Upcoming rail meetings, sponsored by the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition

 Thursday, Sep 16:  “High Speed Rail: Myths & Realities,” 7-8 p.m. in Eau Claire at the CVTC Clairemont Campus, RCU Community Room. A synopsis on what high speed rail for our area is all about, and a chance to ask questions.

 Friday, Sep 24:  The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition Annual Meeting, 9am-Noon in Baldwin at the Orchard Banquet Center, Highway 63. Features a keynote from Craig Thompson, Executive Director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin; “Why passenger rail is good economic development for the 10-county region” by Noel Eggebraaten, President of Momentum West; and updates from WisDOT and MnDOT.

 This fall will be a critical time for the future of passenger rail service for our area, with several planning activities underway, DOT hearings expected, and high speed rail becoming an election issue. These meetings are in anticipation of Wisconsin DOT hearings regarding the Wisconsin Rail Plan 2030 and, separately, the study now underway for routing High Speed Rail between Madison and St. Paul.

 Both events are free and open to the public. For specific location and registration information, go to http://westwisconsinrail.wordpress.com/events/