Take Action 2021
June 14 Update
Special Session Commences
The Minnesota Legislature left a number of issues unresolved as the session ended on May 17. They have now convened a special session and hope to complete work before July 1 when state government would have to shut down without spending bills approved.
In addition to the state biennial budget, a bonding bill may be in the works, which is where advocates hope $10 million for the TCMC Second Train would be included to upgrade tracks and signals on the route through southeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota House, Senate and Governor have all indicated interest in seeing a bonding bill approved this year. There is disagreement on what projects should be included and what the overall price tag should be.
Please stay in touch with your legislator to learn where bonding bill negotiations stand.
Actions Needed Now
Contact your legislators and ask them to support a bonding bill that includes the Second Train.
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Include “Constituent: Support for TCMC Second Train” in the subject line of an email or in the first sentence of a voicemail
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Share how the Second Train will help you
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Encourage them to support funding for the Second Train in the bonding bill
Thank bill authors for their support
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.
Share your Story
What else can I do?
There are many ways to help.
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Write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper – get tips here
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Share your story on social media, or by filling out this Supporter Spotlight form
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Sign up for our occasional enewsletter
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See other ways to Get Involved
Thank you for your support!
Second Train Information
Current Funding Status and Legislative Request
The TCMC Second Train project can begin final design and construction once $10 million is approved from local Minnesota sources, fulfilling the final local capital funding requirement. This $10 million contribution would result in more than $40 million of work to improve railroad infrastructure in Winona and La Crescent. The state of Minnesota remains the final uncommitted partner for the TCMC Second Train project.
In September 2020, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded $320.6 million to 50 projects in 29 states as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program aimed at helping localities, short lines and passenger railroads improve the safety and efficiency of their rail networks. The TCMC Second Train project was selected to receive a $31.8 million CRISI grant for capital improvements. The grant requires a local funding match.
Also, in 2020, Amtrak pledged $5 million, and the state of Wisconsin pledged $6.2 million to be used for capital improvements, and as matching funds for the federal CRISI grant. Amtrak also pledged to make capital improvements to the platform at the Winona station.
