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Minnesota government has a newly designated official in charge of watching over 4,400 miles of rail routes and working with companies to assure safety.

Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Alene Tchourumoff on Tuesday as state rail director, a new position within his office. She most recently served as a leading official in the Hennepin County Public Works Department.

"She will work out of my office to emphasize the importance I place upon her new role," Dayton said in a news release. "I thank her for committing her service to the safety and well-being of Minnesotans.”

She will be paid $125,000 per year, the governor's office said.

In her own statement, Tchouruoff said increased rail traffic in Minnesota "will require careful, comprehensive planning and coordination with local governments, businesses, citizens, and railroad companies.”

She isn't the only official within state government tasked with rail matters. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has an Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Brian Bakst

Author

Dayton names new official to watch over Minnesota's rail line network.

2016_04_25_alene_tchourumoff_photo_headshot

New Minnesota rail director tapped by Dayton

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