Railway project proceeds despite city's concerns
Canadian Pacific Railway is expanding its switching yard near downtown St. Paul, despite the city's objections over environmental concerns.
A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says the expansion plan involves filling in six acres of wetlands and clearing four wooded acres.
The city has said the plan needs further environmental view but the city attorney's office has decided not to fight the issue.
Railway spokesman Andrew Cummings says the city knows the company is subject to federal regulations, not local ones.
People who live in the area say noise levels have already gotten worse, and some activists worry that increased freight traffic will bring more hazardous material through neighborhoods.
Cummings says the company will undertake the project in a way that minimizes environmental impacts.
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