Great River Rail Commission
A Solid Commitment:
The Great River Rail Commission is one of the leading voices on passenger rail in Minnesota. Made up of officials from local and regional governments from Saint Paul to La Crosse, the Commission advocates for passenger rail options along the Mississippi River Route, connecting the Twin Cities with Milwaukee and Chicago. The Commission's long range vision is that the Borealis train, launched in 2024, demonstrates demand for further investment in faster, more frequent passenger rail service.
​Chair Chris Meyer
cmeyer@co.winona.mn.us
Winona County
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Vice-Chair Susan Betcher
susan.betcher@co.goodhue.mn.us
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Commissioner (Alternate) Linda Flanders
Linda.flanders@co.goodhue.mn.us
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Executive Director Bob Gollnik
La Crosse Area Planning Committee
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Transportation Planner (Alternate) Erin Duffer
La Crosse Area Planning Committee
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Commissioner Rafael Ortega
Rafael.e.ortega@co.ramsey.mn.us
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Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong
Maichong.Xiong@co.ramsey.mn.us
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Commissioner Cheryl Key
ckey@co.wabasha.mn.us
Wabasha County
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Commissioner (Alternate) Bob Walkes
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Commissioner Karla Bigham
karla.bigham@co.washington.mn.us
Washington County
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Commissioner (Alternate) Michelle Clasen
Michelle.Clasen@co.washington.mn.us
Washington County
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Commissioner (Alternate) Marcia Ward
​​​Councilmember Monique Garza
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​Member Not Appointed
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Councilmember Dave Pemble
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Mayor Brian Quinn
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Mayor Laurie Elliott
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Commissioner Daniel Derudder
Prairie Island Indian Community
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Mayor Gary Iocco
City of Red Wing​​​
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Councilmember Wayne Getz
wm4grand@hbcsc.net
City of Saint Charles
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Mayor (Alternate) John Schaber
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Councilmember Rebecca Noecker
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Councilmember Tim Conrad
City of St. Paul Park​​
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Member Not Appointed
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Supervisor John Plehal
johnplehal.wacoutatownboard@gmail.com
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Councilmember Steve Young
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Councilmember (Alternate) Pam Eyden
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Commission Member Spotlights
Meet Vice-Chair
Vice-Chair Susan Betcher represents District 5 on the Goodhue County Board, covering parts of Red Wing and Wacouta Township. A lifelong resident of Goodhue County, Susan brings deep local roots and a spirit of service to her role. Before becoming commissioner, she spent 35 years as a practicing psychiatrist and served six years on the Wacouta Township Board.
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Today, Susan is focused on learning the county’s challenges, strengthening rural and urban connections, and maintaining Goodhue County’s outstanding quality of life.
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“Since service began, the Borealis train has shown its value to Red Wing—it is adding to the quality of life for those that live here, and it is bringing visitors to see the many wonderful things we have to offer.”
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Susan sits on numerous committees, including Environmental Resources, Health Services, Transit, and Technology, where she works to build a stronger, more connected Goodhue County.
Meet Commissioner
Karla Bigham serves the residents of south Washington County, bringing decades of public service experience to the County Board. A lifelong Cottage Grove resident, she previously served in the Minnesota State Senate and House of Representatives, as well as on the Cottage Grove City Council.
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Karla focuses on clean water, infrastructure, mental and chemical health services, and workforce development. She combines hands-on experience with a deep commitment to community well-being.
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”Great River Rail provides an opportunity for river communities to have a seat at the table to provide a voice on passenger rail options. The collaborative work done to get a second daily train trip has been beneficial for Minnesota”,” says Commissioner Bigham.
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Outside of work, Karla enjoys golfing, gardening, football officiating, and spending time with her husband, John, and their two rescue dogs.
Meet Councilmember
Councilmember Tim Conrad is a lifelong member of the St. Paul Park community, bringing a new voice and strong roots to the City Council. With leadership experience as past president of the St. Paul Park/Newport Lions, commander of the SAL's American Legion Post 98, and organizer of Cars in the Park, Tim has long been a visible advocate for community connection and civic pride. He’s served on the city’s Park & Rec and Public Works Commissions and draws on a three-generation family legacy of service, including his grandfather’s roles as a city police officer and animal control officer.
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Councilmember Conrad believes in open, informed decision-making driven by active dialogue with residents. His priorities include revitalizing Main Street, addressing underdeveloped properties, improving parks and roads, and expanding responsible housing opportunities. Tim champions community-driven economic growth and supports initiatives that attract new businesses while retaining local ones. With a focus on sustainable development and enhanced public safety, he is committed to helping St. Paul Park grow in a direction that reflects the voices of its people.
