Rail authority approves indefinite crossing permits for 14 landowners; MnDOT withdraws nearby reconstruction request

Greg (Land Commissioner) updated the Pine County Regional Railroad Authority and the county board on two rail-related items.

First, he said the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) asked to withdraw a previously proposed easement request tied to a Highway 23 reconstruction near Brook Park so MnDOT can focus on other statewide priorities. The authority accepted the withdrawal as informational.

Second, the board considered historic private crossings across the county-owned Soo Line rail grade. The county’s Soo Line ordinance (updated in 2018) requires permits for crossings; many of the crossings predate county ownership and had earlier-term permits that lapsed. Staff proposed issuing 14 crossing permits to landowners and structuring them as indefinite (no regular renewal) with a one-year notice period for revocation and an option for owners to convert a permit to a permanent easement through a separate purchase process.

Commissioners questioned easement costs and survey requirements. Staff said a recent private easement had been in the neighborhood of $1,000 plus survey costs; owners who want a permanent easement must pay survey and closing costs and the authority would review and approve easement sales. After discussion a motion to issue the permits as proposed and allow staff to offer owners the option to purchase an easement was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Ending: Staff will notify eligible landowners, include language about the easement option in permit materials, and require applicants who seek an easement to provide a survey and follow the formal easement review process.