By Mike Poupore
We with the Duluth Preservation Alliance are writing regarding the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad’s plight and in support of sustaining its scenic train excursions.
Built over Duluth’s original feeder rail line along the St. Louis River, the excursion train needs support from all aspects of the community. Threatened by development and dogged by recent floods, this 36-year-old excursion line is in the path of uncertainty.
Vulnerable to the effects of the U.S. Steel site’s pollution remediation, this all-volunteer group of train enthusiasts deserves recognition and support as the city develops the Western Waterfront Corridor Plan.
With ridership in the thousands every year, the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad serves as an access to the beauty of the St. Louis River. Along with the river’s many attributes, the railroad has the potential to serve as a catalyst for greater access to the river basin.
Not only has this scenic train ride been able to sustain itself with minimal outside influence, it has maintained its miles of 19th-century track, refurbished its fleet of coaches, repurposed a 1946 switcher as its workhorse, and converted an early-20th-century flatcar for open-air rides for its passengers.
The undaunted pursuit from these rail enthusiasts deserves an approach of encouragement and inclusion as the city assembles its comprehensive plan for the western waterfront corridor.
The future purpose of this rail line should not be limited to its current use but should include also shuttle service for water enthusiasts and should reflect the interests of Duluth’s growing bicycle ridership, those who make Duluth a destination for family outings, hikers, sportsmen and others.
To include just the replacement of the existing rail line would shortchange the potential of this sustainable excursion. An adjoining foot path and bike path alongside the tracks would be a boon to the waterfront corridor. It might even be wise to replace the track to its origins in Fond du Lac and beyond, which could prove to be a boon for the railroad and all of Duluth’s residents, even in the city’s furthest western reaches.
Duluth, a city rich in history and overwhelmed by its continued need for infrastructure renewal because of its age, is at a pinnacle of revitalization. The western part of our city has been neglected since the steel mill vacated decades ago. A plan to revitalize the area that includes the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad could serve as a catalyst for development on many fronts.
Improved livability and the prospects of more livelihoods are just part of what the railroad could mean to many of our residents.
One of many supporters, the Duluth Preservation Alliance is steadfast in supporting the volunteer workforce that has brought the city of Duluth 36 years of train rides that are among the most unique in the Midwest.
Our hope is that this rail line will be preserved and protected for generations to come.
Mike Poupore is a board member for the Duluth Preservation Alliance. This commentary was submitted exclusively to the News Tribune with the entire board’s approval.
Original Article can be found on the Duluth News Tribune website.
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