NLX Alliance increases focus on federal funds

The NLX Alliance has hired DGA Group to help pursue a federal funding match for the Northern Lights Express passenger rail project. The rail service is proposed to operate on 152 miles of existing track between Target Field in Minneapolis and the Depot in Duluth with stops in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, and Superior, Wisconsin.

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated the full state share needed for the project. Additionally, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in December granted $500,000 as a part of the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, used for the steps needed to apply for federal funding. Corridor ID is a comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development program that will help guide intercity passenger rail development throughout the country and create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation.

“The goal of hiring DGA Group is to make NLX a priority in Washington, D.C.” said St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson, chair of the NLX Alliance. The Alliance is comprised of local governments, tribal and other interested stakeholders located along the existing tracks.

“NLX advocates can occasionally travel to D.C. but that’s not the same as being there as decisions are made every day,” Nelson said. “Our new relationship with DGA Group gives us a team in D.C. who can engage Congress and the administration. It’s vital we raise awareness of the economic development and mobility choices NLX passenger rail can offer to the people in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The time is now.”

The MN Department of Transportation is the lead agency on the project, and is expected to apply for federal funding this fall.

To learn more about the NLX Alliance, go to www.NorthernLightsExpress.org .

About DGA Group

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