Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00536 

Received: 2/2/2021 2:24:59 PM
Commenter: Yankton  Johnaon
Organization: 
State: Utah

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
Joshua Wayland, PhD Surface Transportation Board c/o ICF 9300 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031 Attention: Environmental filing, Docket No. FD 36284 February 2, 2021 Dear Mr. Wayland, I am writing in support of the Uinta Basin Railway project. I moved from Southeast Arizona to the Uintah Basin 20 years ago. In 2001, the Basin was just coming out of a pressed economy, as a result of a down turn in the oil industry. It was very challenging to find a job during this time. I often heard the locals talking about the “ups and downs” of the oil patch. After working for the Uintah Basin Association of Government for 7 years, a local oil company for 3 years and now the local cooperative. I have realized the need for diversity in our community. I believe that this project “Uinta Basin Railway” would bring just that…to a majority of the citizens living in the Basin. This project will create stability and diversification that has been discussed for decades. The ability to export and import goods on a Class 1 railroad, will not only create new jobs, but also safeguard our existing economic base and stimulate the economy through taxes and future jobs. I look forward to the day that this project will be complete and the future of the Basin becomes much more stable for generations to come. Sincerely, Yankton Johnson