News and Notes from MRRPC | ||||||||||||
This Weeks Articles for 4/25/2024 ...
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Gundersen campus on the cusp of sustainable, energy-independent health care | ||||||||||||
Gundersen campus on the cusp of sustainable, energy-independent health careONALASKA – Hospitals operate amid constant uncertainties – ever prepared for ambulance bay doors to present new patients at any moment. Gundersen Health System’s Onalaska campus, Alan Eber said, will no longer have to concern itself over one vital variable: electricity. Thanks to a new partnership with national energy provider Xcel Energy, Eber said Gundersen’s Onalaska campus will be fully powered by its own “microgrid” by summer 2025. The microgrid, he said, will absolve the campus from relying on the broader electrical grid – and will be powered entirely by renewable resources already employed by the campus. Eber is the director of Envision, which he said he calls “the sustainability and energy arm of the Bellin and Gundersen Health System.” “(Envision) was formed as Gundersen was on its journey to energy independence,” he said. “We started that journey in 2008 and hit our first day of energy independence in 2014 – which means we generated more power using clean, renewable energy than we used off the utilities.” Eber said that initial run of energy independence lasted “months (as) the system grew faster than we could keep up” – as Envision continued its pursuit... | ||||||||||||
Making a big impression in the coffee industry | ||||||||||||
Owner TJ Semanchin said at Wonderstate, it`s more than just a cup of Joe, it’s an ethical cup of JoeVIROQUA – From its 100% solar-powered roastery to its industry-leading minimum price guarantee to its 5% giving program – the Wonderstate Coffee team strives to carry out its “great coffee has to serve a collective future” mission with each cup of Joe it serves. Owner TJ Semanchin said Wonderstate’s passion for using high-quality beans is equally matched by its unwavering dedication to the community of farmers and farmer cooperatives. So much so, he said, that the core of the shop’s business model is centered around farmer welfare – approaching the coffee industry through the lens of sustainable development focusing on the social, economic and ecological components. Since day one, Semanchin said the Wonderstate team has been committed to using fair trade movement principles when it comes to farmer pay – going as far as setting its own minimum price when they thought the system wasn’t responsive enough. “We took it upon ourselves to set a minimum price to pay the farmers, and as far as we know, it’s the highest minimum price paid in the country,” he said... | ||||||||||||
Amtrak adds second train to Chicago, Twin Cities | ||||||||||||
Amtrak today announced it will put a second train into service later this month, serving communities between the Twin Cities and Chicago. Tickets are on sale now for the May 21 launch of the highly anticipated Borealis trains, off ering a second daily service through La Crosse, Tomah and Winona, Minnesota. The trains will follow the route of Amtrak`s Empire Builder between the Midwestern cities and make all the same stops. "A second daily passenger rail service connecting St. Paul to Chicago via Milwaukee is a welcome addition to our transportation system, providing more choices and travel fl exibility for passengers," said Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. The new service will make traveling between the three states easier, and reduce the need for travelers to drive, allowing for more sustainable and productive travel, according to a news release from Amtrak Midwest. With an additional trip along the Mississippi River, La Crosse and Winona can anticipate increased tourism, and residents can experience more consistent travel to locations across the Midwest, with mid-afternoon train stops in both cities. "This route includes eight stations in Wisconsin, and doubling the frequency of the service will better connect the many businesses, universities and tourist attractions along this corridor," said Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson. "This expansion is thanks to the work WisDOT was able to do together with Minnesota, Illinois and Amtrak, as well as the opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We will continue to work with federal and state partners to explore more passenger rail options in Wisconsin." The Borealis trains will depart from St. Paul at 11:50 a.m. and arrive in Chicago by 7:14 p.m., and depart from Chicago at 11:05 a.m. and arrive in St. Paul at 6:29 p.m. The Chicago bound train will arrive in Winona at 1:40 p.m. and La Crosse at 2:16 p.m., and the St. Paul bound train will arrive in La Crosse at 3:58 p.m. and Winona at 4:36 p.m. With high gas prices affecting traveler`s wallets, the new Amtrak train gives travelers an additional option. Solo travelers have the opportunity to save money on gas and use travel time more productively by traveling by train. Fares start at $41 each way between St. Paul and Chicago for adults, with discounts available for children between ages 2 and 12, seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups, and others. "This is a win for passenger rail expansion in America, and more importantly, it`s a win for a growing number of Americans who rely on passenger rail and benefit from it," said Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose. "Investments in rail have long helped Midwesterners and the region`s economy, and this new service will mean additional access for people traveling between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois while contributing to economic growth."... ...Full Story HereNotes: | ||||||||||||
More big boats heading to La Crosse this summer, after one company shut down | ||||||||||||
BUSINESS - More big boats heading to La Crosse this summer, after one company shut down. La Crosse will see nearly two dozen visits from big riverboats this year, despite the shutdown of the company that owns the American Queen paddlewheeler. Jim Flottmeyer manages marine operations for the La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. He told the park board Thursday that his staff has been talking the American Cruise Lines. “We’ll have 10 stops of American Cruise Lines, and 10 stops of Viking, which gets us 20 stops this year,” Flottmeyer told the board... SEE ALSO: ...Full Story Here | ||||||||||||
Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC) | ||||||||||||
Working together to make the Mississippi River Region a great place to live and work.The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission provides planning and economic development services to improve the region`s environment, economy and quality of life. We serve a nine county region, providing studies and planning services, resources and data to help with your grant applications or reporting needs, and business loans. StaffJON BINGOL Executive Director jon@mrrpc.com KEN HARWOOD Planner ken@mrrpc.com JACK ZABROWSKI Senior Planner Jack@mrrpc.com SARAH OFTE Senior Office Manager sarah@mrrpc.com 1707 Main Street Suite 435 La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: 608.785.9396 Fax: 608.785.9394 Email: plan@mrrpc.com | ||||||||||||
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