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Yesterday, CN announced it reached a voluntary mitigation agreement with the village of Ford Heights, Ill., regarding the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) integration. The Class I now has forged voluntary mitigation pacts with 25 of the 33 communities along the EJ&E’s line in Illinois and Indiana.

CN agreed to provide Ford Heights funding for industrial and economic development, as well as for communications, emergency response training and recreational facilities.

“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,” said Jim Vena, CN’s senior vice president-Southern Region, in a prepared statement.

Added Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin: “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.”