[Winona Online Democracy] The WDN front page this morning presented a great opportunity for the Winona Area in establishing a 100 car unit train facility. One might question where and how it could benefit the area.
1) If established between Winona and Minnesota City if would enable the rail traffic to not pass through the city. 2) It could be designed to run around the perimeter of the airport thus keeping it in tacked or by relocating the airport to higher ground and converting the airport area to a single runway, opening the balance for industrial development or making the whole parcel industrial. 3) Modern material handling equipment could be put in place to convey bulk materials into barges and the reverse. While some may see this as futuristic the technology and mechanics to create it are not and when one comprehends the tonnage that will move it is truly cost effective for commercial investors to fund. I would suggest the city actively study and convey to the people the impacts of moving cars through the city which may very well take place "verses" reducing the impact with an upriver transfer facility. They may even wish to consult with some Iron Range material handling experts to see how to move huge tonnages long distances and the availability of surplus mining equipment that might be relocated for pennies on the dollar. Just as the lumber industry, river and railroad did for Winona a hundred plus years ago western coal, river and railroad could provide a similar strong economic engine in the future. Paul Double _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
