(Moorhead, MN) — A local Minnesota senator is touting rail safety bills currently in circulation in the state legislative chambers, but some local business members are voicing their concerns.
Senator Rob Kupec spoke about three bills in a video posted to the Minnesota State Senate DFL YouTube channel. SF 4161 would establish maximum lengths for trains, SF 3943 would require the installation of wayside detectors to find overheating wheel-bearings on train-cars, and SF 3639 to require fire departments are warned following a rail incident or derailment.
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce cited concerns with bills 4161 and 3943, citing concerns over rail companies needing to stop or modify train lengths as they enter and leave Minnesota. Executive Vice President of the Chamber Katherine Grindberg says the decision, if passed, would tax small businesses and companies attempting to cross through border communities.
