DM&E putting money everywhere but into new track

The DM&E Railroad says it needs a $2.3 billion unsecured federal government loan to upgrade and expand, including replacing old track. It's already received a loan for $233 million. But where is that money going? Not all of it is going for line improvements. Here's how the DM&E has been spending its taxpayer-guaranteed loan lately:

• Cleaning up a major derailment and 30,000 gallon ethanol spill in an environmentally sensitive area near the Minnesota River. Cost: ???
• Suing Wyoming ranchers so the railroad can gain access to their property to survey for a new line. Cost: ???
• Investing in a manufacturing plant so the railroad can build concrete bridges for its planned expansion should the $2.3 billion loan be improved. Cost: ???
• Contacting homeowners in the town of Skyline south of Mankato about doing soil borings into the hill on which their houses are located. If the DM&E opts for the so-called "South Route" around Mankato, it will take away part of the hill as well as some of the houses. Residents are fearful that their quality of life will be destroyed by the noise and vibration from the coal trains. Cost: ???

If the DM&E does this with just a $233 million loan, imagine what it could do with a $2.3 billion loan....