FD 35852
Docket Yard · docketyard.org/d/FD-35852 · entries shown: all, newest first
CANAVERAL PORT AUTHORITY - PETITION FOR EXEMPTION TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A RAIL LINE EXTENSION TO PORT CANAVERAL, FL
Caption from the Board’s record.
0 filings, 1 decision and 330 environmental comments observed here; last checked 11 Oct 2026, 06:36 UTC; last new entry 31 Aug 2026, 20:38 UTC.
Entries
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(printed as 12/8/2017)CommentEI-26243Canveral Port AuthorityJohn Murray
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(printed as 11/14/2017)CommentEO-2953Venable LLPJay Johnson
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(printed as 10/20/2017)CommentEI-26237Ted Lund
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(printed as 9/15/2017)CommentEO-2952Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/14/2017)CommentEI-26236Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/13/2017)CommentEO-2951Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/8/2017)CommentEI-26235Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 6/7/2017)CommentEI-26098Venable LLPJay Johnson
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(printed as 5/31/2017)CommentEI-26097U.S Air Force, 45th Space WingThomas Eye
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(printed as 4/7/2017)CommentThomas Eye
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(printed as 1/17/2017)CommentEI-25830Canaveral Port AuthorityJohn W Murray
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(printed as 12/29/2016)CommentEO-2873Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 12/28/2016)CommentEI-25726Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 11/16/2016)CommentEI-25569Susan VorgiasI am a current resident of Lowell Indiana. I recently moved here from a metro area. I came here to live in the peace and quiet, to give my family a piece of land they could live off of and preserve what I can for generations to come. I am opposed to the proposed rail line. We as a society have come to realize we have abused our planet to an almost point of no return. We have been recycing and trying to conserve energy for years. It is a different life style from the throw away" and Industral Age. Recycle, reuse, reclaim, conserve are no longer buzz words, but a way of life. Just about every show I see on TV is in full support of reclaiming and reusing materials used by our forefathers, Amerian Pickers, Barnyards Builders, DIY network shows. Yard Crashers have used goats to clear a yard of folliage, and so does Chicago, so as not to use gas powered machinery and heavy equipment. Gardens are being placed on TOP of buidlings and in empty city lots across the country. Using farming to rehabilitate neighborhoods as well as humans. Farmers Markets are more popular than ever, are in great demand and are supporting families. GMO's are no longer accepable. Old tires are shredded into rubber mulch for playgrounds. The tops of rubber fishing boots are used to make windshield wipers. We are finding new ways to use throw aways instead of putting it in landfills. We are smarter today. The Goverment has placed very strict rules and requlations on all industries to not only to reduce energy conspumtion but to reduce the air, water, land and noise pollution they create during the manufactring process, and to reduce the end comsumers energy comsumption. Things you and I use every day, recycled items such as garbage bags, energy efficient light bulbs, appliances, tools are designed to reduce everyone's energy consumption. Cars are required to use less gas, less toxic emissions, more elctric cars. The EPA requiring the redesigning of gas cans to reduce the potential of the avaerge Joe spilling ounces of gasoline. We are erecting windmills and installing solar panels at an alarming rate to further reduce energy compumtion and depenency on fossil fuels. Each person on this planet is making a contribution to reduce the depency whether they realize it or not. The negative environmental impact of this project is in direct contradiction of what our society is doing. Taking down one tree has a direct negative impact from the insects and animals that depend on it for survival to the air it puifies to the roots that naturally irragte the soil and the shade it provides. This one simple tree's eco system is destroyed. Where do they go now? The Bald and Golden Eagle, the Indiana and Long Eared Bats? The robins and cardinals, wrens, owls...the list goes on. They all perform part of the cycle of life.....for us to survive from and enjoy. The plants such as Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid? Leafy Prairie Clover that is endangered? I need not go on, do I? The creasote from the ties will contanimate the land and will leach into the water, the air pollution will contaminate the plants the wild and farm animals and insects feed from and the air WE breathe. The noise will be above the industry standard of 85dB and subsequent vibration will dissrupt not only humans but the wild and