CN signs voluntary mitigation agreement (VMA) with Village of Ford Heights, Ill.

CHICAGO, IL — CN announced today it has reached a voluntary mitigation agreement (VMA) with the Village of Ford Heights, Ill., located approximately 26 miles south of downtown Chicago, regarding its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E). With this agreement, CN has VMAs with 25 of the 33 communities along the EJ&E in Illinois and Indiana.

CN, which completed its purchase of the EJ&E on Jan. 31, 2009, will provide Ford Heights funding for industrial and economic development, as well as for communications, emergency response training and recreational facilities.

Jim Vena, CN senior vice-president, Southern Region, said: “The bulk of the funding under this agreement is earmarked to help the village identify and market industrial properties that can be served by rail. We hope this economic development support will prove to be mutually beneficial to the village and CN in the years ahead.”

Ford Heights Mayor Charles R. Griffin said: “We welcome the support of CN in our efforts to draw new business and employment to the village. We believe ready access to CN’s North American rail network, our proximity to major Chicago interstate highways and a suitable supply of real estate will make Ford Heights attractive to industry.”

CN is also working with communities on the EJ&E that do not have agreements with CN to ensure implementation of safety and environmental conditions in accordance with the requirements of the Surface Transportation Board.