The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has released the final draft of its Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050, including two passenger train route options that would serve the Chippewa Valley at Eau Claire and Menomonie. WisDOT is seeking public comment on the plan through June 10.

The passenger rail portion of the plan includes two scenarios for bringing passenger trains to the Chippewa Valley, which include potential train service from Chicago and Milwaukee through Eau Claire and Menomonie as part of additional train service between Chicago and the Twin cities, as well as the plan being developed by the local Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission for frequent regional service between Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, and the Twin Cities (see pages 3-8 and 3-9 of the draft Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050).

WisDOT, Minnesota DOT, and the Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission have together submitted a total of five applications to US DOT's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to designate corridors serving Wisconsin to be eligible for further study and potential new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Decisions on those grant applications are expected in late summer. 

How to submit public comment
Public comments are due by June 10 and may be submitted by individuals or businesses. 
Click here to access WisDOT's Rail Plan 2050 online comment form.