Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00144
Received: 12/3/2020 9:49:00 AM
Commenter: Glenn Ellingford
Organization:
State: Utah
Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
Joshua, I would like to express my support for the new railroad in the Uinta Basin, I feel like it will help our economy to be more stable and bring more better paying and stable jobs to our community . It will also give us the opportunity to bring in new industry and tax base here in rural Utah. From a safety aspect it will take a lot of tanker traffic off US Hwy 40 from here to Salt lake City, We have several wrecks and spills a year along that route not counting the congestion that brings to this corridor. The transportation jobs won’t be closed just re- vamped , instead of the 3-4 hour trip to Salt Lake City and going over 2 mountain passes, transportation will change to continuing to pick product at the well head and transporting to a central station to be loaded onto the rail here in the basin. Instead of 1 trip a day to Salt Lake, a driver would be able to haul 2-4 loads a day locally and ease the congestion off Hwy 40. The rail would also open the door to manufacturing here as we have the land and space available, bringing new stable jobs to our area and making it where our children could stay in the area and have a sustainable income. I know there is push back from some residents about this project and the changes it will bring, but theses loud voices are a few that do not want change and would like to keep their power they have had in the community for generations and they would like to keep this part of the world stuck in the 50s and 60s. I believe that ship has sailed. Yes it will bring in new people to our area to live and take advantage of new jobs and a life style we enjoy out here. New people bring new ideas and perspective. This is not a bad thing as we are isolated somewhat in the Northeastern part of the state, and some people want to keep the good ole boy status quo going. People are naturally skeptical of change, I get that. But it is time to bring this opportunity to the Uinta Basin. We have missed out on quite a few over the last few decades due to fear and misinformation spread by a few. The economic impact the rail will bring , not counting the environmental and safety aspect, I think that we will be monumental and positive for our community. Regards, Glenn Ellingford