Project

Minnesota Freight Rail Economic Development Study

For the Minnesota Department of Transportation, in conjunction with Prime Focus, LLC, Economic Development Services, SRF and Christensen Associates, EBP (formerly EDR Group) provided county-level commodity flow information for rail carriers in Minnesota and North Dakota. The data delivered by EBP was based on a customized database for Minnesota’s key industries, such as metallic and non-metallic mineral mining and processing, agriculture, energy transport including coal, ethanol, petroleum, and manufacturing. 

EBP applied innovative methods of linking commodity flow data, supply chain performance and industry-level economic data to identify opportunities for shippers, railroads and economic development and transportation agencies to identify the potential for expanded local rail access, complementary business development and improved rail and intermodal service options for the Minnesota freight rail network. The objectives of the study were to establish measures and investment strategies that address the requirements of MAP-21.

Study