Since 1999, we have led the effort to re-establish passenger rail service through West Central Wisconsin. We have been at the forefront of nearly every milestone to bring passenger rail back to our region.

 

Our Mission

The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition provides leadership and coordination to develop passenger rail service through west central Wisconsin as part of a regional strategy to ensure a balance transportation system necessary for long term sustainable economic growth.


For our long-term economic future, we think it’s vital to be included in the passenger rail system
— Scott Rogers, WCWRC Chair

What We've Achieved

  • 2000 - WCWRC efforts result in additional state analysis of the economic impact of a West Central Wisconsin route on the Midwest Regional Rail System

  • 2001 - Intercity Passenger Rail Corridors Feasibility Study concludes that a West Central Wisconsin route would contribute significant economic impact

  • 2003 - Wisconsin Rail Issues & Opportunities Report states a West Central Wisconsin route would improve financial performance of proposed regional rail system

  • 2005 - City of Eau Claire includes passenger rail in its Comprehensive Plan

  • 2009 - City of Eau Claire includes passenger rail in its Sustainability Plan

  • 2009 - City and County of Eau Claire pass resolutions in support of passenger rail

  • 2009 - WisDOT to include high-speed passenger rail through West Central Wisconsin in the State Transportation Plan, Connections 2030

  • 2010 - Minnesota Rail Plan designates Eau Claire/Twin Cities transportation corridor as one of five top economic contributors to Minnesota economy

  • 2016 - Welcomed David Christianson as Executive Director of the Passenger Rail Organizing Council

  • 2016 - Completed application and received approval designating West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit business entity

  • 2017 - Several counties and municipalities in Wisconsin and Minnesota pass resolutions in support of passenger rail

  • 2017 - Received draft timetable from UWEC Student Passenger Rail Committee for four daily round trip service between Eau Claire and St. Paul Union Depot and report on proposed services and amenities

  • 2020- Infrastructure study expected to be completed by the end of the year

  • 2021- Creation of Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission to oversee development and operation of new passenger rail service

  • 2021-Congress approves Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including money for expanded rail service; President Biden signs it into law

  • 2022-Planning begins in anticipation of Federal Rail Administration grant application

  • 2023-Grant applications are submitted to the Federal Rail Administration; FRA approves $500,00 grants to begin studies of two routes between Eau Claire and the Twin Cities


 

Links to the Wisconsin and Minnesota rail plans can be found here

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