Statement Regarding Environmental Review & Rochester Coalition Press Release

Sioux Falls, SD – Jafar Karim, spokesman for the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad, made the following statement in response to the Rochester Coalition’s latest press release and legal filing.

“This as an attempt to stall a rail upgrade that will bring jobs, rural economic growth, lower energy prices and a safety to Minnesotans, South Dakotans, and beyond. The federal agencies know this has been an extensive 8-year review process, involving several federal, state and local agencies and resulting in 147 compliance agreements.

“Mitigation has been ordered and we want and have offered to go beyond that in Rochester. We could achieve real results if Rochester would agree to discuss solutions instead of fighting the project.

“In the meantime, farmers, businesses, rural economies and anyone who pays an electricity bill is waiting to realize the clear benefits of the DM&E Railroad upgrade.”

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