St. Paul, MN– The Minnesota House approved legislation earlier this month that appropriates funding for a variety of public infrastructure projects across the state. Included in House File 670 was a provision authored by Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, that would provide $7 million in funding to the city of Lakeville to construct a Freight Rail Car Storage and Transload Facility.
“I am grateful for the strong showing of support for this project and encourage the Senate to approve the bill in short order so we can get construction going on this as soon as possible,” said Koznick. “This project will help clear up rail car congestion in Lakeville and improve public safety as the current practice of moving cars and temporarily blocking rail crossings poses a risk for businesses and homes that become inaccessible to first responders. This is the responsible and right thing to do for Lakeville and I hope to see it signed into law.”
For years, rail companies have been storing unsecured freight rail cars along rail lines in Lakeville. This has resulted in attracting unauthorized access to cars and posed a public safety issue. Following passage in the House, HF 670 is now in the Senate where it awaits passage.
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