MnDOT seeking public input on the future of rail and train service in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking for the public's help in developing a future state rail system. The survey is looking for suggestions for new destinations and routes.

The plan will identify priority rail corridors, programs, and projects that offer effective improvements or expansion for passenger and freight travel in and out of Minnesota.

Project lead Robert Clarkson says they would particularly like to hear from greater Minnesota as they host focus groups and workshops.

"We're looking to get out to probably Moorhead or Detroit Lake, somewhere up north," says Clarkson. "A place that happens to be on the Empire Builder Line so that we can hopefully, you know, do outreach in a city that has current passenger rail service."

The State Rail Plan is still in development as the department looks to identify needs across the state through a new survey asking the public how the system could improve.

Passenger Rail Planning Coordinator Adam Fulton says the plan could impact updates to the system for the next 20 years.

"There are destinations that are being studied and new routes that you know are under consideration," Fulton explains. "And so, as we receive additional feedback from the state, we are looking to help bring that into this planning document."

Fulton says MnDOT will also host focus groups and workshops as they build out the rest of the plan.

The department hopes to finalize the state rail plan by December of this year. You can find the survey here . MnDOT also has launched an interactive map of the state's rail network where you can provide feedback on exact locations around the state.