Great River Rail Commission
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact:
Great River Rail Commission
Kevin Roggenbuck, Senior Transportation Planner, Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority
(651) 266-2790
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2025
Meyer, Betcher to Lead GRRC
March 26, 2025 (Red Wing, Minn.) – Winona County Commissioner Chris Meyer was elected chair, and Goodhue County Commissioner Susan Betcher was elected vice chair of the Great River Rail Commission (GRRC) at its last regular meeting. Meyer has served as vice chair since 2023. She succeeds Trista Martinson who resigned as a Ramsey County Commissioner to become the executive director of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy. Betcher replaced Paul Drotos as the Goodhue County representative to the GRRC in 2023.
“Passenger rail travel is a passion of mine,” said Meyer. “My husband and I search out opportunities to travel by train because we enjoy the comfort and pace, as well as the opportunity to leave the driving to someone else. I am committed to lead the Great River Rail Commission towards its vision of faster, more frequent passenger rail travel in Minnesota.”
Meyer has lived in Winona County since 1997, and served as Winona County Commissioner since 2018.
Susan Betcher grew up in Red Wing, in Goodhue County. Her predecessor on the Goodhue County Board, Paul Drotos, asked her to take his place representing District 5 in 2022 during an illness. She was appointed to the board after his death and then won a special election in 2023 to fill out his term. She was reelected in 2024.
“I want Goodhue County to continue to be a great place to grow up, work, raise a family and retire,” Betcher said. “Since service began, the Borealis train has shown its value to Red Wing – it is adding to the quality of life for those that live here, and it is bringing visitors to see the many wonderful things we have to offer.”
About the Commission
The Great River Rail Commission is one of the leading voices on passenger rail in Minnesota. The Commission’s long-range vision is that Borealis trains demonstrate additional demand that leads to further investment in faster, more frequent passenger train service. More information is available at greatriverrail.org.
