(The Associated Press circulated the following article on August 16.)
SIDNEY, Mont. — Yellowstone Valley Railroad Inc. expanded its Montana operations Monday by leasing some northeastern Montana lines from BNSF Railway, officials of both companies announced.
Yellowstone Valley, based in Sidney, is leasing two segments of BNSF lines: one from Glendive to Snowden, the other from Bainville to Scobey.
Officials said the transaction includes related yard, industry and mainline rights.
BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said only five employees will be affected and none will lose their jobs. He said those employees will be moved to other jobs within their union districts.
Yellowstone Valley is an affiliate of Watco Companies, based in Pittsburgh, Kan. Watco operates 11 other short-line railroads operating in 19 states.
Yellowstone Valley primarily has hauled sugar and grain for its Montana customers and will concentrate on hauling agriculture products, bulk foods and petroleum on the new lines, officials said.