High-speed rail is topic of public hearing today

A proposed high-speed rail link between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities is the topic of two public meetings, with the first one scheduled for today in St. Paul.

Election results that swept into office people calling for less government spending may have put a damper on plans for high speed rail. That's especially the case in Wisconsin, where Gov.-elect Scott Walker, a Republican, has vowed to stop a high-speed rail link between Milwaukee and Madison.

Observers say his stance could threaten the high-speed rail route which is meant to connect seven Midwestern states.

Despite the political turn, Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough says planning for a link is a long-term process that needs to move ahead, in case political fortunes change and money becomes available.

"These are long-term investments, these are long-term planning," said McDonough. "We have current federal dollars and state dollars, and we need to continue to be prepared for opportunities in the future."

The first public meeting is at 5 p.m. today at the St. Paul Union Depot. Another meeting is scheduled next Monday, Dec. 6, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

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