Railroads ordered to present fertilizer delivery plans

The federal Surface Transportation Board announced it will direct the Canadian and Pacific Railway Co. and BNSF Railway Co. to report by April 18 their plans to ensure delivery of fertilizer shipments for spring planting and to provide weekly status reports beginning April 25.

“This is a step in the right direction for the STB, and I am pleased that they acted so quickly after last week’s hearing to address some of the ongoing rail service issues in South Dakota and the surrounding region,” said U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. “I will continue to press the STB and the railroads to do all they can to improve service across South Dakota during this critical time of year for our farmers. Continued rail service disruptions are not only having a direct impact on agriculture producers, grain handlers and the ethanol industry, but also on manufacturers and Main Street businesses across our state.”