Three projects improving rail service in the state were announced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The $1.55 million in funding through the agency’s Minnesota Rail Service Improvement program will help strengthen the state’s shipping economy and assist companies that ship by rail to improve their operations. One of the projects approved by MnDOT was to a Crookston company. Epitome Energy, LLC, Crookston, was awarded a $450,000 grant for new rail infrastructure for a new soybean processing and biodiesel facility. When KROX Radio reached out for comment, they will be giving comments to the media at a later date as they are still working on the specifics of the project, but it could be very beneficial to the Crookston Community and it will be located on the south end of Crookston, obviously close to the railroad.
When we get more information we will pass it along.
Other projects approved by MnDot were –
The city of Becker received a $1 million award for Northern Metal Recycling to add a 7,000-foot rail spur to a new processing facility. Minnesota Commercial Railway will use its $101,139 award to replace a railroad bridge over Rice Creek in New Brighton.
MnDOT received nine applications totaling more than $4.5 million for rail service improvement projects. Projects selected were based on the impact of state dollars on rail service and economic development. “The program is designed to rehabilitate deteriorating rail lines, improve rail-shipping opportunities and preserve and maintain abandoned rail corridors for future transportation uses,” said Peter Dahlberg, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations. “These three projects will positively impact local economies and the overall rail system across the state.”
The Minnesota Rail Service Improvement program began in 1976. Read more about the program.
