2026 Legislative Session and Corridor Update

It was a productive legislative session for intercity passenger rail. All Aboard Minnesota (AAMN)’s bill asking MnDOT to submit grant applications to study two new rail corridors–Twin Cities to Kansas City and Saint Paul to Fargo/Moorhead on a daytime schedule–was heard in both House and Senate Transportation Committees. There was enthusiastic support from cities, chambers, visitor bureaus, and counties along both routes. Many local and regional papers wrote articles about the bill. AMMN appreciates all the emails and made phone calls made by members.

Ultimately, 23 resolutions of support were adopted and forwarded to legislative leaders. Resolutions were received from Fargo/Moorhead to Saint Paul and then south to Albert Lea. Another resolution was added on May 5 when the City of Minneapolis passed a resolution.

There was testimony in House and Senate committees by representatives from The City of Albert Lea, the City of Anoka, the Fargo/Moorhead Chamber of Commerce, and AAMN board members. Radio stations, newspapers, and TV stations along both corridors ran stories about the bill and the benefits of new corridor studies.

The bill language about the corridor evaluations was incorporated into the Transportation Omnibus bill in the Senate, but it didn’t get out of the Senate Finance Committee – likely because there was no House companion bill. The divided House was not able to advance a transportation bill.

If in the coming year, the Federal Railroad Administration opens an application round for new corridor studies, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) could still apply. MnDOT is aware of the high level of support for these corridors, and they are highly ranked in MNDOT’s new State Rail Plan. Advocates could also work on the legislation again next session.