A new development in the controversial Zip Rail project to Rochester has Bluestem wondering if Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) has left the station without his constituents.
The Rochester Post Bulletin's Heather Carlson reports in Privately-funded plan for Zip Rail emerges:
A Minnesota-based transportation business has emerged as the possible private-sector answer to the Zip Rail funding question.
The North American High Speed Rail Group has been meeting with county officials and Minnesota lawmakers to pitch its proposal for high-speed rail service between Rochester and the Twin Cities, said Wendy Meadley, the group's chief strategy officer. She said North American has pulled together a group of investors interested in the rail line and that the project would also include an economic development component that's tied into the rail corridor. . . .
Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, said he has also been working with Zip Rail supporters on a compromise to allow private construction to move ahead. He said his proposal would require financial assurances so that if the project fails, taxpayers aren't stuck with the cost. He is still pushing ahead with a bill that ties Destination Medical Center funding to Zip Rail. It would give the city of Rochester more flexibility in how it pays for DMC-related administrative costs in exchange for requiring no public dollars are spent on Zip Rail.
Citizens: No-Build Ootion
That sounds good and fine, but the citizens along the proposed line don't seem to want to see the non-stop train slice through their communities, the Kenyon Leader reported on March 9 in Kenyon meeting: Grassroots CCARL effort aims for 'No Build' option on Zip Rail:
By five minutes after 5 p.m., there was barely a spare seat for late arrivals at the Citizens Concerned About Rail Line meeting in Kenyon last Thursday. By 5:30 p.m., latecomers were filling the back hallway.
Elbow to elbow in the lower level at Schweich’s Hotel, approximately 80 people from Kenyon and surrounding communities came to learn more about the proposed Zip Rail passenger line between the Twin Cities and Rochester. One possible route follows Hwy. 52, while the other branches down west of Hwy. 56.
Concerned about their property, emergency services accessibility, route and road crossings, they got a lesson in grassroots organization 101.
Spokesperson Heather Arndt of Hader led the discussion and told about Rep. Steve Drazkowski’s HF920 bill that would prohibit Rochester, Olmsted County and the state from spending any money on the proposed Zip Rail project in exchange for more flexibility on funding administrative costs related to Destination Medical Center. . . .
Goodhue County Commissioner Dan Rechtzigel addressed the group and said the board has commented on the state plan, making clear their unanimous opposition to Zip Rail, and continued support of freight rail.
But more action is needed, according to organizer Nora Felton of Cannon Falls. She and Arndt offered to work with township leaders to go over the issues and clarify points to aid in drafting a statement. Felton handed out copies of sample resolutions that people could take to local government officials. She also passed around petitions that people could take with them. . . .
Arndt brought the conversation back around to the planning and placement of the Zip Rail line. She said the train would operate at slower speeds in urban areas, allowing for at-grade crossings in the Twin Cities and Rochester only.
In Goodhue County, she said, there would be no at-grade crossings. All of it would be over or under the rail line, with sealed and fenced off corridors.
Stopping the Zip Rail and getting the no-build option will not be easy.
“It will take the hands, voices and minds of many people,” said Arndt.
She advised people to make their comments are specific and measurable. How much income do you lose each year if they take your farm? Do the math; numbers count in this game, she said. . . .
Somehow, we don't think that the main issue for these folks was public funding, and we're curious just how much private economic development funding the supporters can come up with along a rail line with no stops.
Kenyon is in the extreme western part of Drakowski's district.
Photo: The Zip Rail, via Rochester Bulletin.
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This is going to be interesting. Many levels to this to this discussion.
Posted by: Merle Hanson | Mar 18, 2015 at 08:33 AM
Here in Kenyon, folks are agitated. There is no support for this locally. If our Rep "Draz" wants to push this, he risks what has been an automatic GOP seat for decades.
Posted by: Robley Henry | Mar 18, 2015 at 05:17 PM
I will suggest anyone interested in getting correct information please plan to attend the below upcoming meeting:
Rep.Drazkowski/Garafalo have not left the station without their constituents despite the language.
Within the Law It is up to the FRA/Federal Rail Authority not MN Legislators to determine if the outcome will be "No Build" or one of the alternatives.
HF920 which protects MN taxpayers will be heard on Wed.
ZIP RAIL MEETING
APRIL 9, 2015
Thursday 6:00-8:00 pm
CANNON FALLS
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
CAFETERIA
On Hwy. 19, east side of Cannon Falls
820 Minnesota St. East, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
CCARL(Found on Facebook)
CITIZENS CONCERNED ABOUT RAIL LINE
Posted by: R. Nygaard | Mar 23, 2015 at 01:51 PM
The decision about a route vs. "No Build" for ZipRail is in the hands of the FRA/Federal Rail Authority
Rep. Drazkowski/Garafalo are working within the law to provide protections for MN taxpayers.HF920 is designed to do that. It will be heard on Wed. 3/25.
A private entity whether a MN resident or foreign investor must abide by law. Likewise our legislators when writing legislation must abide by the law.
"No Build" remains the first choice of grassroots Minnesotans and their representatives at the county & state level.
For accurate information please plan to attend:
CANNON FALLS
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
CAFETERIA
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
On Hwy. 19, east side of Cannon Falls
820 Minnesota St. East, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
CCARL
CITIZENS CONCERNED ABOUT RAIL LINE
Posted by: belle13A | Mar 23, 2015 at 02:45 PM
There are many reasons to be opposed to this project,funding sources is just one.
There are the very real safety issues associated with this plan. Studies have shown the danger high speed rail possess in the winter between kicking up blinding snow to dropping heavy chunks from the wheel wells. Both of which are very dangerous to those of us using the adjacent or 'under the elevated rail' line roadways. The northern part of Leon Township has been designated an active sinkhole plane. Already the FRA and STB have denied on-ground rail lines in active karst areas due to the danger of derailment. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has already upheld the validity of these dangers and denied the building of rail in karst areas.
Now imagine the increased level of danger to both passengers and road users an elevated 200+mph train presents. The possibility of karst collapse and train derailment are very real.
The rail corridor goes through Decorah-Shale overlay areas which protect our ground water. If these are compromised our waters are exposed to rapid movement of contaminates. 80% of Goodhue County's water comes from 2 of 3 aquifers and 2 are in the rail path. Not hard to see the dangers that presents to more than just the folks who live near the proposed lines.
Yes, the ZipRail project has as many layers as an onion, Rep Drazkowski's bill just addresses one.
Heather Arndt
Posted by: Heather Arndt | Mar 23, 2015 at 03:17 PM