As Minnesota's newspapers compile their top-ten stories of 2016 lists, Bluestem paused at these passages in Michael Bruns' Top 10 stories of 2016: No. 8, Zip Rail grinds to a halt; private high-speed rail proposal faces backlash:
Opposition to the project was spearheaded by the grassroots group Citizens Concerned About Rail Line. Members have cited a number of grievances with high-speed rail, including disruption of farmland and the threat of eminent domain [by the private entity for private profit].
Co-chair Heather Arndt said CCARL stayed engaged with MnDOT and local legislators in 2016 as well as researched NAHSR and its proposal.
"We have yet to find any means by which the proposed line produces any level of independent fiscal solvency or any proof that NAHSR's leadership has any experience in any aspect of a successful rail line," Arndt wrote in an email Dec. 15. . . .
Goodhue County Board adopted an update to the county's Comprehensive Plan in June featuring language that land-uses not specifically mentioned in the plan should not be assumed to have the county's approval — a change commissioners said was made to prevent projects like Zip Rail from claiming local support.
Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa said he has spoken with fellow Republicans Sen.-elect Mike Goggin and Rep.-elect Barb Haley of Red Wing to bring forward legislation to protect the interests of citizens in the upcoming session.
"Nowhere in the world is high-speed rail accomplished without massive public subsidies," Drazkowski said. "It is my responsibility to protect my constituents and the people of our fine state from suffering financially from yet another massive taxpayer liability that could accrue with any high-speed train effort." . . .
There's that. Read the entire article at the Republican Eagle.
Image: Those who thought that anti-high-speed-rail grassroots group CCARL was populated by hicks (like Gabby Johnson in his famous role as a rambling rail resister in Blazing Saddles) learned to their dismay instead that Greater Minnesotans are in reality a bit better at organizing than the hayseeds in Mel Brooks' fabulous satire.
If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 33166 770th Ave, Ortonville, MN 56278) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post.
Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email sally.jo.sorensen at gmail.com as recipient.
Comments