Minnesota Governor Forms Freight Rail Council
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said July 15 he is creating a public-private group to improve communication, safety and economic development related to rail service across the state.
Dayton issued an executive order establishing the Governor’s Council on Freight Rail, which he will chair. Members will include seven state commissioners, the commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, the Metropolitan Council chair and one representative from each of five groups: each from the Class I, Class II and Class III railroads operating in the state, Amtrak, the League of Minnesota Cities and the Association of Minnesota Counties.
Rail safety has surfaced as a concern in Minnesota in the wake of derailments involving oil shipments and other hazardous materials.
Minnesota has more than 4,500 miles of freight railroad lines, and 4,500 Minnesotans work in the industry.
Minnesota’s rail network carries 25% of all freight movement in the state, and that could grow to 40% by 2040, according to the governor's office.