farm aminals and plants. The natural flow of air currents and water flow will be dramatically affected as well. As rain falls and ice and snow melts, it will no longer have a natural flow into the ground where flora and fauna need it to be. It may either cause a draught, flooding or pooling of stagnent water, causing major damage to wildlife, plants and farming. Our land cannot be duplicated or replaced by humans. This project will sever farm parcels, landlock them to a point it is not longer feasible to farm or use. It will cause not only farmers, emergency personel, school buses, mail delivery, trucking supply/distrabution,and citizens to re-route resulting in more time, fuel expense but a greater use of the energy we are trying to conserve. The human time and efforts into the re-routing process is astonomical. Again, in direct contradiction to where our entire society is headed. Areas set for ecology research will be destroyed, years of valuable past and future information gone forever. Parks and personal recreation, gone. Family memories that could have been made at the parks, farms and homes will never be. Gone. Forever. Monies spent for jobs maintaining these parks, farms and investments made for homes and research, gone. Future farm revenues, gone. Land values decreased, resulting in taxes down for some, burdening others. The air, water, land and noise pollution, damage, this rail line will create speaks for itself, and is NOT where this country knows we need to be. The opposite direction WE ARE GOING. What will you be telling the country, the American Citizen along the MILES of this project, if you approve this? That all the knowledge, education, experience of the past,current, and future efforts are for not? That the parks, farms, generations of farmers, wildlife and our lives don't count? That our lives in an emergcy don't count? That our livihood doesn't count? The pollution isn't there? This project won't contaminate our environment? The windmills, solar panels, govenrment requlations protecting our environment doen't count in Northest Indiana? Illinois? Wisconsin? The air, water, land and noise pollution, damage, this rail line will create speaks fr itself. and is NOT where this country is headed. We have learned we need to live WITH the planet not adjust the planet to suit out wants. I am asking you to consider my opinion and oppose the project. Period."
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(printed as 5/25/2016)CommentEI-22977Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 4/17/2016)CommentEI-22082Karen SlaydenMy husband and I have lived at the above address for over 28 years. We built our home and small farm to enjoy the peace and quiet of the country. The proposed railroad of 110 freight trains will completely ruin this, and be considered a danger to the public. Please feel free to contact us for further issues involving this railroad. Thank you.Hebron, IN
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(printed as 4/14/2016)CommentEI-22248Venable LLPJay Johnson
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(printed as 4/14/2016)CommentEI-22060Ashley HedrickI would like to add some final comments on the Great Lakes Basin proposal. We are beyond a critical point in the face of climate change, and drastic times call for drastic measures. I can understand if something needs to be done about rail traffic in Chicago. However, all of this seems to be based on overestimated speculation of what will happen in the future. If I'm wrong about that I do believe that this project is not even close to the best solution. As much as I wish I had the knowledge and creativity to come up with a better proposal, I don't, but I'm confident that someone with more knowledge about green alternatives does. It's 2016. Let's use the knowledge we have about pollution and climate change, and come up with a solution that would truly put a dent in the climate change battle. If we don't there could potentially not even be a larger population in the future that would benefit from this project. Thank you.Union Mills, Indiana
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(printed as 3/9/2016)CommentEO-2739Sarah Hodge
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(printed as 3/5/2016)CommentEI-21360Sarah Hodge
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(printed as 3/3/2016)CommentEI-21359Suzanne Worland Bennitt
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(printed as 2/21/2016)CommentEI-21344Cocoa-Rockledge Garden ClubI believe the damage that would be done by constant, continuous use of this railway over a fragile ecosystem would be environmental murder.DORIS M DYKSTRA · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 2/18/2016)CommentEI-21345Leslie MaloneyAny route of a heavy cargo diesel freight train through our Indian River Lagoon, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and critical and active wetlands would be terrible. Beyond the environmental devastation, it puts our people at risk. Keep the port as a major cruise ship destination and drop the cargo development.Palm Bay, Florida
