Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00457 

Received: 1/27/2021 6:45:50 PM
Commenter: Amy Doebele
Organization: UELS, LLC
State: Utah

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments:
UBR-DEIS-00457-53954.PDF Size = 343 KB
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Submission Text
January 25, 2021 Joshua Wayland Surface Transportation Board c/o ICF 9300 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031 Attention: Environmental filing, Docket No. FD 36284 RE: Uinta Basin Railway Draft EIS Public Comment Period To whom it may concern: UELS, LLC dba UINTAH Engineering and Land Surveying is pleased to provide this letter of support for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway project. We believe that the addition of this infrastructure will have a lasting and prosperous effect for the communities of northeastern Utah. As a local company, founded in 1964, UELS has witnessed our local community endure countless economic hardships over the years. As an area which heavily relies upon the extractive industry for stability and growth, the development of a railway system from our region to greater markets is a solution that can’t come soon enough. Our local extractive industries are hit hard by transportation logistics, which in turn results in discounts for goods and products supplied by the Basin. Once the railway is developed, oil & gas producers would have a stable & consistent transportation system to regional and national markets, increasing the value of natural resources in the Basin. It would also allow for optionality for commercial, industrial and agricultural imports and exports to the area, which is often difficult due to the proximity to the interstate system. UELS has reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Study and is in support of the proposed environmental and safety mitigation proposed with the project. We believe that the proposed railway project would have a substantial benefit to the economic development and diversification for our community, and can be constructed & operated in an environmentally safe manner. Respectfully, Tracy Henline President/CEO L. Tim Pierce V. President/CFO Harold Marshall, PE, PLS V. President/COO

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