Politics & Government
Legislators Try to Resurrect Dan Patch Rail Talks
A Northfield legislator has introduced legislation that would end the ban on studying passenger service on the line, which runs through St. Louis Park.
Lawmakers are considering resuming discussion about passenger service on the Dan Patch rail line.
The line connects the Twin Cities to Northfield, running through Lakeville, St. Louis Park, Edina and other metro cities. It still carries freight trains, but passenger service ended in 1942.
A 2002 law that Rep. Ron Erhardt (DFL-District 49A) sponsored put a moratorium on attempts to re-institute passenger service, preventing the Met Council from studying, planning, designing or constructing a commuter line, according to Minnesota Public Radio.
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But Northfield Sen. Kevin Dahle (DFL-District 20) has introduced legislation to repeal the moratorium, MPR reported. He and other argue that the moratorium stifles discussion.
Erhardt said he stands by his legislation because of its proximity to people’s backyards and the difficult time other commuter lines have had.
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