Section 1 establishes the requirement of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for certain projects.
Subdivision 1 defines "track connection project" as a rail construction project in a county with a city of the first class, located near two intersecting rail tracks that are owned by two different railroad companies. The track connection project connects the tracks and provides for alternative routing of unit trains through a city of the first class.
Subdivision 2 requires the preparation of an EIS to examine the existence of a local safety or security hazard under federal law. The Department of Transportation is the responsible governmental unit. The commissioner must determine the adequacy of the EIS before construction, permitting, and government approvals of the track connection project may begin.
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