Ride the Rail_Intermodal Facility Letter of SupportPASSENGER TRAINS CHICAGO TO DUBUQUE
August 24, 2010
The Honorable Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
And City Council Members
City Hall
50 West 13 Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear City Manager Van Milligen and Council Members,
I am writing to express the support of the Envision2010 Rail Passenger Group "Ride the Rail" that
the proposed intermodal facility to be built be located in the heart of our downtown at the Port of
Dubuque.
Ride the Rail is an active group of community citizens meeting twice monthly who seek a
Dubuque to Chicago passenger train connection. Ride the Rail works diligently in promoting such
service and has registered more than 60,000 - petition signers in support of the project In
particular, the Dubuque Intermodal Station project is an essential element of the proposed new
passenger rail service from Chicago to Dubuque and our group is unanimous in support of the
Port of Dubuque location.
A Port of Dubuque Intermodal facility will connect residents, employees and visitors to Dubuque's
major tourism areas as well as our employment center. Locating the facility at the Port of
Dubuque strategically locates it near the several attractions and increasing number of business
entities already located there and adjacent to the Historic Millwork District, a mixed use
redevelopment of historic warehouse properties that when complete, will serve as a model for
sustainability and historic preservation. Offices such as those of Reynolds and Kenline Law Firm
are indicative of the potential in this area. The intermodal facility in the Port of Dubuque will be
ideal and accommodate public transit, private buses, public parking, and also a platform /station
for passenger rail service between Dubuque and Chicago.
This project will enhance economic development and tourism in the area, and contribute to the
statewide vision of a multi -modal transportation system that is safe, accessible and efficient.
Furthermore, the project is compatible with the long -range sustainability plans for the city of
Dubuque and the region, visionary leadership that is commendable. .
Since_.,
David A. Solberg, Chair
Ride the Rail Envision 2010 R ssenger Group
CHICAGG, • ROC;KFOPD 4 FREEPORT LENA • GALENA • DUBUQUE • WATERLOO CEDAR FALLS