Meet Mayor
Mayor Laurie Elliott has served Newport with steady leadership and decades of experience in local government. With a background that includes over 25 years working full-time in several Minnesota cities—and roles on the City Council, Planning Commission, and League of Minnesota Cities policy committees—she brings a deep understanding of city operations and community needs. During her first term as mayor, she oversaw the development of a new city hall and public safety building, advanced efforts to secure clean drinking water following PFAS contamination, and expanded park and trail access, including a connection to the Mississippi River Trail.
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A Newport resident of more than 30 years, Mayor Elliott is committed to fiscal responsibility, public health and safety, and sustainable economic development. Her priorities include supporting infrastructure through outside funding, expanding affordable housing, enhancing transit connectivity, and attracting new businesses to grow the local tax base. With a collaborative and solutions-oriented leadership style, she remains focused on making Newport a vibrant, connected, and resilient city.
Meet Councilmember
Councilmember Monique Garza is a community-first leader whose deep commitment to civic engagement and inclusion has made her a visible force in Cottage Grove. With a background in real estate and quality assurance, she brings sharp decision-making skills and firsthand insight into the city’s growth and evolving needs. From founding the beloved Movies with Mo to even serving on multiple diversity and government affairs committees, Councilmember Garza is dedicated to building a welcoming, connected community.
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She actively serves on the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce Board and is an advocate for women in leadership through the Women in Business group. As a proud parent and supporter of the Strawberry Fest Ambassador program, Monique blends personal passion with public service. Her vision centers on unity, equity, and empowering every resident to thrive.
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“As a City Council Member and local business owner, I believe in the power of connection—between communities, opportunities, and people. The Great River Rail represents not just a transit option, but a transformational investment in the future of our region. It’s about accessibility, growth, and making our towns stronger together,” says Councilmember Garza.
Meet Councilmember
Councilmember Wayne Getz has been serving the public for over 20 years, first in the City of Utica in roles ranging from planning and zoning to public works and public safety. Since 2002, he has brought that experience and commitment to the St. Charles City Council, where his dedication to community development and regional growth remains steadfast. For Wayne, public service has always been more than a role—it’s a calling rooted in a lifelong desire to help others and embrace the challenges that come with leadership.
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Wayne is proud to represent St. Charles, known as the gateway to Whitewater State Park, one of Minnesota’s most treasured destinations for trout fishing, hiking, and hunting. He sees tremendous opportunity in expanding passenger rail to bring more visitors to southeastern Minnesota and support local recreation and tourism. With new developments like the emergency management building and local partnerships with industry leaders such as Envirotech, Councilmember Getz continues to champion initiatives that balance small-town charm with strategic growth.
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A Newport resident of more than 30 years, Mayor Elliott is committed to fiscal responsibility, public health and safety, and sustainable economic development. Her priorities include supporting infrastructure through outside funding, expanding affordable housing, enhancing transit connectivity, and attracting new businesses to grow the local tax base. With a collaborative and solutions-oriented leadership style, she remains focused on making Newport a vibrant, connected, and resilient city.
Meet Mayor
Mayor Gary Iocco brings decades of community leadership, business experience, and heartfelt service to his role as Red Wing’s mayor. After moving from inner-city Chicago and launching a successful 41-year career in the dental lab industry—including co-founding Apex Dental Laboratory Group—Gary chose Red Wing as the place to build his life and raise his family. His commitment to the city has earned him recognition as the 2024 Goodhue County Citizen of the Year and includes leadership roles with Red Wing Downtown Main Street, the CARE Clinic, United Way, and more. He previously served as a Goodhue County Commissioner and Wacouta Township Supervisor.
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As mayor, Gary serves as an enthusiastic ambassador for Red Wing—highlighting its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, strong schools, and economic potential. His priorities include increasing access to workforce and senior housing, fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and ensuring tax dollars are used efficiently. With a collaborative approach and a deep love for the city, Gary is focused on preserving Red Wing’s small-town charm while embracing its future growth.
Meet Chair
Commissioner Chris Meyer has served on the Winona County Board since 2019, bringing a thoughtful, research-driven approach to local government. A former IT project manager and longtime Winona County resident, she is dedicated to building a sustainable, connected future for all residents.
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From helping Winona County implement the COVID-19 pandemic response, to supporting cost-effective programs like treatment court, Chris prioritizes inclusion and data-based decision making. Chris also chairs the Great River Rail Commission, where she advocates expanded passenger rail service in Minnesota.
