Cravaack Gives High Speed Rail Thumbs Down

(AP)  Minnesota Congressman Chip  Cravaack says he is no fan of the proposed Northern Lights high-speed rail link between Duluth and the Twin Cities. 

The freshman Republican says the $750 million project won't pay for itself and the money would be better spent on highway and bridge repair.  The Federal government would pick up 80% of the cost.

The project was championed by Cravaack's predecessor, former DFL Representative Jim Oberstar, who touted the economic benefit to northeastern Minnesota.  The train would cover the rails at 110 miles per hour and make the trip in two hours.

The federal government has awarded $5 million for engineering studies.