1985
On Easter, Amtrak runs its last passenger train between Duluth and Minneapolis. The service folds due to slow tracks and other operational challenges.

2007

Creation of Alliance
A joint powers board is developed to explore options for renewing passenger rail service in the 155 mile corridor between Duluth and Minneapolis. Initial members are the regional rail authorities of Hennepin, Anoka, Isanti, Pine, and St. Louis and Lake counties, plus the cities of Duluth and Minneapolis.  Also participating in the meetings are representatives of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Superior, Wisconsin, and Douglas County, Wisconsin, plus numerous agencies and communities along the corridor. Steve Raukar, St. Louis County commissioner, and Dan Erhart, Anoka County commissioner, co-chair the effort to build the joint powers board.

Feasibility Study
A comprehensive feasibility study and business plan is conducted in 2007 for restoring rail service between Minneapolis and the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior. The study evaluates the 155-mile route for estimated ridership, economic costs and benefits.

The existing BNSF Railway track has speed limitations. The study assesses the potential for upgrading the tracks.

An operating plan begins to identify timetables, type of service and fares along the route, as well as other associated costs.
The study is conducted by TEMS and SRF Consulting Group, Inc., in conjunction with Krech Ojard & Associates, LLC.
Link to the final report.

National Spotlight
The National Passenger Rail Study Group in December 2007 identifies this corridor as one of eight top priorities for development -- in the entire country.

The group, headed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, says this corridor should be operational by 2015.

Outreach Ramps Up
Building on years of transit advocacy by individuals and agencies along the corridor, public outreach efforts pick up speed with dozens of presentations along the corridor.

The first organizations to pass resolutions or provide funding include Andover, Anoka County, Braham, Coon Rapids, Hennepin County, Isanti County, Kanabec County, Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Pine County, Proctor, and St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority.

Alliance members travel to Washington D.C. to meet with congressional leaders. They receive a very warm and encouraging reception. Back in Minnesota, one-on-one meetings are held with legislators along the corridor. The general public receives information at county fairs, community gatherings and through local media.

2008

Alliance Milestones
First official meeting of the Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance, a joint powers board, is held Feb. 20 in Hinckley. Steve Raukar, St. Louis County commissioner, is elected chair. Dan Erhart, Anoka County commissioner, is elected vice chair. The Alliance receives the TEMS feasibility study report.

BNSF Railway, owners of the existing tracks in the corridor, provides feedback on the feasibility study. Their constructive comments focus on suggestions for track improvements that will maximize speeds.

A name and logo is selected for the project—Northern Lights Express, or NLX. See news release.

NLX receives federal grant money. The project is one of a select few nationwide to receive money. See news release.

Public outreach activities continue. Support continues to build at all levels of government.