Progress on western Wisconsin train service

EAU CLAIRE, WI – The Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission has selected a consultant team led by HDR Engineering and HNTB Corp. to complete Step 1 of the Eau Claire-Twin Cities Passenger Rail Project. This crucial phase will provide a roadmap to begin planning and establish the scope of work, schedule, and budget for the project.

This is the first phase in the Corridor Identification and Development Program established by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration, with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Earlier this year, the FRA awarded a grant of up to $500,000 to support this first phase. This award marks a major milestone in restoring passenger train service between Eau Claire, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, via Menomonie, Baldwin, Hudson, and Washington County, MN.

HDR, a national leader in rail corridor planning and development and HNTB, were selected through a competitive request for proposals.  They are also working together on other Wisconsin rail projects, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Milwaukee-Madison-Eau Claire-Twin Cities Corridor and the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Second Round Trip study. Those studies are in addition to the Eau Claire-Twin Cities project. 

Coalition Chair Scott Rogers with HDR’s Rick Degman

“After many years of strong community interest, this is a critical first step in bringing passenger trains to enhance the economy of our region,” noted Scott Rogers, a Commission member who has been designated as its project committee lead. “The commitment of federal funding was always the missing element to move things forward.” Rogers is also chair of the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, a community group that has advocated for train service for the region, and is Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.

Besides providing an affordable, comfortable option to driving, the proposed Eau Claire-Twin Cities train will help businesses recruit and retain talent, reduce congestion on I-94, and help grow the local economy as businesses pop up near the train stations.

The Commission’s application also seeks a competitive process for selecting a company to operate the trains on a schedule convenient for students, tourists, and businesses.

Biggest Thing We Should Make Happen Soon

'Tis the season for the "Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll." While voting for all your local favorites, why not show your support for passenger rail, too? Who knows what will happen if "Passenger Rail Through Eau Claire" wins in the voting, but one thing is certain: EVERYONE wins with passenger rail.

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