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Today, the Twin Cities & Western Railroad Co. (TC&W) marks its 20th anniversary. Since beginning operations in 1991, the 229-mile short line’s workforce has more than doubled from 30 to 68 and annual freight volume has jumped 26 percent to about 18,000 carloads. In addition, TC&W has spent a total of $132 million, primarily to operate and maintain the railroad.

TC&W’s mainline extends from the Twin Cities to Milbank, S.D., and branch lines run north and south from St. Louis Park, Minn. Built in the 1870s, the mainline was part of the Milwaukee Road’s route to the Pacific Northwest, formerly known as the “Ortonville Line."

In 2001, the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority selected TC&W’s Minnesota Prairie Line subsidiary to operate 94 miles of track between Norwood and Hanley Falls, Minn. The line continues to be upgraded with funding assistance from the authority, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, shippers and TC&W.

To commemorate its 20th anniversary and thank employees, customers, government leaders and others “who helped make the railroad a success,” the short line operated several special trains July 22-24, TC&W officials said in a prepared statement.