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(printed as 2/12/2016)CommentEO-2726Venable LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 2/5/2016)CommentEI-21327Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 2/5/2016)CommentEO-2724Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 11/16/2015)CommentEI-21184USAF 45th Space WingPatrick Giniewski
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(printed as 11/16/2015)CommentEO-2696USAF 45th Space WingPatrick Giniewski
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(printed as 11/9/2015)CommentEO-2690USAF 45th Space WingKevin Fleming
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(printed as 11/9/2015)CommentEO-2689Venable LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 11/4/2015)CommentEO-2683Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 11/3/2015)CommentEI-21169Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 10/31/2015)CommentEI-21167William L ClaussI am opposed to building a cargo railroad across the Banana River. Actually I am opposed to containerized cargo coming into the Port period. We do not need it and the traffic is getting to be too much both on the sea and the roads.CAPE CANAVERAL, FL
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(printed as 10/31/2015)Comment
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(printed as 10/31/2015)CommentEI-21165Sherry BorzaThe residents of Merritt Island do not want to cargo train to cross the Banana River and travel thru our neighborhoods.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 10/31/2015)CommentEI-21164Sue KunzePLEASE do not go across the river at Merritt Island with rail tracks. The state and county have spent considerable money trying to improve the river. I don't believe people who say it won't have an impact. Going through the air force land may be difficult to accomplish and take time to negotiate but its certainly a better option than the other proposals.cocoa, fl
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(printed as 10/30/2015)CommentEI-21230Reynold PalmerTo the surface transportation board. Please be advised that I am against building a rail across the Banana River. The lagoon has a limited outlet to the Atlantic Ocean through the lock at Port Canaveral. Net water flow is from the IRL to the BRL because the rate of evapotranspiration exceeds rainfall and basin inflows. The BRL system is a “negative estuary,” characterized by low freshwater inflows and poor flushing, resulting in high water residence time. The Negative Impact can only be Increased with the rail line further cutting into water flow.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 10/30/2015)CommentEI-21168Reynold Palmer
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(printed as 10/30/2015)CommentEI-21160Carter LankesI think this transport rail going through the river is horrible idea. The portion of the river you want to build your railroad on is one of the most healthy sections of our river left and building this will probably destroy the ecosystem. It will mess up the flow of the river and the natural cycle of it. Ideally the best solution would be to run it through the canaveral air force station where there is existing rail to connect with. This way you keep our river healthy and make use of whats already there instead of wasting money on building something completely new.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 10/30/2015)CommentEI-21158Cheryl LankesHaving lived in close proximity to the proposed rail site for 23 years, I have witnessed the decline of the health of the Banana River Lagoon first hand. This estuary does not exist anywhere else in the world and preserving it should be done above all else. For that reason alone I would never even consider crossing it with a freight rail of any kind. My solution would be to suggest that Port Canaveral focus on it's expanded cruise business instead.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 10/30/2015)CommentEI-21157Ron Bobay
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(printed as 10/29/2015)CommentEI-21155Venable LLPKathryn Floyd
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(printed as 10/24/2015)CommentEI-21156Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 10/15/2015)CommentEO-2678Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 10/13/2015)CommentEI-21148Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 10/13/2015)CommentEO-2673Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 10/6/2015)CommentEI-2113445th Space WingThomas Eye
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(printed as 9/28/2015)CommentEO-2664Mary Hillburg
