Rochester, Mayo still not satisfied with DM&E safety assurances

St. Paul, Minn. — The city of Rochester and the Mayo Clinic say they are still not satisfied with safety assurances from the railroad that plans to run more freight trains across southern Minnesota.

Mayo spokesman Chris Gade said the Canadian Pacific Railway must spell-out an adequate safety plan

"The DME, the current owner of the line, has made several conflicting statements about how much hazardous materials, including ethanol anhydrous ammonia, is actually transported through Rochester, and the current plan really does not address that at all," said Gade.

DM&E route map

Canadian Pacific wants to buy the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad, which originally planned the line that would carry coal from Wyoming through Minnesota to locations farther east.

Mayo Clinic has asked federal regulators to require Canadian Pacific to make specific improvements to protect communities affected by the proposed acquisition of DM&E.

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board is reviewing the take-over bid. A decision is expected this fall.