~ Governor Pawlenty statement regarding the Federal Railroad Administration’s announcement today of its acceptance of the DM&E railway project's environmental record ~

The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the Federal Railroad Administration’s announcement today of its acceptance of the DM&E railway project's environmental record (“Record of Decision”). This begins a final stage of review regarding the DM&E’s proposed expansion across Southern Minnesota.

“The clock is now ticking on a final decision from the Federal Railroad Administration regarding DM&E’s requested $2.3 billion federal loan. I do not believe the loan should go forward until the concerns of the community can be addressed.”