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(printed as 9/26/2015)CommentEI-21136Suzanne Worland BennittAs a citizen of Merritt Island, Florida, I am extremely concerned about a private corporation from a foreign country operating a container business in our Port Canaveral. Our Indian River Lagoon, Wildlife Refuge, and critical wetlands are fragile natural jewels that need our protection. To build a heavy cargo freight train near our Indian River Lagoon and through our Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is destructive to the environment and natural resources which give value and quality to our island community. This action personally harms every citizen in Merritt Island, as well as Brevard County. When a heavy cargo diesel freight train is constructed to run through the island, property values, county revenues, and our quality of life are greatly compromised. To build one through the SR 528 area, where I am a nearby resident, is just as damaging. We are quite happy with being one of the largest cruise terminals in the country. We cannot afford to destroy the jewel of our area and the economic engine of Brevard County and with the possible loss of an annual revenue of $1.2 billion (the economic analysis of revenue to Brevard County coffers from our Indian River Lagoon advantage). As a taxpayer of Brevard County and an active voter, I urge you to support us now. We do not want an industrial port. We want a local business-supporting and tourist-attracting cruise port where we are proud of our home and our community. Major environmental issues we are extremely concerned about include: Indian River Lagoon sea grass construction and obstruction damage; wildlife refuge disruption and permanent damage; wildlife habitat loss; endangered and protected species loss; storm water drainage obstruction; fill material disrupting the flow of lagoon; discharge of dredged material (re: the Clean Water Act); significant reduction of property values; noise pollution; loss of quality of life in multiple areas of concern; air pollution; water pollution and disruption of aquifer storage areas due to the obstruction of vital wetlands that recharge our critical aquifer; accident and fire danger for volatile products; safety and evacuation issues due to hazard waste accidents; security issues in the event of a threat due to proximity of Navy Trident, Air Force satellites, etc.; loss of County revenues from Ecotourism; among other things. Revenues of this venture truthfully do not support Brevard County but stay in the Port’s pockets. Heaven forbid an accident should happen from this venture, which would totally destroy our Banana and Indian River Lagoon system. Sincerely, Suzanne Worland Bennitt 1281 Potomac Drive Merritt Island, FL 32952Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 9/26/2015)CommentEI-21129Mary Hillburg
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(printed as 9/24/2015)CommentEI-21127Mary Hillburg
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(printed as 9/24/2015)CommentEI-21126The Larkin GroupOwen Larkin
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(printed as 9/17/2015)CommentEO-2663Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/15/2015)CommentEI-21125Mary Hillburg
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(printed as 9/15/2015)CommentEI-21124Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/15/2015)CommentDavid Spain
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(printed as 9/15/2015)CommentMary Hillburg
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(printed as 9/15/2015)CommentEO-2662Mary Hillburg
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(printed as 9/11/2015)CommentMary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/11/2015)CommentEI-21081Bill Will
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(printed as 9/11/2015)CommentMary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/9/2015)CommentMary Hillberg
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(printed as 9/2/2015)CommentEI-21063Ted Lund
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(printed as 8/18/2015)CommentFran Baer
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(printed as 8/18/2015)CommentFran Baer
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(printed as 8/18/2015)CommentFran Baer
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(printed as 8/14/2015)CommentEI-21038Save the Manatee ClubAnne Harvey
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(printed as 8/10/2015)CommentThomas A. Eye
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(printed as 7/23/2015)CommentEO-2635Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 7/14/2015)CommentEI-21024Venable LLPJay Johnson
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(printed as 7/14/2015)CommentJazlyn Heywood
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(printed as 7/10/2015)CommentEO-2633Venable LLPMaggie Fawal
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(printed as 7/9/2015)CommentEI-21050Venable LLPMaggie Fawal
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(printed as 6/25/2015)CommentEO-2632Venable LLPKathryn Floyd
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(printed as 6/22/2015)CommentEI-21049Venable LLPJay Johnson
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(printed as 6/18/2015)CommentEO-2631Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 6/16/2015)CommentEI-21048Florida TodayMegan Young
