Hudson Finance Committee November 10, 2026

The Hudson Finance Committee met on November 10, 2026, to hear a presentation from Chippewa–St. Croix Rail Commission Chair Scott Rogers about a proposed passenger-rail corridor study. The Federal Railroad Administration had preliminarily approved a $1.96 million service-development study, funded 90% federally, requiring an estimated $200,000 non-federal match. A suggested local contribution for Hudson was $15,000 over two years. The study would assess feasibility, ridership, and capital needs; the eventual construction, station, and operating costs were not yet known, and Rogers said participation in later costs would be a separate decision.

After committee members raised concerns about the unknown long-term costs and Hudson’s budget constraints, a motion to deny the proposed $15,000 cost share was seconded and approved. Members discussed possible room-tax funding and further consultation with the Chamber of Commerce, but no alternative funding was approved. The presentation and vote concerned funding for a feasibility study; no contract award or vendor selection was made.