Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00638 

Received: 2/12/2021 12:05:16 PM
Commenter: Keith Goodspeed
Organization: RainDance
State: Utah

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
12 Feb 2021 In 1980, then Governor Mathison extolled the virtues of the Uinta Basin, saying that in 10 years the development of the Basin would increase its population to 90,000 residents. I moved to Roosevelt, Duchesne County, Utah, in 1980, and established my business, sales and service of agricultural irrigation equipment and septic tanks. The governor’s growth forecast seemed to be on track. For five years we sold about 300 septic tanks each year, and we were not the only tank supplier in the Basin. There was another tank manufacturer here in the Basin, and tanks from manufacturers on the Wasatch Front were being delivered. In 1985, the 10th Circuit Court ruled that much of the Basin, including my home in Roosevelt, had not been properly removed from Tribal lands, and restored it to Tribal ownership. Banks wouldn’t loan any one 30 cents for development on “Tribal Land”. In 1986 and again in 1987, we sold 10 tanks each year, and most of them were replacement of old steel tanks that had rusted out. Needless to say, the governor’s growth forecast hit the skids. It took over 5 years for the Supreme Court to decide that congress had properly removed the homestead lands, and that my home did not belong to the Tribe. My irrigation business has also had ups and downs over the years, affected primarily by the weather, and national market trends. In drought years, a customer with 6 center pivots may have only had enough water for 3 of them. They borrowed parts from unused machines to keep the others running, and had time to do the service themselves. A major factor in the up and down economy of the Basin is the price of crude oil. In 1986, it was $9.00 a barrel here in the Basin, and has gone up to over $100.00 at times. For over 40 years, I sold irrigation equipment here for 5 years before moving here, I’ve heard of various plans to smooth out the ups and downs of the economy, and put the Basin back on track to meet Governor Mathison’s vision of development. A railroad has often been the focus of those plans. I am happy to see the present plan that is being studied at this stage of development. I know that this project can be completed in a way that is environmentally sound, and allow the Basin the benefits of rail transportation. I am very much in favor of the Uinta Basin Railway Project.Thank you, Keith Goodspeed 32 N Skyline Dr Roosevelt, Utah 84066 435 823 7246 rainman@ubtanet.com