The Mankato Free Press reported on Monday that South Central Minnesota didn't so well in the bonding bill, as local projects met with Governor Pawlenty's veto pen. One project remained:
The only area project left in the bill was $5 million for an improvement to the Minnesota Valley Regional Railroad between Gaylord and Winthrop.
Yesterday, on my way down to Henderson to cover the flooding Minnesota River, my path crossed the tracks. A train happened to be coming down the tracks and I shot a short video with my phone while I waited:
That's the usual speed for the train in that area, since the tracks are in such bad shape; this stretch is a bit east of Gaylord, but it gives readers a fair idea of why the project was let through by Governor No. The rail authority also submitted an earmark proposal through Congressman Walz's office. The proposal can be read here. It notes that trains can only travel at 7-10 mph in this stretch, which is included in the earmark proposal.
No word yet if this is one of the earmarks Walz will be requesting.
Improving the tracks on the shortline railroad will help farmer co-operatives, the Winthrop ethanol plant and other area businesses haul material out of the rich and productive farmland.
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