Union Pacific Railroad representatives briefed county staff and the Dickinson County Commission on a proposed agreement covering two railroad crossings tied to a second-track and yard-improvement project in the county's heritage area.

County engineering staff said the initial draft heavily favored the railroad and that the county requested changes. After negotiations through the railroad's attorneys, staff said most of the county's suggestions were incorporated and the agreement now looks acceptable for county signature pending a final review.

"When we first talked, they kinda acted like we had contracts for all our crossings, and we had agreements or whatever, which has absolutely never happened," one county official said as staff summarized the negotiation history. After taking suggestions to the railroad's attorney, staff reported that "we got almost everything" addressed and that drainage and maintenance language looked acceptable.

The agreement includes standard provisions governing utility relocations, requires utilities to bear relocation costs when they cross under the tracks, and addresses restoration of county road surface and right-of-way after railroad work. Engineering staff noted plans show a future second track could extend north in the project area and that guardrail and drainage work will be part of the contractor's scope.

County counselor and staff recommended that the commission place the revised agreement on the next meeting agenda for formal action. Commissioners asked for one additional week to review the current draft; staff agreed to return the item next week with final recommendations and any redlined language for attorney review.

No vote on the agreement was taken at Friday's meeting; staff said townships affected by the crossings will also sign necessary documents once county approvals are completed.