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Funds from roads to rails

Published (4/22/2010)
By Lee Ann Schutz
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More money could be available to improve the state’s rail crossings.

Sponsored by Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), HF2848 would decrease the amount of funding going into the trunk highway fund by $400,000 to boost the Minnesota grade rail crossing safety account from $600,000 to $1 million during each fiscal year.

The money comes from a portion of fines collected from people apprehended or arrested by the State Patrol and forfeited bail money.

“It’s a revenue-neutral way to get funding for rural railroad crossings,” Hortman said.

There is an approximate $10 million need to improve at-grade railroad crossings around the state, she said, but only $2.5 million was allocated in the 2010 capital investment law for that purpose.

Passed 131-0 by the House April 21, the bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) is the sponsor.

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