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D.C. (NewsDakota.com) The U.S. Surface Transportation Board  issued a decision regarding freight rail service delays affecting North Dakota. The decision orders Canadian Pacific Railway and BNSF Railway to report to STB by April 18 their plans to ensure delivery of fertilizer shipments for the spring planting of U.S. crops, and provide weekly status reports including delivery data and number of cars associated with agricultural destinations.

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says “STB’s decision to require railroads to have a plan for delivery of fertilizer to farmers is an acknowledgment that the window for planting is narrow and timely delivery is vital to a good harvest.”

Senator Heidi Heitkamp says “The Surface Transportation Board did the right thing by requiring the railroad industry to provide answers and soon,” She says, “North Dakota farmers have serious deadlines coming up and we need to know that their fertilizer will arrive in time.”

North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer says, “I am encouraged by this decision from STB which recognizes the urgency of spring planting. While this may help farmers get the fertilizer they need, there are still unacceptable delays for shipping grain and other products to market.”