Montana Grain Group Opposing Bn Merger

Sun., May 21, 1995

Associated Press

The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee says it has filed a protest against Burlington Northern Railroad’s proposed merger with Santa Fe Pacific Railway.

The committee said it was prompted by BN pricing schemes that gouge Montana shippers, captives because BN has no competition in Montana.

Wheat can be shipped from Alliance, Neb., to Portland, some 1,471 miles, for $278 less per hopper car than from Billings, only 992 miles from Portland, the committee said. BN has competition in Nebraska.

The committee said its protest was filed with the International Commerce Commission earlier this month.

Fred Elling of Rudyard, committee chairman, said BN already is funding costs of the proposed merger by “sticking it to Montana, and because we have no alternative we will be forced to pay the bill.”

A class action suit against BN’s rate charges in Montana was filed in 1980. Known as the McCarty Farms suit, it remains unresolved.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Montana Grain Group Opposing Bn Merger

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Idaho lawmakers seek immigration status of HIV patients using state resources

‘Sick and wrong’: Boise firm designing Idaho firing squad chamber draws protest

The White House is urging Idaho legislators to pass a law for local ICE partnerships. Law enforcement across the state have concerns