Roundtables Aim At Improving Oil Train Prep
LITTLE CANADA, Minn. (AP) — The first of several Minnesota roundtables on oil train safety has focused on keeping freight lines operating safely, efficiently and with as little disruption as more oil from neighboring North Dakota crosses the state.
Gov. Mark Dayton convened state and local leaders Monday to discuss preparedness efforts and quality-of-life concerns. Dayton says a boom in oil trains has crowded out grain and coal cars, frustrating farmers and utilities.
New state laws passed this spring impose more inspections and training for possible emergencies from the volatile freight.
Shoreview City Council member Emy Johnson says residents are increasingly upset with noise and long delays at rail crossings as traffic on the tracks grows.
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