Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Elizabeth Baier
ROCHESTER, Minn.

Roch. high-speed rail could make $1B yearly

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A proposed high-speed Zip Rail line between Rochester and the Twin Cities could generate nearly $1 billion a year, according to a report released by the Rochester Area Economic Development Inc.

The report also found that over a 25-year period, the Zip Line could generate nearly $17 billion in economic activity and 7,888 jobs.

Gary Smith, president of the Rochester economic development group, cautioned that this study looks at the proposal's potential economic benefits, not its feasibility.

"We're not doing this because it sounds like something cool to do. What we wanted to know is 'Will there actually be some economic benefit to doing this?' And what this report says is 'Yes, there will be,' " he said.

The Olmsted County Regional Rail Authority, the City of Rochester, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayo Clinic are pushing for the rail line, which is estimated to cost around $1 billion and take 15 years to build.

MnDOT officials are studying the proposed route and its potential environmental effects.