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Clay County commissioners back letters supporting two federal rail safety grant applications
Summary
The Clay County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved letters supporting two Federal Railroad Administration grant applications — one to eliminate a blocked crossing in Dilworth and one MnDOT safety‑upgrade application covering multiple crossings, including one in Clay County — and asked staff to confirm the specific county crossing for the MnDOT application.
The Clay County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two letters of support for Federal Railroad Administration grant applications after hearing a presentation from County Engineer Justin Sorum.
Sorum told the board that BNSF, on behalf of the city of Dilworth, has applied for an FRA grant to eliminate a county crossing in Dilworth. "If successful, this would eliminate a county crossing in Dilworth once it's constructed, and it is very needed in this area," Sorum said. He also said BNSF is covering the cost of the grant application.
In a separate request, Sorum described MnDOT's application to the FRA Railroad Crossing Safety Program. He said the district application includes eight crossings and that "we're one of them being located in Clay County," but that the packet did not identify which local crossing. He said he left a voicemail for the applicant to confirm the exact location.
Commissioners said they supported using grant opportunities to fund safety improvements. A motion to approve the Dilworth support letter was made and seconded and carried by voice vote; the board separately approved a motion to support MnDOT's Railroad Crossing Safety Program application and asked staff to follow up with MnDOT so the county can answer landowner questions if they arise.
Why it matters: eliminating or upgrading at-grade railroad crossings can reduce roadway delays and improve public safety by adding signals, crossing arms and signage. The board's letters do not obligate the county to provide construction funding; Sorum said typical cost-sharing is split between the railroad and the road agency and that grant awards cover eligible equipment and installation costs.
What’s next: Staff will contact the MnDOT applicant to identify the specific Clay County crossing noted in the district application and circulate that information to the board and to county staff.
(Reporting based only on the Clay County Board meeting transcript.)
