Minnesota lawmakers are considering second train to Chicago

WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota lawmakers need to approve $1 million next year for the second phase of a study about adding a second Twin Cities-to-Chicago passenger train with stops in Red Wing and Winona.

The Post Bulletin reports that Legislators already are faced with more than $3 billion in requests for construction projects across Minnesota.

Red Wing Mayor Sean Dowse says a second train would help boost the city’s economy.

The Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation agencies did a feasibility of a second route in 2015. The study estimates that a second train would see 155,000 riders annually and generate more than $6.8 in annual revenue.

The project is estimated to cost more than $95 million, with an additional $6.6 million in annual operating and maintenance costs.

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