Hagedorn Lauds Funding Award for Railroad Repairs

Statement

Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) issued the following statement today concerning the United States Department of Transportation's (DOT) award of nearly $14.5 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program grants for the Ellis & Eastern Company railroad, a shortline railroad that services southwestern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota:

"This CRISI grant will improve the safety and quality of the Ellis & Eastern railroad and will be a boon to southern Minnesota's economy. These rail infrastructure improvements will allow for faster, safer and more cost-effective transportation of products like ethanol and make our rural communities in Rock and Nobles Counties more prosperous. Thanks to the U.S. DOT and Federal Railroad Administration officials, state Senator Bill Weber, state Reps. Rod Hamilton and Joe Schomacker, our fine county commissioners, the hardworking folks at Ellis & Eastern, and all who made this possible."

"We at Ellis & Eastern are excited to be able to rebuild the infrastructure of the rail line to provide a safe, reliable and efficient freight system for the local shippers. Thanks to Congressman Hagedorn for his diligence and dedication to this project," said Ellis & Eastern Company President Clark Meyer.

"Rep. Hagedorn and I recently visited several of the proposed track and bridge replacement sites in the Luverne area. The improvements are greatly needed to provide safe and efficient transportation for local agricultural, biofuels and manufacturing enterprises," said MN Senator Bill Weber (R-22).

"This CRISI grant is a big deal for our local businesses and economy in southwestern Minnesota. Thank you to Rep. Hagedorn for fighting for these funds and for working with us as a team to improve our transportation infrastructure and expand opportunities in our rural communities," said MN Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-22B).

"I appreciate the federal government stepping up to support the efforts of Ellis & Eastern. The stage is set for greater economic success in Southwest Minnesota from the rail improvement," said MN Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-22A).