Water reservoir property returned to railroad

City officials and representatives of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway announced today that they have successfully completed the transfer of McCook property to the railroad company.

Real estate documents have been completed and recorded with the county, according to BNSF Nebraska Division General Manger Boyd Andrew, concerning the transfer of the water reservoir property, previously owned by BSNF, back to the railroad company.

Transfer of this property will give BSNF greater control over the property that is immediately adjacent to the old plume level, that BNSF is voluntarily cleaning up under a portion of its railyard. The real estate transfer also provides the city with easements and access to what is now BNSF water reservoir property, pending the completion of the new drinking water reservoir and treatment plant.

McCook Mayor Dennis Berry stated that "McCook and the railroad have been partners in progress since the town was founded. We will continue to work together now and in the future."

Boyd credited the City of McCook and BNSF for the successful resolution of this issue. "We were able to continue our long history of cooperation with McCook," he said, "and we look forward to a bright future. It is BNSF's intention and desire to continue to work cooperatively with the City based on the positive example we have set here."

The railroad company completed the transfer of the final payment of the $3 million settlement to the city in February, which will be used to help fund the new water treatment plant.

"The city is very happy that this has concluded, and that both parties have reached an amicable settlement," City Attorney Rhonda Vetrovsky said this morning.