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(printed as 6/16/2015)CommentEO-2630Poarch Band of Creek IndiansMegan Young
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(printed as 6/9/2015)CommentEO-2576Venable LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 6/4/2015)CommentEI-21047Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 6/4/2015)CommentEO-2629Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 6/4/2015)CommentEO-2628Venable LLPKathryn Floyd
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(printed as 6/3/2015)CommentEI-21046Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 6/3/2015)CommentEO-2627Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 5/22/2015)CommentEI-21045Poarch Band of Creek IndiansMegan Young
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(printed as 5/22/2015)CommentEI-21023Venable LLPNote from OEA: Two of the attachments to this correspondence are KMZ files of the SR 528 median and north shoulder alignments. Opening the KMZ files requires the use of Google Earth or Arc Explorer software.Jay Johnson
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(printed as 5/22/2015)CommentEO-2626Poarch Band of Creek IndiansMegan Young
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(printed as 5/1/2015)CommentEO-2625Muscogee NationEmman Spain
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(printed as 3/26/2015)CommentEI-20961Venable LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 3/20/2015)CommentEO-2521Florida TodayTed Lund
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(printed as 3/19/2015)CommentEI-2095045th Space Wing, U.S. Air ForceThomas Eye
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(printed as 3/17/2015)CommentEI-20949Florida TodayTed Lund
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(printed as 2/20/2015)CommentEI-20933Venable LLPKathryn K Floyd
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(printed as 2/20/2015)CommentThomas Eye
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(printed as 2/19/2015)CommentEO-2512Florida Today OutdoorsTed Lund
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(printed as 2/18/2015)CommentEI-20932Venable LLPKathryn K Floyd
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(printed as 2/6/2015)CommentMyrna Palfrey
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(printed as 2/5/2015)CommentEO-2486Venable LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 2/2/2015)CommentAlan Brech · Cocoa, FL
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(printed as 1/30/2015)CommentEI-20919Jinger Knox
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(printed as 1/23/2015)CommentKyle Baker
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(printed as 1/20/2015)CommentEO-2471Venable LLPKathryn Kusske
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(printed as 1/16/2015)CommentEI-20896Mitchell ForesterI am opposed to the bridge cutting off the flow of water and movement of a unique variety of redfish. This is one of the last estuaries on the East Coast with a diverse array of wildlife. Any obstructions to the natural flow of water I this area will really mess up the water quality in this area. Listen, I love kayak fishing here and would love to take my son one day (when he's old enough to paddle). I just pray that I will be able to do that one day.Melbourne Beach, Florida
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(printed as 1/16/2015)CommentKyle Baker
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(printed as 1/15/2015)CommentShane Guan
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(printed as 1/12/2015)CommentEI-20892NASA KSC Environmental PlanningDon Dankert
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(printed as 1/5/2015)CommentStan Austin · Atlanta, GA
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(printed as 1/5/2015)CommentEI-20881John CielukowskiCocoa Beach, FL
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(printed as 1/4/2015)CommentEI-20874Robert L. BishopricI am a new resident and have just heard about the proposal to build a Port Canaveral rail causeway across the Banana River. This is not a good idea, it will damage the environment, reduce property values and denigrate the quality of life in the area.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/31/2014)CommentEI-20873James and Mary WalshMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/31/2014)CommentEI-20872David HoffmanWoodville, MS
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(printed as 12/30/2014)CommentEI-20871Seminole Tribe of FloridaBradley Mueller
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(printed as 12/22/2014)CommentEI-20848Shirley and Al BodineMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/22/2014)CommentEI-20847Margaret GatesMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/22/2014)CommentEI-20846Andrew SerafinCape Canaveral, FL
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(printed as 12/22/2014)CommentEI-20845Richard CaimeMelbourne, FL
