Lawmakers meet on proposed commuter rail from Mpls. to Willmar

Two state lawmakers are holding a meeting this afternoon in Wayzata on a proposed west metro commuter rail line. The proposed line would run from Minneapolis to west-central Minnesota.

Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, and State Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, are hosting the meeting. Bonoff said a statewide rail plan names the proposed line as a corridor to study. She said she's already been working on ideas for commuter rail.

"There's actually an existing rail line that goes from the new site of the Twins stadium all the way out to Willmar," she said. "It's a BNSF line that has freight going on it 9 times a day, but it would be a perfect [passenger] rail line."

Bonoff said the study later this year may help determine whether the plan is economically feasible.

The 1 p.m. meeting at the Wayzata Depot is with members of the Metropolitan Council, as well as city and county officials along the proposed line.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.