Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - March 31, 2021
A second daily round-trip passenger train on the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago rail corridor could be added in the coming years, and members of the public have an April 9 deadline to weigh in. Milwaukee Ald. Robert Bauman, who sponsored a resolution expressing the city's support for the project, said the additional trip would be "a very nice improvement."
Winona Post - March 31, 2021
Could this be the year? Passenger rail advocates have been trying for years to get funding to double Amtrak’s frequency in the region from one train per day to two — a project that will also boost freight rail shipping for industry and agriculture. Now, with millions of dollars from Wisconsin and the federal government, Minnesota is only partner that hasn’t ponied up. The Minnesota Legislature is crafting a new state budget right now, and local lawmakers have penned bills to fund the Twin Cities-Milwaukee Chicago (TCMC) Second Train.
Portage Daily Register - March 29, 2021
Three states are working to add a second round-trip train from Minneapolis to Chicago. This addition could double the amount of options for riders travelling through the Columbus, Portage and Wisconsin Dells Amtrak stations. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is working with Minnesota (MnDOT) and Illinois (IDOT) counterparts, in conjunction with Amtrak, to expand coverage. WisDOT is currently seeking input on the $53 million project. Officials said in a presentation the expansion would maximize use of existing infrastructure and allow more flexibility with riders in the morning and a mid-day train connecting the cities.
