The Federal Railroad Administration has selected a preferred route for the high-speed passenger train between the Twin Cities and Chicago, and let’s just say you’re not gonna like their decision. Eau Claire will no longer be included in the plans. Instead, a plan designed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation proposed a route that travels from the Twin Cities, along the Mississippi River, and through La Crosse, leaving Eau Claire completely out of the picture. Officials said the preferred route’s advantages include its existing line, the lowest capital cost to begin service, it hits more Minnesota population centers, and has the shortest travel time from end to end. Scott Rogers, co-chairman of the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, was extremely disappointed with the decision, as his organization advocated for the Eau Claire route along I-94. Despite the decision, his organization plans to continue with efforts to get a rail through the Chippewa Valley. “We certainly aren’t done, even if this plan is moving in that direction,” Rogers told the Leader-Telegram. “We feel it’s premature to consider just one route.” However, plans for the selected route seem distant for the time being, as the entire high-speed line could cost as much $3 billion and funding isn’t going to be available in Wisconsin anytime soon.