(The following story by Matt Russell appeared on the Post-Bulletin website on September 24.)
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Whether Canadian Pacific Railway can route trains away from Mayo Clinic should be discussed, U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar said Friday after meeting with Mayo representatives, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and local officials.
Oberstar, chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, made his comments at the Charter House in Rochester 10 days after CP announced plans to buy Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad.
For about a decade, DM&E, Mayo and local officials have been deadlocked over the railroad’s proposal to expand its rail line into Wyoming’s coal-rich Powder River Basin. The expansion would increase rail traffic in Rochester, though DM&E and local officials have disagreed over the amount.
“In Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic should come first,” Oberstar said Friday after what he called a “stunning” Mayo presentation about the possible impacts of increased rail traffic that he said would run 800 feet from clinic facilities.
Oberstar added that the Surface Transportation Board has not considered fully the impact that toxic chemicals carried by DM&E trains could have on Mayo facilities in the event of an accident.
CP spokesman Mark Seland said Friday that he does not know exactly what DM&E is hauling on its trains now and couldn’t comment on what CP might haul in the future. He also declined to comment on Oberstar’s request for a re-route to be considered.
“We do look forward to getting to know and understand the specific concerns of the local community in Rochester,” Seland said.
Oberstar’s comments came after a lunch meeting with Walz, Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede, Rochester City Council President Dennis Hanson, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade, and Mayo officials.
Walz said the meeting focused on what would happen in “the next chapter” of discussions over the railroad issue. He added that he wants to see a compromise “that’s a win-win for everyone.”
Oberstar, who represents the 8th Congressional District in northeastern Minnesota, said Walz plans to meet with communities along DM&E’s southern Minnesota route and meet with CP officials next week. Oberstar also plans to meet with CP officials to learn more about their plans.
“We’ve got a real strong player for us, no question,” Brede said after Oberstar’s comments Friday. Brede noted that Oberstar was instrumental in helping secure funding for Rochester’s flood-control project after the 1978 flood.
Brede said local officials have yet to invite CP officials to discuss the railroad’s plans, “but that’s probably coming.”