KLGR-area freight rail improvement projects get $1.3 in grants from MNDoT

Several KLGR-area freight rail improvement projects will be getting funding about $1.3 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to improve freight rail service in their areas. The grants, announced Tuesday, are provided through the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement program with funding approved during the 2023 legislative special session.

MnDOT received 19 applications from across the state requesting a total of $22.5 million for this round of MRSI grant funding.

KLGR-area projects selected and funding amounts include:

• Meadowlands Farmers Co-op (Echo) – $1.1 million to construct 2,150 feet of new siding track to transport fertilizer by rail for a new agronomy center to be built adjacent to the siding.
• DeRock Capital Group, LLC (Hector) – $246,000 to add a switch to the sidetrack, 350 feet of rail, ties, rail bed, and update two existing loading rail docks, and complete groundwork next to the rail spur to increase transloading capabilities.