Rochester Coalition and Mayo Clinic Challenge Railroad's Contention That Hazmat Rail Shipments Po...(are notconsistent with its current non-p...),Health

The Canadian Pacific previously represented that all of the anticipated growth in ethanol traffic will either move west (to interchange with Burlington Northern Santa Fe) or via Iowa, Chicago & Eastern's lines to the Chicago gateway. The record now states that once the Canadian Pacific, according to its officials, "are confident that track conditions are adequate to ensure safe movement" of ethanol and other hazardous materials over the "DM&E track from Owatonna through Rochester, Minnesota," they will use that routing for the substantial increase in the projected number of carloads of ethanol. The specific data is under a protective order and cannot be disclosed here.

"The STB's decision not to do an environmental review or require mitigation for Rochester was based on the contention there would be no increased risk resulting from the DM&E sale," added Richard Streeter, legal counsel for the Mayo Clinic. "Clearly the Canadian Pacific's latest submission provides different facts. There will be an increase in the amount of hazardous materials traveling through Rochester, which must be properly mitigated to ensure the community's safety and the safety of Mayo Clinic's patients and staff."

DM&E Sworn Testimony: Full Speed Ahead on PRB

DM&E executives stated under oath in eminent domain cases brought by the DM&E that the Canadian Pacific has decided to pursue the PRB project and is actively participating in the project's development with the goal of beginning construction in early 2009. The executives stated that the DM&E currently is spending $3.5 to $4 million a month to advance the PRB expansion, including paying for eminent domain lawsuits aimed at local landowners who are refusing to give their land to the DM&E.

"It's hard to believe that a company like the DM&E, wi
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