The proposed Northern Lights Express (NLX) high speed passenger rail project between Minneapolis and Duluth is gaining momentum.

The Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance is working with community partners to explore options for renewing passenger rail in the 155-mile corridor.

Project proponents’ goals are for NLX to provide safe, reliable, fast transit service and improve passenger travel quality and comfort. Currently, the project team is conducting concept-level engineering and environmental review to facilitate plans to begin construction in the next five years, depending on funding.

The November 2009 NLX Newsletter is posted to http://www.NorthernLightsExpress.org and contains additional details about the project.

People are encouraged to attend one of the following public meetings to learn about plans to advance the NLX corridor. Representatives of the Alliance and the consultant team will be available to answer questions and receive input.

Meeting dates are:

Cambridge, Minnesota Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Brief presentation at 5 p.m. Armed Forces Reserve Community Center – Assembly Hall 505 Spirit River Drive (County Road 70) Cambridge, MN 55008

Coon Rapids, Minnesota Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Brief presentation at 5 p.m. Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Legacy Room (2nd Floor) 11200 Mississippi Blvd. NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433

Superior, Wisconsin Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Brief presentation at 5 p.m. Superior Middle School - Cafeteria 3626 Hammond Ave.  Superior, WI 54880

Hinckley, Minnesota Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Brief presentation at 5 p.m. Fine Arts Center – Lobby (enter from east parking lots at Hinckley-Finlayson High School) 201 Main St. E. Hinckley, MN 55037