U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Secure $28.6 Million to Improve Railroad Safety, Efficiency and Reliability in Minnesota

The federal grants will upgrade tracks, equipment and rail cars in Greater MN and the Twin Cities metro

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) secured $28.6 million in three separate U.S. Department of Transportation grants to improve railroad infrastructure, safety and reliability in Minnesota. The funds will ensure Minnesota's railroad network can continue to safely move people, commodities and other goods that power small towns, rural communities and big cities.

"Minnesota farmers and businesses depend on a safe and reliable rail system to get their products to market and keep our economy moving. These federal grants will replace aging tracks, boost efficiency, and improve rail safety," said Sen. Klobuchar. "Maintaining strong rail infrastructure is critical for the long-term economic well-being of our state and for keeping Minnesota competitive."

"Railroads are the lifeblood for Minnesota farmers, producers and small businesses," said Sen. Smith. "That's why it's critical to keep this economic engine on track by upgrading railroad lines and equipment, giving Minnesotans greater and safer access to national and international markets. Sen. Klobuchar and I are 'all aboard' on keeping Minnesota's railway network reliable and efficient."

"Twin Cities & Western is proud to partner with our Minnesota grain customers, the Federal Railroad Administration and our champions in Congress," said Twin Cities & Western Railroad President Vic Meyers. "This project will ensure Minnesota farmers remain connected to the Mississippi River with safe, efficient and reliable rail service."

The three grants are respectively awarded to the Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company, Minnesota Commercial Railway, and Northern Lines Railway. The grant funds come from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program within the DOT, funded partially by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act both Senators worked to pass in 2021.

Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company will receive up to $22 million to buy 200 new rail grain cars and upgrade select tracks and rail infrastructure around Renville, Stewart and Hector in Greater MN. The new upgrades are needed to carry the new, larger and heavier grain cars that give farmers and producers the opportunities to sell more commodities at once. The Twin Cities & Western Railroad will contribute a 20 percent cost share to the project.

Minnesota Commercial Railway will receive $5.36 million to replace worn tracks in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Roseville. The project will reduce the risk of derailment and improve the safety and reliability of passenger and freight service in the Twin Cities metro. The Minnesota Commercial Railway will contribute a 20 percent cost share.

Northern Lines Railway will receive $1.3 million to redo approximately 25 miles of track in and around St. Cloud, Cold Spring and Rockville. The new tracks will improve safety for the railcars carrying freight and hazardous materials. The Northern Lines Railway will contribute a 35 percent cost share.

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