Value of Freight Transportation to the Minnesota Economy Forum at the Humphrey School, Friday, September 20, 2013

The BNSF Foundation has partnered with the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs to explore the role freight transportation plays in economic and community life in Minnesota, and the means for understanding and enhancing the value of freight transportation to the Minnesota economy, particularly the private freight rail networks. The forum on September 20th was part of the research objective to engage Minnesota's transportation community in understanding how to further add value to the state's economy and transportation planning.

Discussion focused on how to maximize the role freight can play in Minnesota's economy, the impact of freight rail in the state, the most effective policies to improve the freight transportation network, and the economic benefits of an efficient system.

Watch videos of the forum presentations by clicking on the links below

• Welcome and Opening Remarks -- James L. Oberstar, former U.S. Congressman, Minnesota [Video]


• Presentation: The Value of Freight Economy in Minnesota -- Lee Munnich and Tom Horan, State & Local Policy Program, Humphrey School of Public Affairs[Video] [Slides]


• Keynote -- Matt Rose, Chairman & CEO, BNSF Railway [Video]


• Keynote -- Amy Klobuchar U.S. Senator, Minnesota [Video]


• Panel Discussion: Business/Shipper Perspectives -- Scott Nagel, President, ADM-Benson Quinn; Mahendra Mishra, Assistant Vice President, Essar Steel; Steve Weiby, Vice President, C.H. Robinson; Greg Pace, USMC Fellow, U.S. Chamber of Commerce [Video]


• Panel Discussion: Policy Perspectives -- Sen. Scott Dibble; Chair, Minnnesota Senate Transportation Committee; Rep. Mike Beard, Ranking Member, Minnesota House Transportation Finance Committee; Louie Jambois, President, St. Paul Port Authority; William Gardner, Director, Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations, Minnesota Department of Transportation [Video]


• Closing Remarks -- James L. Oberstar [Video]

Sponsored by the Humphrey School's State and Local Policy Program, the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies, and the BNSF Foundation.