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http://www.keyc.com/node/35175

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St. Paul, Mn - State Representative Terry Morrow announces that the successful 2010 Minnesota bonding bill includes funds to continue upgrades along the Minnesota Prairie Line, a publicly owned rail line through five counties in Minnesota. The final bill includes $5 million to replace century-old track with stronger rails that can support larger rail cars and allow for refrigerated and other modern cars.

The Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority and the local rail coalition are tremendously helpful partners on this project. We already see businesses springing up along the line, with more and more looking to open or expand along the Minnesota Prairie Line. This freight rail line means lower shipping costs for farmers, more competitive costs for businesses, and a stronger economy in our part of rural Minnesota.

The Minnesota legislature passed the Capital Investment (public works) bill much earlier in the session than is typical. The final package will create well over 10,000 jobs, putting Minnesotans back to work as early as the spring construction season. Governor Pawlenty signed the bill on Monday, agreeing with $680 million in public works projects.

During the fall and winter, we learned that the major step that the state of Minnesota could take to help our economy recover was to pass a public works bill quickly. Early action means that we can see savings from lower construction costs this year. By working on these bills even before the legislative session started, we will see the benefits in 2010.

For more information, contact Rep. Terry Morrow at 651-296-8634, or by email at rep.terry.morrow@house.mn.