Clinton Iowa USA - Clinton's city council has unanimously approved a US$1 million agreement with Canadian Pacific to address impacts of its proposed merger with Kansas City Southern, KWQC-TV reports.
 
Under the agreement passed Tuesday night, the city will receive the funds if the Surface Transportation Board approves the first merger of two Class I railroads in two decades.
 
In return, Clinton officials agreed not to oppose the merger.
 
Some US$100,000 of the funds would be earmarked for permanent closure of a grade crossing at 21st Avenue North.
 
Other funds would help fund create quiet zones at 12 other crossings.
 
Clinton becomes at least the fifth Iowa city to reach a similar agreement with CP, joining Davenport, Bettendorf, Muscatine, and LeClaire.
 
The STB will begin at least three days of hearings on the CPKC merger today in Washington.
 
Author unknown.