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Take Action 2020

TCMC Second Train

Update, October 12, 1 p.m.:

 

Take Action by 4 p.m. Today

Things are moving rapidly at the Capitol on approval of a bonding bill. We’ve learned that funding earmarked for passenger rail was converted to freight rail in the House bill. The House Ways and Means Committee considers the bonding bill in a meeting at 4 p.m. today and could add the TCMC Second Train project to the bill. We need your help.

 

Contact three legislators now

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Please send an email to:

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rep.gene.pelowski@house.mn 

rep.frank.hornstein@house.mn 

rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn

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Subject line: TCMC Second Train in Bonding Bill

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Let them know that:

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  • You support the TCMC Second Train

  • You want them to advocate for the addition of $10 million for the TCMC Second Train to the bonding bill

  • Include these key messages

    • The federal government, state of Wisconsin and Amtrak have committed $43 million for mainline railroad track and signal capital improvements benefitting both freight and passenger rail

    • Minnesota’s $10 million investment will fully fund and unlock the other commitments, but federal dollars may not be available after September 2021

    • The $10 million investment would result in $40 million in railroad track improvements in Minnesota, benefitting both passenger and freight rail

 

Take Action After 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12

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Contact your legislator now

Please send an email to your legislators (find your legislator) and let them know that:

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  • You support the TCMC Second Train

  • You would like them to contact their House or Senate leader and let them know the TCMC Second Train should be included in the bonding bill

  • That the Second Train just received a $32 million federal grant that is dependent on a $10 million match from the state of Minnesota

  • That the grant expires in one year (September 2021)

  • That Minnesota’s $10 million match would result in $40 million in railroad track improvements in Minnesota, benefitting both passenger and freight rail

 

Some of us can be a bit apprehensive about contacting our legislators. Don’t worry! Legislators want to hear from their constituents. Click here for tips.

 

Need more information about the second train and it's benefits? Click the image to the right for the Legislative Request packet. 

 

New information about the TCMC Second Train

 

  • The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a $31.8 million grant for capital improvements that will help make the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago (TCMC) Second Train a reality. 

  • The state of Wisconsin has committed capital funds of $6.2 million to the project.

  • Amtrak has committed $5 million in capital funds toward the project, and committed to upgrading the passenger platform at the Winona station.

  • The TCMC Second Train Project previously received $12.569 million for startup operating costs from a federal grant.

Some of us can be a bit apprehensive about contacting our legislators. Don’t worry! Legislators want to hear from their constituents. Click here for tips.

​

Need more information about the second train and it's benefits? Click the image to the right for the Legislative Request packet. 

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