Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00528 

Received: 2/1/2021 5:11:34 PM
Commenter: Michael Valentine
Organization: 
State: Michigan

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
I am writing in support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway proposed project as a visitor with friends and business relations to the area. This project has first and foremost a safety benefit by reducing the number of trucks hauling oil and supplies on route 191. This highway was not built for the capacity needs of hauling large quantities of crude oil, thereby posing a safety threat to those that use it. As an example here is a video of a crude-oil truck that spilled on Rt. 191: https://kutv.com/news/local/crude-oil-covering-highway-191-in-carbon-county-road-closed There is a known environmental improvement building the railroad by hauling the oil by rail which will aid carbon reduction goals of the new Biden Administration as rail transport uses less energy to transport. This will literally reduce thousands of truck hauls off the road annually, saving millions of gallons of fuel and carbon emissions. Lastly, there is a significant economic benefit to the region and tribal members by providing high wage jobs, as the railroad would increase economic activity and opportunities because products would more efficiently get to market. Not only does this create jobs, but also increases the area's tax base which would help improve schools and provide educational opportunities, and creating skills for now locally available jobs, should the railroad be built. In summary, the proposed Unita Basin Railway Project would significantly improve highway safety, would be better for the environment and improve the local economy. Sincerely, Michael Valentine