Passenger rail topic of MnDOT public meeting tonight in Duluth

by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota Public Radio

Duluth, Minn. — Supporters of a Duluth passenger rail line will turn out tonight for a state transportation open house in Duluth.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting the open house to gather comment on Minnesota's state-wide transit plan and to lay the groundwork for a new state passenger rail plan.

Ken Buehler said a high speed railroad called the North Star Express would link Duluth and Minneapolis. He said it would carry passengers between the two cities, while providing daily transit for northern Twin Cities suburbs.

"The reason the Northern Lights Express will be a success, is...you've got this 7 county metro area; you've got this incredible tourist destination; and half way between you've got this casino with four and a half million comings and goings a year," Buehler said. "That's why this works."

The open house begins at 4 p.m. at the Duluth Depot.