HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 2015-056CITY OF PLYMOUTH
RESOLUTION No. 2015-056
RESOLUTION PETITIONING THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD TO
REQUIRE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
OF CANADIAN PACIFIC/BNSF RAILROAD CONNECTOR TRACK
WHEREAS, Canadian Pacific (CP) railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway
Company each own track that intersects in the city of Crystal, Minnesota, and have taken preliminary
action on a project to construct connector track at the site of the intersection; and
WHEREAS, the proposed connection would connect the CP rail to the BNSF spur rail, and
dramatically increase the number of trains using the section of the BNSF spur rail line through
Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, and Minneapolis and significantly alter the type of cargo
transported and length of trains using this spur line; and
WHEREAS, in response to this proposal, several affected cities have met and determined
that the proposal could have detrimental impacts; and
WHEREAS, the potential impacts of the proposal have not been studied by an independent
agency; and
WHEREAS, the Surface Transportation Board in the United States Department of Transportation
is authorized under federal law to provide regulatory oversight of freight railroads;
WHEREAS, several cities and the Minnesota Legislature have adopted resolutions requesting
that the Surface Transportation Board require an Environmental Impact Statement prior to proceeding
with the proposal; and
WHEREAS, the City of Plymouth recognizes the concerns and potential impacts on its
neighboring communities; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the concerns of the communities directly affected, the City of
Plymouth has its own concerns if the connector track is completed including its impact on the length,
speed and frequency of trains, public safety response, at grade crossing safety, construction of
separated grade crossings including Vicksburg Lane and other unknown potential impacts to the
community; and
WHEREAS, Plymouth will not support any proposals that would negatively impact our
community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Plymouth, Minnesota urges the
Surface Transportation Board to require an environment impact statement be conducted prior to BNSF
or CP acquiring land, completing final design, or commencing construction of the railroad connector
track.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of Plymouth, Minnesota insists that the Surface
Transportation Board carefully study the public safety concerns raised by each community.
APPROVED by the City Council on this 24th day of February, 2015.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPI N) SS.
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Plymouth, Minnesota,
certifies that I compared the foregoing resolution adopted at a meeting of the Plymouth City Council held
on February 24, 2015.
WITNESS my hand officially as such City Clerk and the Corporate seal of the City this day of
City Clerk