Minnesota has a train to catch, and there's no time to lose.

The recently passed stimulus package allocated up to $8 billion for rail projects, with the bulk of the money expected to go toward high-speed rail. A route between the Twin Cities and Chicago -- with stops along the way including Madison and Milwaukee -- is one of 11 designated high-speed rail corridors identified by the Federal Railroad Administration.

A high-speed rail line has long been advocated for its environmental benefits and to spur economic development in the Upper Midwest, as well as to alleviate congestion of roads and airports. But while $8 billion is a lot of money, it won't go far, given the cost of each line. To compete with other regions clamoring for a share of the funds, leaders from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois will have to act as aggressive advocates.

Of course, it helps that President Obama, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel all have Illinois ties. And Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle -- a big rail advocate who was in Spain recently checking out high-speed rail, among other trade-related matters -- has led his state to do some preliminary engineering and produce an environmental impact statement that will help expedite the upgrades to accommodate faster trains.

Both states are well ahead of Minnesota. Twice, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vetoed funds for an environmental impact statement and preliminary engineering. And the state has not completed its comprehensive rail plan, which would set priorities and put in context freight lines and the multiple passenger rail lines being considered.

Fortunately for rail advocates, however, Minnesota does have much going in its favor, like the powerful voice of Eighth District Rep. Jim Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Other members of the state's congressional delegation, including Fourth District Rep. Betty McCollum, whose district includes St. Paul's Union Depot, one likely destination point for a high-speed rail line, can also lobby for the line's inclusion. And several key state legislators, long advocates of progressing on transportation options, have written a letter to McCollum and other members of the delegation pledging the Legislature's support. Hennepin County officials have also climbed aboard, seeking to add a Minneapolis stop.

Now would be a good time for Pawlenty to add his effort. His spokesman, Brian McClung, has indicated the governor "intends to aggressively position Minnesota to compete for stimulus funds for one or more rail lines, possibly including high-speed rail to Chicago." He's already begun work with Doyle in identifying areas where Wisconsin and Minnesota can cooperate. High-speed rail would fit that mission perfectly.

Most important, Pawlenty's appointment of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel brings both administrative and engineering experience and expertise that will be crucial in competing for and taking full advantage of the high-speed rail opportunity. His steady hand will be especially welcome on a project like this one, where the lack of hard information -- for example, about the size of Minnesota's financial commitment -- has yet to be determined.

Also yet to be determined are the federal guidelines and timelines for applications. Ideally, Minnesota would have been an early leader on the high-speed rail issue, putting the state in good position to benefit from the opportunity offered by the stimulus package. But with so many details yet to be worked out at the federal level, state officials should still have time to act. Minnesota may be running late, but it's not too late to get on board with high-speed rail and help keep this region competitive for generations to come.