Strib weighs in on Minneapolis to Duluth rail project

The Star Tribune says yes to the proposed high-speed rail line between Minnepolis and Duluth.  Some highlights: it may be able to support itself financially if it ran 110 mph and stopped at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, it will cost $400 million, and it would make the trip in two hours (again, assuming 110 mph speeds).

I’m a big supporter of rail, especially the high speed variety, but again I’ll say I think we should complete the first natural spoke in a midwest wheel, which is to Chicago, before we go working on second tier routes like Minneapolis to Duluth.  And seriously, a casino?  That is the destination we’d be counting on to support the line?