Written by: Ben Vient, Managing EditorMinnesota Gov. Mark Dayton issued an executive order, establishing the Governor’s Council on Freight Rail, which will bring together state officials and railroads in a public-private working group to improve communication and enhance safety and economic development in communities.
"Minnesota's railways make important contributions to our state’s economy and their operations in our state have a major impact on both the vitality and safety of our communities," said Gov. Dayton. "From the thousands of jobs they support in our state, to shipping agricultural and other goods to market, the capacity and safety issues on our railways affect all Minnesotans. The new Council on Freight Rail will enhance coordination and partnership between Minnesota and the railroads, for the benefit of communities across our state."
Minnesota has more than 4,500 miles of freight railroad connecting communities across the state, making it one of the largest rail networks in the country and employing more than 4,500 Minnesotans.
Minnesota’s rail network currently carries 25% of all freight movement in the state, with that share expected to grow by 25-40% by 2040. The Governor’s Council on Freight Rail will work proactively to foster safe and efficient freight rail operations, to support the economy and benefit local communities across the state.
The council will be chaired by the governor, with State Rail Director Alene Tchourumoff serving as chair.
