MnDOT funds eight freight rail improvement projects supporting local economic development

Eight freight rail projects will receive a total of $6.5 million in funding to improve freight rail service that supports economic development in different parts of the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. The grants are provided through the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement program with funding approved during the 2021 legislative special session.

MnDOT received 16 applications requesting a total of $18.9 million for rail service improvement projects for this round of MRSI funding.

“The number of applications received this winter demonstrates continued strong demand for improving freight rail infrastructure throughout the state,” said Peter Dahlberg, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations program manager. “Better rail service gives Minnesota businesses more opportunity to compete in global and national markets.”

The eight projects and amounts awarded are:

Archer Daniels Midland (Marshall) – $1.87 million for a new loadout building and equipment along with a new track connection to existing rail infrastructure.
Minnesota Commercial Railroad (Roseville) – $301,000 to upgrade a stretch of track to safely accommodate heavier railcars.
Progressive Rail (Rosemount, Eagan) – $609,000 to extend an existing track interchange to accommodate new business.
City of Newfolden – $600,000 to replace an existing rail crossing bridge structure as part of a flood prevention project.
Duluth Seaway Port Authority (Duluth) – $1.2 million to modernize and upgrade rail and switches.
Twin Cities and Western Railroad (Eden Prairie) – $690,000 to improve and expand rail access at an unloading/loading facility site.
American Crystal Sugar (East Grand Forks) – $270,000 for a new rail spur track that provides storage for rail cars for bulk and packaged products and improve rail movement.
Heartland Corn Products (Winthrop) – $1 million to expand and improve the efficiency of a railyard.

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