Hi-Railing in Wall

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration approved a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan to a pair of short line railroads. The FRA gave one grant to the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (DM&E) of $48.3 million to improve safety and service between Wall, South Dakota and Colony, Wyo. Rail line improvements will be made to accommodate heavier freight cars that haul grains, ethanol, and minerals. Specifically, 134 miles of track will be upgraded, including the replacement of 60 miles of rail between Wall and Owanka, and from Whitewood to the SD-WY state line. Major bridge repairs will occur

CALGARY– Canadian Pacific Railway Limited said it has reached an agreement to acquire the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation and its subsidiaries (DM&E) for $1.48 billion. With this value-enhancing transaction, Canadian Pacific expands its current network by approximately 2,500 miles and increases its access to U.S. Midwest markets including agri-products, coal and ethanol. The deal consists of a $1.48 billion cash payment at closing and future contingent payments of up to approximately $1 billion. Future contingent payments of $350 million will become due if construction starts on the Powder River Basin expansion project prior to December 31, 2025. Further

The South Dakota State Railroad Board has finalized an agreement for the South Dakota Department of Transportation to sell the Sioux Valley rail line to the D&I Railroad Co. for $10 million.