Freight, Rail and Waterways
The Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations (OFCVO) is dedicated to improving the safety and productivity of Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system in District 6 and throughout the state.
Currently, OFCVO is conducting a Southeastern Regional Freight Study. The study includes all modes of freight transportation in the region and outlines significant industry trends, highlights commercial logistics issues and suggests plans for improvement in goods movement for Minnesota industry
Rail
The Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Freight and Passenger Rail Plan, completed in February 2010, provides an overall vision for effective utilization of the state’s freight rail network and its future development. One purpose was to ensure that efficient, competitive services will be available to rail customers and that freight access to local and global markets is enhanced. In addition, the plan identifies priority rail corridors, programs, and projects that will offer effective improvements or expansion for passenger travel in and out of Minnesota.
Southern Rail Corridor
MnDOT is partnering with Olmsted County to conduct a congressionally appropriated alternatives analysis of freight rail impacts and potential corridor and mitigation alternatives along the DM&E railroad in Rochester. The study will identify reasonable options that could be advanced for further study and selection of a preferred alternative in an Environmental Impact Statement.
Highway / Rail at-Grade Crossing Program
This safety program seeks to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries at public highway/rail grade crossings through the elimination of hazards and/or the installation/upgrade of protective devices at crossings. This program is primarily funded through the FHWA Section 130 program.
MnDOT will perform 81 railroad safety improvement projects statewide at a cost of $25 Million between 2012 and 2015. These projects are funded through the Highway / Rail at-Grade Crossing Program and the Rail-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimination in High-Speed Rail Corridors Program. Listed is project breakdown for District 6:
| Fiscal Year | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Warning device upgrades at 4 crossings | $880,000 |
| 2012 | High-Speed Rail Safety Improvements at 3 locations | $671,908 |
| 2013 | Warning device upgrades at 3 crossings | $800,000 |
| 2014 | Warning device upgrade at 3 crossing | $820,000 |
| 2015 | Warning device upgrades at 3 crossings | $825,000 |
| Total | 16 Projects | $3,996,908 |
Minnesota Rail Service Improvement
This program provides funding for projects in the following categories:
- Rail Purchase Assistance — financially assists Regional Rail Authorities in acquiring rail lines.
- Rail Rehabilitation — provides low or no-interest loans to rehabilitate and preserve rail lines.
- Capital Improvement Loans — provides rail service and strengthens the financial condition of the associated line.
- Rail User and Rail Carrier Loan Guarantee — guarantees up to 90 percent of a loan to assist rail users and carriers in obtaining loans.
- State Rail Bank — acquires and preserves abandoned rail for a future transportation use.
Waterways
Port Development Assistance Program
MnDOT provides technical support, coordination with ports and the Army Corps of Engineers and financial assistance for improving port access and facilities. Improvements include: road and rail connections and dock and warehouse capital investment. This program is funded through state of Minnesota appropriations.
- Red Wing Port Authority
Description: Reface Sheet piling on Municipal Dock Wall
Construction time: June 2012- November 2012
Total construction cost = $ 291,300.00
Total State Cost = $ 233,040.00
Estimated State cost in FY 2012 = $ 100,000.00
Estimated State cost in FY 2013 = $ 133,040.00 - Winona Port Authority
Description: Rehabilitate old dock area for truck staging
Construction time: June 2012- November 2012
Total Construction cost = $400,000.00
Total State Cost = $ 320,000.00
Estimated State cost in FY 2012 = $ 120,000.00
Estimated State cost in FY 2013 = $ 200,000.00 - Existing projects not completed as of March 6, 2012
- Winona Port Authority
Description: Construct new municipal harbor dock
Construction time: June 2011- April 2012
Total construction cost = $ 1,500,000.00
Total State Cost = $ 1,200,000.00
State cost in FY 2011 = $ 30,582.69
Estimated State Cost in FY 2012 = $ 1,169,417.31
- Winona Port Authority
Total Estimated District 6 State cost in FY 2012 = $ 1,369,417.31
Total Estimated District 6 State cost in FY 2013 = $ 333,040.00