Erhardt Opposes Repeal of Moratorium on Dan Patch Rail Talks

Edina Rep. Ron Erhardt (DFL-District 49A) is pushing back against talk of renewing debate over passenger service on the Dan Patch rail line.

The line, named after a famous race horse, connects the Twin Cities to Northfield—running through Lakeville, St. Louis Park, Edina and other metro cities. It still carries freight trains, but passenger service ended in 1942.

A 2002 law that Erhardt sponsored put a moratorium on attempts to re-institute passenger service, preventing the Met Council from studying, planning, designing or constructing a commuter line, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

Northfield Sen. Kevin Dahle (DFL-District 20) has introduced legislation to repeal the moratorium, MPR reported. He and other argue that the moratorium stifles discussion.

But Erhardt said he stands by his legislation because of its proximity to people’s backyards and the difficult time other commuter lines have had.

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