Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission
The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition has been working to build a framework for a Public-Private Partnership to establish service over the Union Pacific tracks, with a private operator and applying value capture concepts for station area development (taking advantage of the economic activity and growth in value around stations to help support the service). The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has also agreed to work with us in an advisory capacity.
As one of the important next steps, Eau Claire County is coordinating an effort with counties and municipalities along the route to create a Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission to represent the public interest. The commission will be organized soon, since the required eight entities have passed enabling resolutions, including Dunn, Eau Claire and St. Croix counties, and the municipalities of Altoona, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Baldwin and New Richmond. For more details on progress for the overall project, click the following link: Chippewa & St Croix Valley Rail Connections move closer to reality
Upcoming meeting: If you're interested in getting a current update on the Rail Coalition's work, and learning about the transformative impact rail can have, we've begun having monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month. Click here to watch the latest meeting: https://youtu.be/0neweGtDuP0
Additional valuable information: Given the challenges of society coming out of the current health and economic crisis, what will happen to demand for passenger rail? Futurist and author Bill Draves says train ridership in the United States will continue to grow after the pandemic ends. Read more at this link: Why Post-Pandemic Train Ridership Will Be Strong by William Draves
Want to support the work of the Rail Coalition? If you're not already a member, consider joining: Membership information
Other dates for your calendar:
* Tuesday, March 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Brown Bag Webinar - Passenger Rail
Organized by the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Background and current status of the rail initiative for our region, and planning implications for communities. Register at www.wcwrpc.org
* Thursday, March 18, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Rail Coalition Monthly Meeting
Guest speaker: John Robert Smith, Chairman, Transportation for America
Mark your calendar. Registration opens soon.