Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today issued a statement following the announcement by the Canadian Pacific Railway to sell certain portions of its rail holdings in the United States:
“This news caps a year-long process since Canadian Pacific announced its intention in December of 2012 to potentially sell 660 miles of the DM&E rail line, including all of the DM&E rail line in South Dakota.
“I look forward to meeting with Genesee & Wyoming officials next week. Over the last year, I have met with senior officials at Canadian Pacific to underscore the importance that the DM&E rail line has in our state and region to ensure that any potential sale would continue to provide head-to-head rail competition for shippers and long-term viability of this critical rail line. I am encouraged by Genesee & Wyoming’s stated commitment to safety, service, and long-term infrastructure investment. Ultimately, this proposed sale will be subject to public comment and review by the Surface Transportation Board and I plan to closely evaluate the details of this proposal going forward.”