The Winona County Board of Commissioners Tuesday unanimously voted to acknowledge the recommendations of the Winona County Comprehensive Plan in considering an intensive land proposal near an existing corporate limit.

Farm2rail is proposing to convert 300-acres of land just east of St. Charles into frac sand and rail sites.

Planning and Environmental Services Director Jason Gilman says he has recommended the City of St. Charles take the lead in Farm2Rail's permitting process.

Farm2Rail wants to move forward with an Environmental Assessment Worksheet to answer questions and concerns about the project before any decision on annexation is made.

Farm2Rail's Geoff Griffin says if the project moves forward, the site will need city services, including water.

St. Charles Township earlier turned down a request to allow the site to be annexed into the City of St. Charles.
    
Farm2rRail wants to build two circular 1-point-1 mile rail loops on the site and 14 industrial sites with rail access.