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“Passenger rail travel is a passion of mine. I am committed to lead the Great River Rail Commission towards its vision of faster, more frequent passenger rail travel in Minnesota,” says Commissioner Meyer. “I’m also excited about the rail improvements for our community that are bringing economic benefits in addition to making the Borealis possible.”
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Her priorities include expanding broadband, improving health services, supporting conservation efforts, and fostering strong partnerships across communities.
Meet Councilmember
Councilmember Rebecca Noecker is a dedicated leader, community builder, and lifelong advocate for equity and opportunity. A proud resident of Saint Paul’s West Side, she brings both a global perspective and grassroots passion to local government. Her early work as a teacher in Baton Rouge and with nonprofits in India and Uganda shaped her deep belief in responsive, community-centered leadership.
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First elected to the City Council in 2015, Noecker is known for her thoughtful policy work, optimism, and commitment to serving residents. Guided by the values of hard work, empathy, and civic responsibility, she focuses on making Saint Paul a city that supports families, invests in children, fosters local businesses, and ensures high-quality, accessible services.
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She stays closely connected with residents through monthly coffee meetups, neighborhood events, and virtual chats—listening, learning, and taking action on what matters most. For her, public leadership is deeply personal, and building a more inclusive, vibrant Saint Paul remains at the heart of everything she does.
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“Passenger rail is more than a transportation option—it's an investment in our future. The Great River Rail project connects Saint Paul to opportunity, bringing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and greater access to jobs, education, and family across our region. I support expanded passenger rail because it makes our city more connected, more equitable, and more vibrant. This is the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure our residents deserve” says Councilmember Noecker.
Meet Councilmember
Councilmember Dave Pemble brings over 60 years of lived experience in Hastings and a lifetime of public service to the City Council. Now retired from his role as a lead nuclear machinist at Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, Councilmember Pemble has dedicated his time to the betterment of his community. His leadership spans multiple city roles, including the Hastings Park and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Advisory Commission, and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Committee. With 25 years on the Hastings Police Reserves and four years on the ISD #200 School Board, Dave’s deep understanding of the city’s systems and partnerships makes him a strong advocate for collaboration, safety, and smart growth.
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Dave’s vision to “Bridge the G.A.P.” in Hastings—through Growth, Advocacy, and Progress—guides his work. He supports expanding affordable housing, boosting local job opportunities, and strengthening the city’s voice in major infrastructure projects like the Highway 61 rebuild and wastewater treatment upgrades. Passionate about community involvement, he also promotes public safety awareness, neighborhood engagement, and events like National Night Out to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Meet Commissioner
Commissioner Rafael E. Ortega is a progressive leader dedicated to strengthening Ramsey County through better transit, housing, and support for vulnerable residents. Raised in the tenements of New York City, Rafael's early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to social and economic justice.
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First elected in 1994 as Minnesota’s first Latino county commissioner, Rafael has led major redevelopment and transit projects. He chairs the Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority, helping lead investments in the Green and Blue Lines, the Union Depot, and key projects like the Gold Line Bus to Woodbury and a second passenger train between Saint Paul and Chicago.
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“Good transit is a ticket to new worlds, whether it takes you to schools and jobs or to new cities,” says Commissioner Ortega.
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Rafael’s passion for building a stronger, more vibrant community continues to guide his leadership today.
Meet Mayor
Mayor Brian Quinn brings over 30 years of public service experience to his leadership role in Lake City, with a background that spans emergency medicine, healthcare leadership, and local government. Beginning as a commission member and later serving on the City Council, Brian stepped into the role of mayor in January 2025. His deep roots in service have shaped a leadership style focused on transparency, collaboration, and building resilient community systems that work for everyone.
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Guided by a passion for improving lives and strengthening local resources, Mayor Quinn is committed to preserving Lake City’s historic charm while fostering economic growth and accessibility. He advocates for initiatives that support public safety, outdoor recreation, and sustainable infrastructure—including expanded passenger rail service through the Great River Rail project.
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“Passenger rail is more than transportation—it’s a bridge to economic growth, regional equity, and a more connected future for Lake City and the communities along the Mississippi corridor.”
Annual Reports
Each year the Great River Rail Commission releases an annual report on activities around the project's development and other relevant passenger rail information.
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2023 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2022 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2021 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2020 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2019 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2018 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2017 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2016 Annual Report (Newsletter)
2015 Annual Report (Newsletter)
Meeting Documents
Stay current on all the exciting and informative meetings surrounding Great River Rail.
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Upcoming Meetings
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Commission Agendas and Minutes
Each file includes the agenda packet for the current meeting and minutes for the previous meeting.
