WALZ PRAISES SECRETARY PETERS’ VISIT

12/06/2006

Congressman-elect calls private discussion with Secretary Peters “encouraging”


(Rochester, Minn.) After participating in the round-table discussion yesterday with Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, Senator Coleman, Governor Pawlenty, Mayo CEO Dr. Glenn Forbes, and other key players in the Rochester Coalition, Congressman-elect Tim Walz returned last night to Washington DC alongside Secretary Peters.


Walz, a first time candidate who defeated 6-term incumbent Gil Gutknecht this fall, campaigned on his concerns about the proposed $2.3 billion loan to DM&E railroad. Walz has long believed that concerns about safety and the fiscal responsibility of this loan are justified and must be addressed before the loan is granted.


On the return trip to DC, Walz spoke at length with Secretary Peters and her staff. “The Secretary’s attitude is encouraging,” said Walz. “She is committed to making sure that any forward movement on this loan is in the best interest of all stakeholders.”


“During our flight, I was able to share with Secretary Peters not only the concerns of the Rochester Coalition, but also the concerns brought to me by of some of the other communities and individual citizens who live along the DM&E line. I believe we had a balanced discussion about the potential impact of the railroad expansion to the communities along the line as well as the agricultural and renewable fuels entities that stand to benefit from this expansion.”


Walz plans to work with Senator Coleman, Senator-elect Klobuchar and Governor Pawlenty to address the problems the loan presents in its current state. He praised his colleagues after the meeting saying, “I’m proud to be working with Minnesota’s Senators and Governor Pawlenty to resolve this situation. I believe that this is the sort of bipartisanship the people of Minnesota are craving and that our efforts in this manner will help lead our country back towards a government that is less partisan and more pragmatic.”