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Waseca commissioners back drafting a letter to MnDOT to preserve passenger‑rail corridor options
Summary
A Southern Minnesota passenger‑rail group asked the Waseca County Board to endorse preserving existing freight lines for future passenger service. The board voted to have staff draft a letter of support to MnDOT so the corridor remains eligible for study and funding.
Roy introduced Susie Nakajian, who described the state rail plan and argued for adding an east‑west passenger designation along the existing CP/DM&E corridor to keep southern Minnesota eligible for state and federal passenger rail funding. Susie said including the line in the 2025–2035 state rail plan would preserve options for regional connections (Mankato, Northfield, Waseca) and possible links to interstate passenger routes.
Commissioners asked about ridership, safety and crossing improvements. Susie said passenger service studies evaluate demographic density and that adding passenger service to existing freight lines lowers the cost and right‑of‑way barriers. She noted passenger upgrades typically require safety improvements at grade crossings, which can reduce horn noise by enabling closed crossings and double gates.
The board voted to direct staff to draft a letter of support for the corridor designation and return it for review. The motion passed by voice vote.
