August 20 (Winthrop)
One of the main state bonding projects that Representative Terry Morrow and Senator Kathy Sheran worked on in their first term focused upon the Minnesota Prairie Line, the publicly-owned freight rail that runs through Gibbon, Winthrop, Gaylord, and other towns in five counties. Morrow and Sheran hosted the House and Senate bonding committees when they visited our area in 2007. In 2008, Morrow and Sheran successfully secured $3 million in state bonding funds to improve the line.

The state bonding money replaces the smaller, century-old track (right) with the heavier track (left) that supports heavier modern trains and safer travel at higher speeds. Businesses seek both strength and speed when deciding whether to locate or expand their operations along the Minnesota Prairie Line.

To sustain this effort and encourage federal, state, and private cooperation on this economically-essential project, Representative Morrow and Senator Sheran proposed the formation of a coalition of local officials, business and agricultural leaders, economic development officers, local chambers of commerce, and other.

On Wednesday, August 20, this Coalition kicked off with a large meeting in Winthrop to discuss plans for improving Minnesota’s freight rail system. The new coalition will work to bring the 100-year-old rail track up to 21st century strength standards—this will support existing and new businesses.

Senator Kevin Dahle, Congressman Tim Walz, Twin Cities & Western CEO Mark Wegner, Representative Marty Seifert, Representative Mike Beard, and Terry.