Economic Impact

The MVRRA corridor is an essential freight artery for the agricultural and industrial economy of southwestern Minnesota.

• Shippers & Businesses: More than a dozen shippers operate along the corridor, including grain elevators, cooperatives, and processors such as Meadowland Farmers Cooperative, Central Region Cooperative, Step Saver, Farmers Coop Elevator, and Heartland Corn Products.

• Private Investment: Since 2002, businesses along the line have invested over $54 million in new and expanded facilities directly tied to rail service.

• Rail Traffic Growth: Shippers moved over 9,200 railcars in 2023, a significant increase from past years. In July alone, the line moved its 1,000th car of the month — a milestone for the short line.

• Economic Return: Since 2002, the corridor has received $39 million in state funding and $11.45 million in federal funding, which in turn leveraged more than $54 million in private sector investment. This represents a $1.68 return for every $1 of state investment, demonstrating strong public and private confidence in the corridor’s value.