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A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT <br />OF THE CONVERSION OF THE <br />DAKOTA R\IL RAILROAD CORRIDOR <br />TO A REGIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL <br />WHEREAS, the Dakota Rail Railroad runs through some of the most environmentally <br />sensitive, densely populated, and scenic areas of Orono; and <br />WHEREAS, the Dakota Rail Railroad is in a state of severe deterioration, such that even <br />at very slow speeds there is a substantial probability of derailment; and <br />WHEREAS, the owner of the railroad has indicated the railroad will be shut down unless <br />they receive financial assistance in the amount of several million dollars from the State or Federal <br />government to upgrade the line; and <br />WHEREAS, the Dakota Rail line serves a very small number of shippers; and <br />WHEREAS, an upgrade of the railroad would result in a dramatic increase in impacts of the <br />railroad on the residential neighborhoods adjaceru to the railroad; and <br />WHEREAS, the conversion of the railroad to a regional recreational trail would eliminate <br />the adverse impacts of the railroad use on the most environmentally sensitive and densely populated <br />areas of the City; and <br />WHEREAS, the conversion of the rail corridor to a trail would provide a trail through some <br />of the most scenic areas of Orono; and <br />WHEREAS, Hennepin Parks has indicated that if the cities along the trail are supportive of <br />the conversion, Hennepin Parks would be interested in working with the cities to make the trail a <br />reality. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orono City Council does hereby <br />indicate its support for the conversion of the Dakota Rail Railroad corridor to a regional recreational <br />trail. <br />Page 1 of2