Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00616 

Received: 2/11/2021 5:18:41 PM
Commenter: Julye Jex
Organization: 
State: Utah

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
II am in full agreement with the statement of OPPOSITION submitted by Darrell Fordham, dated January 28, 2021. His arguments are specific and well documented. Please consider each carefully. Thank you for this opportunity to voice my OPPOSITION to the Uinta Basin Railway. There are multiple unanswered questions. Many comments in support of this project are HOPING for things that cannot be guaranteed. As we observe the direction and steps already taken by the current federal administration, it is apparent that oil production in the Basin will be critically diminished. Thus, cancelling the air quality concerns generated by truck traffic. Even if this project goes forward, it seems that Basin residents are hoping this railway will answer all of their employment/financial problems without taking into consideration all of the costly, negative consequences. Without raising taxes, can we afford any increased population needs for housing, schools, roads, first responders, hospitals, etc.? Crime rates would realistically increase. Since only taxpayer funds have been used for the project, what would be the additional taxpayer burden should this railway start construction and not be completed? What would happen to all of those new schools, roads and hospitals? What about the permanent environmental scars and damage to area resources? Is it any wonder that government practices at all levels are being questioned and, yes, distrusted? I ABHOR the Seven-County Coalition's lack of cooperation and transparency throughout this process. How is it that the affected landowners found out about this project just a few years ago by a third party? Why were dates and times of meetings changed with short notice? Why were ALL of the last three proposed routes only affecting Argyle Canyon, Avintaquin, and Emma Park areas? Why were requested project documents stalled and redacted? Why do we see work going forward to benefit private railway locations that would involve this project BEFORE it has final approval? I have personally witnessed the above inconsistencies. Why are the unsubstantiated claims by the Coalition even being considered by the STB? Is this a done deal, just going through the formalities? If the encroachment on private property by governments and their agencies continue, Utah will truly be a "nanny" state, completely owned and controlled by state and federal agencies and their industry partners. I am PLEADING with the STB to be an advocate for over 400 private landowners and their extended families. Will the STB make the hard choice to preserve the fragile environment, limited resources, beauty, and tranquility of the area? This is a critical issue for Utahns and all Americans and their families for generations to come! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DENY the Uinta Basin Railway.