| News | DM&E and RochesterI am opposed to the proposed DM&E Railroad expansion through Rochester. The plan to have the federal government—that is, the taxpayer—lend $2.5 billion to a private, undercapitalized company is nothing short of outrageous. No one who cares about fiscal responsibility or about the financial integrity of this country should support this loan. The proposal also puts Rochester and Minnesota's economy at risk. Rochester is Minnesota's third largest city and the Mayo Clinic is Minnesota's largest private employer. During the last legislative session, the state invested millions of dollars in our future through the U of M expansion, the Mayo-U of M Genomics Partnership, and other projects. But the DM&E would put all of this at risk just because we are on convenient path from Wyoming to Winona. At best, the DM&E project would make Rochester a less attractive place to live and visit. At worst, Rochester's worldwide reputation as a safe place to come for high quality medical care could vanish in a cloud of toxic fumes from a derailment. To put the interest of the DM&E—with one of the worst safety records in the business—ahead of the interests of Rochester and Minnesota is gross irresponsibility. Leaders in both parties say they recognize the importance of Rochester in our state's economy. But many have been silent on this issue. Citizens should insist that their elected leaders at all levels take a position on this urgent issue.
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