Local county, city, and business leaders met on Tuesday, February 20th to discuss the Norther Lights Express passenger train. The conversation focused what the construction of the rail from Minneapolis to Duluth would mean for the communities here in the Northland.

“Duluth really has it all and this is the best way to get here. We are the gateway to the Northland. When you look at Duluth you see from here all the way up to the Canadian border in St. Louis County or if you’re heading to Cook County, you come through Duluth and we are the welcoming spot to have people enter.”

Annie Harala, 1st District Commissioner, St. Louis County Board

Last May, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated nearly $195 million for the project. These funds provide the 20% local match needed to pursue federal grants to complete design work, construct the project, and purchase locomotives and passenger cars.

WDIO will continue to track the progress of the Northern Lights Express project as it moves forward.