MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A proposed "higher speed" passenger rail project that would provide service between Minneapolis and Duluth moved one step closer to becoming a reality this week. The Federal Railroad Administration found that the Northern Lights Express will not have a significant environmental impact and can now proceed to seek funding for its final design and construction.

The train service would span approximately 152 miles long and travel at about 90 mph. A portion of the route will travel through Douglas County in Wisconsin.

Stations are proposed in six communities: Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, and Duluth, and Superior.