MOORHEAD, MINN. (KFGO) – Backers of a second Fargo-Moorhead passenger train to and from the Twin Cities are headed to Moorhead to promote the proposal.
The concept has the second train leaving Fargo-Moorhead in the morning, returning in the early evening on the current Amtrak route. It’s part of the development of a passenger rail service network, involving the national Amtrak system and major regional trade centers in Greater Minnesota.
A St. Paul-based non-profit is holding a public meeting to talk about the expanded rail options. Brian Nelson, a spokesman for “All Aboard Minnesota,” says it makes sense to originate the train from the Fargo-Moorhead area because the population base is so large and because of its “robust industry.”
Daniel Krom, Director of the Minnesota Department of Transporation Passenger Rail Office, says the primary focus now is daytime service from St. Paul to Chicago and another route linking the Twin Cities to and from Duluth but the link to the FM area could be in the mix later. He says the extension to Moorhead would be the part of a “second-tier” of adding corridors and which could take several years.
Krom says funding for the extended routes is key. MnDOT is seeking funding in next year’s bonding bill to help move the projects along. Federal funding would be involved. He says the passenger rail service plan not only needs legislative but public support.
Wednesday’s forum is at 6:30 p.m. at the Hjemkomst Center Auditorium.