Minnesota State Lawmakers Approve Fast-Tracking of Duluth-Twin Cities Passenger Rail

State lawmakers have approved $195 million in funding for the Northern Lights Express project, which aims to restore passenger rail service between Duluth and the Twin Cities after almost 40 years. The project's total cost is estimated to be around $974 million, with the federal government expected to cover the majority of the remaining costs. The planned line would run for 152 miles on existing track owned by BNSF Railway and is expected to make four round trips a day, each taking about two and a half hours. Critics have questioned the rail line's merits and ridership projections, while supporters believe it would offer a critical service for commuters, students, and veterans.