MOORHEAD, Minn. (KFGO-AM) - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he thinks North Dakota could be held at least partially liable for damages caused by a Bakken oil-related railroad accident in Minnesota. “Anybody could be held liable,” Dayton said. “I think the oil industry would be the first ones to be considered partially liable” according to Dayton.
During a visit to Moorhead on Monday, Dayton said he's encouraged that North Dakota is taking steps to reduce the volatility of its crude. “That to me is where North Dakota could be most responsible – and apparently has been, or is about to be in requiring that the product that comes into Minnesota be as safe as possible,” Dayton said.
Dayton also scoffed at the idea that his plan to tax railroad companies to pay for rail improvements will likely face a legal challenge. “If they want to go to court, we’ll go to court,” Dayton said.
Dayton was in Moorhead discuss his plan to raise the wholesale gas tax and vehicle registration fees to pay for millions of dollars of highway improvements across the state.