HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2012 (20)
ALI Resolution No. 20 (2012)
RESOLUTION TO ADVOCATE FOR BUS, COMMUTER RAIL,
YAM AND HIGH SPEED RAIL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE
OPTIONS THROUGH ST. CROIX COUNTY
1 WHEREAS, in August 2010, the Minnesota Gateway Corridor Commission and its consultant
2 team initiated a Transit Alternatives Analysis (AA) Study, looking at the I-94 corridor from Minneapolis-
3 St. Paul to western, Wisconsin; and
4
5 WHEREAS, the Gateway Corridor Commission removed the commuter rail option from its
6 preferred list with recommendations to MnDOT and WisDOT to study commuter rail service to Eau
7 Claire; and
8
9 WHEREAS, the study also recommends removing the express bus service option to Eau Claire
10 (W 100), with a recommendation that consideration be given to extend the bus service in the future; and
11
12 WHEREAS, MnDOT is continuing the environmental study process regarding high speed rail
13 service between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, without support from Wisconsin; and
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15 WHEREAS, the AA study, soon to be approved by the Federal Rail Administration, advances
16 one preferred route through La Crosse rather than Eau Claire, but states that the Eau Claire route is
17 feasible, just not preferred at this time; and
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19 WHEREAS, frac sand mining activity in the area will improve the rail infrastructure thereby
20 increasing the interest of a transit route through Eau Claire rather than La Crosse; and
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22 WHEREAS, St. Croix County is isolated from alternative transportation links to the rest of
23 Wisconsin, as well as the Twin Cities area; and
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25 WHEREAS, the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition has documented evidence to support the
26 need and potential for transit options in the Wisconsin portion of the Gateway Corridor, and the viability
27 of longer distance high speed rail service through West Central Wisconsin, including St. Croix County;
28 and
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30 WHEREAS, it is an advantage to businesses, employees, St. Croix County residents, area
31 educational institutions and their students to provide more transportation options and alternatives besides
32 airplane and long distance car travel.
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34 THEREFORE, be it resolved that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors supports more
35 frequent bus service, commuter rail options, and high speed rail options through St. Croix County for
36 improved travel options.
37
38 FURTHER be it resolved that the St. Croix County Clerk forward copies of this resolution to the
39 Federal Transportation Department, Senators Sheila Harsdorf and Ron Johnson, U.S. Representative
40 Ron Kind, State Assembly Representatives Erik Severson, John Murtha, Dean Knudson, Transportation
41 Secretary Mark Gottlieb, and Governor Scott Walker.
Sponsored By: Transportation Committee on September 4, 2012
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Legal - Fiscal - Administrative Approvals:
Legal Note: None
Fiscal Impact: None
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St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
Roll Call - Vote Requirement - Majority of Supervisors Present
RESULT: ADOPTED [12 TO 4]
MOVER: William Peavey, Supervisor
SECONDER: Dave Ostness, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson,
Fred Horne, Andy Brinkman, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey
NAYS: Chris Kilber, Richard Ottino, Tom Hawksford, Joe Hurtgen
ABSENT: Tim Hood, Ron Kiesler, David Peterson
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on September 4, 2012
Cindy Campbell, County Clerk
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