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FREIGHT RAIL <br />Position: <br />Washington County supports increased state funding for the rehabilitation, preservation and <br />improvement of rail lines, including short haul lines and rail safety, with the goal of maintaining and <br />improving needed freight service, and supporting safe crossings. <br />Issue: <br />Rail service is an important component of a balanced transportation system. Rail can improve the <br />efficiency of our entire transportation system; one rail freight car can carry the equivalent of four truck <br />loads and can carry a ton of cargo 480 miles on one gallon of fuel. <br />Rail infrastructure is both ageing and lacking modern safety features at many locations. Washington <br />County is home to seven rail lines owned by five railroad companies. <br />1. BNSF Railway <br />2. Canadian Pacific <br />3. Union Pacific <br />4. Wisconsin Central <br />5. Minnesota Commercial <br />The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) released a legislatively mandated freight rail <br />safety report on Dec. 31, 2014. Recommended crossing improvement projects are in Big Lake, Clear <br />Lake, Elk River (two sites), Perham, St. Cloud, St. Paul Park, Wadena, and Winona. Other projects <br />requiring additional funding are also recommended, including grade separations. All recommendations <br />for specific crossings improve public safety by reducing the risk of train -vehicle accidents. These <br />improvements are important as much of the freight moving through the county is volatile crude oil. <br />Washington County supports state funding for improved rail crossing safety as well as additional funding <br />for grade separations between roads and rails at busy intersections. <br />As rail infrastructure continues to age, the cost to rehabilitate can exceed available resources for short - <br />haul line owners and operators. These lines provide an important service and boost the local economy. <br />Washington County supports state funding, grants, and loans to develop these improvements. <br />Additionally, improvements to freight rail lines can also benefit passenger rail service, using the same <br />tracks. <br />Support and Opposition: <br />Supported by the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). <br />No Action: <br />If the proposal is not enacted, rail safety and capacity needs will remain unmet. <br />Financial Implications: <br />Sustainable revenue sources need to be identified. The financial implications depend on the source of <br />funding. <br />Contact Person: <br />Wayne Sandberg, County Engineer & Deputy Public Works Director <br />Washington County Public Works <br />651-430-4339 <br />Wayne.Sandberg@co.washington.mn.us <br />17 <br />