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| Date: | May 17, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR MILLER APPOINTED TO MIDWEST INTERSTATE PASSENGER RAIL COMMISSION |
St. Paul – State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo) to serve as the Senate’s primary designee on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC). The MIPRC is an eleven-state commission that seeks to promote, coordinate and support regional improvements to passenger rail service.
Each member state is represented by four commissioners, consisting of two gubernatorial appointees and one legislative designee from each chamber.
Senator Miller commented, “I am honored by Majority Leader Koch’s appointment to serve on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission. Nearly three million people used passenger rail service in the Midwest last year, and that figure will continue to grow. It’s important that we work with our neighboring states to use our available resources in the most efficient, effective manner for tax payers and citizens. I look forward to that challenge, and am humbled by the opportunity.”
The Midwest is the only region that has a systems-based approach to passenger rail service and development. The region has experienced five consecutive years of growth in corridor service, with ridership growing at 55 percent during that time. The MIPRC is a strong advocate of developing and strengthening the partnership between the federal government and the states for passenger rail development.
The MIPRC will work with partner states on two upcoming multi-state projects in attempt to create a seamless system of modern, frequent transportation in the region and connect the Midwest to the East. These systems would create more than 74,000 permanent jobs and more than 21,000 jobs annually during construction.
Gov. Dayton has appointed Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel as his designee, and John Ongaro of Northern Lights Express as the private sector designee. Senator Miller and House-appointee Representative Mike Beard (R-Shakopee) will serve for two years. Senator John Howe (R-Red Wing) will serve as the Senate’s alternate designee.
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