On Feb. 8, 2016, Congressman Collin Peterson’s (D-MN-7) Chief of Staff, Allison Myhre, and Economic Development Officer, Toni Merdan, joined representatives from PortaCo to tour its Moorhead, Minn. facility, learn about its various maintenance-of-way and railroad tools, and discuss public policy priorities for the business and rail communities in western Minnesota. The Railway Engineering-Maintenance and Suppliers Association (REMSA), a non-profit trade group representing over 350 railway engineers, contractors, consultants, and M/W suppliers across the country, coordinated the event. The $5 billion M/W industry supports over 35,000 jobs nationwide. Locally, PortaCo employs 17 individuals.
The tour was led by PortaCo’s President & CEO Patrick Cronin. Also in attendance was Sean Winkler, Grassroots Coordinator, REMSA.
“A strong railroad industry, which continues to invest billions into its rail system, is vital to our company and state,” said Cronin. “We are thrilled to be joined by Congressman Peterson’s office and appreciate their willingness to learn more about our history and commitment to Moorhead, our role as a local manufacturer, and as a member of the larger rail industry.”
PortaCo started operations over 35 years ago in Moorhead as a manufacturer of hydraulic valves and manifolds. Since then, it has grown into one of the leading American producers of hydraulic power units, tools, and machines used in railway track construction and maintenance. PortaCo drew the attention of the Goldschmidt Thermit Group, a major player in the railway infrastructure industry, and since 2013, PortaCo has been a proud member of the Goldschmidt Thermit Group. Due to PortaCo’s strong local presence and role in ensuring Minnesota’s agricultural products can efficiently get to market, Congressman Peterson was intrigued to learn more:
“As Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I understand that a strong and efficient railroad is crucial for Minnesota farmers and agricultural producers in getting their goods to market,” said Congressman Peterson. “I look forward to working with companies like PortaCo to continue to create efficient transportation options for Minnesota’s farmers.”
The group discussed the private nature of America’s freight railroad network, which does not rely on federal support for the expansion or maintenance of its right-of-way unlike other modes of freight transportation. Also discussed were the recent extension of the Short Line Tax Credit and the new freight rail title under the FAST Act.
In Minnesota, 18 freight railroads operate and maintain over 4,400 miles of track and support over 4,500 jobs. Metallic ores were responsible for 57% of freight tonnage originated in Minnesota in 2012, followed by farm products, food products, and stone/gravel.