MN: Study says $827 million rail expansion needed in St. Paul's east metro

Forty years after the railroad industry teetered on the brink of collapse, officials say a hefty $827 million investment to expand rail line capacity may be needed to accommodate the growth of passenger and freight services in the east metro.

The needs are outlined in a new "East Metro Rail Capacity Study" commissioned by the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and the Red Rock Corridor Commission, which hope to use the freight rail lines between St. Paul and Hastings to expand commuter and high-speed rail services.

The $2.1 million, federally-funded study, released in draft form this week, sets the stage for a memorandum of understanding between the state, Ramsey County and freight companies operating in the east metro area, including Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Canadian Pacific and Union Pacific.

The Metropolitan Council, Washington County and Dakota County also could become a part of an agreement. ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10755714/mn-study-says-827-million-rail-expansion-needed-in-st-pauls-east-metro