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(printed as 12/22/2014)CommentEI-20844Charlene LaferriereMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/22/2014)CommentEI-20843Joseph HillTitusville, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentOsvaldo Collazo · Cocoa, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20842Susan ChapmanMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20841Carol HamiltonMelbourne, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20840Cecil and Darlene CookMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20839Thaddeus MikolajczakMelbourne, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20838No Fill No KillHello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. I would like to know direct impacts of the proposed plan of an earthen causeway will impact this vital habitat. Seagrass habitats are conerstones of the lagoons health. How will the construction of this causeway affect the: • Shoal grass, Halodule wrightii; • Turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum; • Manatee grass, Syringodium filiforme; • Johnson’s seagrass, Halophila johnsonii; • Star grass, Halophila engelmanni; • Paddle grass, Halophila decipiens; and • Widgeon grass, Ruppia maritima. What are the most recent seagrass studys for the Banana river Lagoon and Indian River lagoon? How much money does an acre of heathy seagrass bring our local economy yearly? How will increased usage of the rai affect the seagrass. What are the port authority’s plans to contain, clean, and mitigate a spill of any nature in a closed lagoon system? What are the time frames for complete cleaning and mitigation of all expected cargo in the event of a spill? How will a spill affect shore plants that are vital and many protected? Please explaine mitigating stratigies for the fallowing (but not limited to): • Red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle; • Black mangrove, Avicienna germinans; and, • White mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa. • Smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora; • Saltmeadow cordgrass (or salt hay), Spartina patens; • Black rush (or needle rush), Juncus roemerianus; • Saltwort, Batis maritima; • Glasswort (or pickleweed), Salicornia sp.; • Saltgrass, Distichlis spicata; and, • Sea-oxeye daisy, Borrichia frutescens. Thirty-six rare, threatened, or endangered species are found in the Indian River lagoon region. One of these species is the West Indian Manatee. More than one-third of the nation’s manatee population lives in or migrates through the Banana and Indian River Lagoon. The region is the only location in the world where you can find the Atlantic salt marsh snake and indigo snake. How will this rail affect those threated and endangered species in the long and short term plans. The lands and water ways this rail will cover have had no development. Would they have stayed that way (less this)? What olans had been made 5, 10, 20 years ago? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billion our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouAlex Gorichky · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20837No Fill No KillHello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The numbers of issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Biological Resources: The Banana River NMZ (No-Motor-Zone) and adjacent Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a very unique area. This north stretch of the Banana River Lagoon is a pristine depiction of the lagoons natural state. Shorelines of the NMZ managed to not be developed for commercial or residential use due to NASA and CCAFS operations. These waters are the home of the only redfish known to breed inshore. These along with other species utilize small sections of these areas throughout their entire life cycles. What impacts will the current placement have on these unique schools of redfish? How will the rail line affect breeding, daily movements, migrations, feeding, and dispersal of young redfish that are vital to our recreational and charter fishing industries? How will this planned rail affect fish like the Shortnose Sturgeon, American Eel, Green Moray, Spotted Moray, Thread Eel, Goldspotted Eel, Shrimp Eel, Mangrove Rivulus, Reef Silverside, Brook Silverside, Rough Silverside, Tidewater Silverside, Penninsula Silverside, Atlantic Needlefish, Redfin Needlefish, Houndfish, Sheepshead Minnow, Goldspotted Killifish, Golden Topminnow, Marsh Killifish, Gulf Killifish, Mummichog, Longnose Killifish, Flagfish, Bluefin Killifish, Rainwater Killifish, Atlantic Flyingfish, Northern Halfbeak, Halfbeak, Mosquitofish, Least Killifish, Sailfin Molly, Guppy, Swordtail, Platy, Sunset Platy, Inshore Lizardfish, Snakefish, Oyster Toadfish, Yellowfin Menhaden, Atlantic Menhaden, False Pilchard, Redear Sardine, Scaled Sardine, Dwarf Herring, Atlantic Thread Herring, Spanish Sardine, Cuban Anchovy, Striped Anchovy, Bigeye Anchovy, Dusky Anchovy, Bay Anchovy, Bonefish, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Marginate Cusk-Eel, Bluespotted Cornetfish, