Wisconsin-Minnesota Amtrak passenger rail extension backed by $31M federal grant

A passenger rail project that would add a daily round trip between the Twin Cities, La Crosse, Milwaukee and Chicago on the existing Amtrak Empire Builder route has been selected to receive a $31.8 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration.

The Wisconsin-Minnesota Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago (TCMC) service would use tracks on the existing Amtrak Hiawatha route, according to the announcement from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Construction for the rail service is anticipated to begin in 2022, with service starting in 2024. The service increases round-trip service on the 411-mile corridor between the Twin Cities and Chicago to two daily trips, with the new round-trip having a shorter travel time.

According to WisDot, 3.3 million Wisconsin residents live within 30 miles of a TCMC station and within 15 miles of a TCMC connecting shuttle. The service will also stop at stations in Tomah, Wisconsin Dells, Portage, Columbus and Sturtevant.

“The expanded service provides a much-improved connection between the Midwest economic hubs of Minneapolis-St. Paul, La Crosse, Milwaukee and Chicago,” said Craig Thompson, WisDot secretary-designee. “Just as important is the enhanced service for residents in the many rural communities. They will have increased travel options, with better reliability and on-time performance.”

The cost to build the TCMC service was projected to cost $53 million. The three states and Amtrak need to provide $21.1 million in matching funds in order to accept the award from the FRA. Amtrak has already contributed $5 million.

Planning for the TCMC began in 2012. Earlier this year, the FRA provided a $12.6 million grant for operating support to offset the cost of the first three years of service.

“Minnesotans will benefit from the expanded passenger rail service by having access to a safe, reliable and affordable alternative to driving or flying,” Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner, said in a statement. “This project will also help Minnesota create new jobs and generate economic growth in our communities and improve access to higher education facilities along the corridor.”