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. Ann Johnson Stewart | 651-296-9261 | |
Sen. John Jasinski | 651-296-0284 | |
Sen. Jim Carlson | 651-297-8073 | |
Sen. Doron Clark | 651-296-7809 | |
Rep. Jon Koznick | 651-296-6926 | |
Rep. Erin Koegel | 651-296-5369 | |
Rep. Bjorn Olson | 651-296-3240 | |
Rep. Brad Tabke | 651-296-8872 |
