email, but personalize it to your situation.

• You will be leaving a message if you call a legislator’s phone number – here are some tips:

  • Immediately state your name, where you live, and why you are contacting them. 

  • If you happen to be a constituent of one of the members, let them know.

  • In a sentence, describe how you feel about the funding levels proposed.

  • In a sentence or two, describe why you feel that way – it’s best to personalize your statement by describing how the project would impact you. (e.g. "Daily round-trip trains provide the flexibility I need for travel." Or, "My business is thriving thanks to visitors to our city by train.”)

This is a critical moment in the history of Borealis. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Chris Meyer

Chair, Great River Rail Commission

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Sample email message

Subject line: Please Support Passenger Rail

Dear Transportation Conference Committee Members:

As an advocate of passenger rail in Minnesota, I am writing this letter to express my continued support of passenger rail, especially the Borealis train, and support for the Senate language in HF2438 regarding passenger rail. 

I am concerned that proposed House language would reduce passenger rail funds in FY28-29 by $8.94 million. These funds are critical for the operating match for federal operating funding and for continued operation of the Borealis train service. 

Borealis Success

Since its launch a year ago, the Borealis has consistently and significantly exceeded ridership projections every month and has achieved one of the highest farebox recovery ratios among Midwest rail corridors. The train has stations in the Twin Cities, Red Wing, and Winona. This article highlights the success experienced by businesses in Red Wing thanks to visitors who arrive by train. 

Borealis Benefits

Borealis benefits Minnesota’s economy by creating new jobs and supporting existing businesses, increasing tourism, providing better access to colleges and universities, providing a more economical travel choice, and reducing carbon emissions. The capital improvements needed for the Borealis train benefits freight railroads and the businesses they serve, reduces the time streets in cities are blocked by freight trains, and makes auto and truck travel safer by improving crossings.

Support for Senate Passenger Rail Language

I strongly oppose the proposal to set the base passenger rail appropriation at $1.273 million for each of years FY28 and FY29. This represents a potential reduction of $8.94 million which could result in a reduction of service in a corridor that has demonstrated strong performance and widespread public support for this transportation alternative. Diminished service would risk undermining its success and erode public trust.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

NAME, CITY

Sen. Scott Dibble	651-296-4191	sen.scott.dibble@senate.mn
Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart	651-296-9261	sen.ann.johnson.stewart@senate.mn
Sen. John Jasinski	651-296-0284	sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn
Sen. Jim Carlson	651-297-8073	sen.jim.carlson@senate.mn
Sen. Doron Clark	651-296-7809	sen.doron.clark@mnsenate.gov
Rep. Jon Koznick	651-296-6926	rep.jon.koznick@house.mn.gov
Rep. Erin Koegel	651-296-5369	rep.erin.koegel@house.mn.gov
Rep. Bjorn Olson	651-296-3240	rep.bjorn.olson@house.mn.gov
Rep. Brad Tabke	651-296-8872	rep.brad.tabke@house.mn.gov