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Rail authority approves indefinite crossing permits with easement option
Summary
Pine County's regional railroad authority approved issuing indefinite railroad crossing permits for roughly 14 crossings on the Soo Line grade, made nontransferable, and offering landowners the option to purchase an easement; permit fees and survey requirements will be handled through committee review.
While convened as the Pine County Regional Railroad Authority, the board considered requests related to crossings on the county-owned Soo Line railroad grade. Land commissioner (speaker 12) explained that about 14 existing crossings were identified and that the authority had previously issued permits that have lapsed. Staff proposed indefinite crossing permits (no renewal required) that are nontransferable and subject to a one-year notice if the authority needs to revoke them; landowners may also opt to purchase an easement.
Commissioners discussed easement pricing and survey costs. Staff cited a recent example of an easement transaction with a low end of about $1,000 but noted survey costs would typically be paid by the applicant and could range significantly. The authority voted to approve issuance of the permits with the easement option and directed the advisory committee to develop fee and survey procedures before purchases are finalized.
