In one of the largest proposed rail expansions in a century, the Dakota Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (DM&E) announced plans in 1997 to expand into the coal-rich Powder River Basin already served by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Union Pacific Railroads. Its initial environmental impact statement was approved and, if it receives approval of a $2 billion loan, it will be the first Class 1 railroad formed in over 100 years.

The Federal Railroad Administration has been accepting public comments on the DM&E loan application and will review those comments and issue a decision.