Wisconsin could get a second train to the Twin Cities some time later this year.
The state's Department of Transportation last week said they will use 32 million-dollars in federal money, plus 10 million from the state of Minnesota, six-and-a-half million from Wisconsin, and five million-dollars from Amtrak to launch the new line.
The train will run along Amtrak's current route, which means stops in Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah and La Crosse.
In Minnesota, Governor Walz has included the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Rail Corridor Second Train in his 2024-2025 biennial budget recommendations.
The Governor’s budget increases Minnesota’s contribution to match a federal grant for track and signal improvements in Winona and La Crescent, as well as Minnesota’s estimated share to match another federal grant for startup operating costs.
The second Amtrak train will make stops in Red Wing, Hastings, Wabasha, Lake City, Winona, Goodview, St. Charles, Cottage Grove, St. Paul, and St. Paul Park.
For more information about the Amtrak project go to https://www.greatriverrail.org/.