Board to pursue regional letter on Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger; staff to coordinate
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Summary
A Union Pacific representative asked the board for a letter of support or neutrality on the company’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern; commissioners asked staff to coordinate a joint letter with neighboring counties and staff will draft and circulate a proposed text.
Kayla, a Union Pacific representative (S17), asked the Goodhue County Board on Dec. 16 for a letter of support or neutrality regarding Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, a transaction that would create a transcontinental rail carrier.
Kayla said the Surface Transportation Board will consider the application soon and she sought county letters either supporting the merger or stating neutrality so federal reviewers hear local perspectives. Commissioners discussed which neighboring counties could be affected—Dakota, Goodhue, Wabasha and Winona were mentioned—and endorsed coordinating a regional approach.
Board and staff agreed to collect information from Kayla about the project route and to circulate a draft regional letter for county sign‑on; one commissioner suggested a joint letter would present a consistent regional stance rather than separate letters from each county.
Staff committed to follow up with Union Pacific and adjacent counties and to draft a proposed letter for the board to consider.