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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Zachary Dorholt (DFL)

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Rail Safety Headlines Rep. Zach Dorholt Townhall, August 7th

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

July 25, 2014


St. Cloud, MN — St. Cloud area residents will have an opportunity to learn more about improved rail safety provisions passed during the 2014 session of the Minnesota Legislature at an upcoming townhall forum.  State Representative Zach Dorholt (DFL-St. Cloud) will be hosting a forum on railway safety improvements on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall, 400 2nd St South, St Cloud, MN 56301.

Rep. Dorholt welcomes St. Cloud area residents to attend and learn about recent changes in rail safety regulations. 

“We took significant strides toward improving safety around rail crossings during the 2014 legislative session,” said Dorholt.  “I want local residents, especially those living near rail lines, to know more about the work we did to prevent derailments and tragedies involving freight like those we’ve seen recently in North Dakota and Canada.  I also encourage those who have concerns about rail safety to join us to discuss their ideas.”

Rep. Dorholt will be joined by St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, St. Cloud Fire Chief Bill Mund, Stearns County Emergency Management Director Erin Hausauer, and State Rep. Frank Hornstein, Chair of the Minnesota House Committee on Transportation Finance, and author of new rail safety regulations.  These panel members will discuss increased oil freight traffic, current emergency response plans in the instance of a derailment, and discuss new law and currently developing rail freight safety changes.

During 2014, Rep. Hornstein (DFL- Minneapolis) has traveled to other Minnesota communities with heavy rail traffic to discuss safety concerns.  “We’ve heard the concerns raised by Greater Minnesota communities about the dramatic increase in oil trains and the potential risks they bring,” said Hornstein.  “We want to make sure Minnesota never makes headlines for a catastrophic rail disaster that was preventable.”

Rep. Dorholt encourages constituents to contact him with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. He can be reached by phone at 651-296-6612 or by email at rep.zachary.dorholt@house.mn

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