CN addresses concerns of Chicago-area village

CN addresses concerns of Chicago-area village    The Canadian National Railway said Thursday it has reached a voluntary agreement with the Village of Ford Heights, Ill., to help mitigate the impact of freight rail traffic on its Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway line.
   Ford Heights is located about 26 miles south of downtown Chicago.
   The CN acquired the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Co. for $300 million in January 2009 as a freight bypass around congested Chicago, where CN's trunk line runs. The company's plan was strongly opposed by communities and Illinois lawmakers concerned that increased freight rail traffic would decrease safety and increase traffic tie-ups and noise.
   The deal had to be approved by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, with safety and environmental conditions attached.
   CN said it will provide an undisclosed amount of money to Ford Heights, the bulk of which will go to help the town identify and market industrial properties that can be served by rail. Money will also go for communications, emergency response training and recreational facilities.
   The railroad has voluntary mitigation agreements with 25 of the 33 communities along the EJ&E in Illinois and Indiana.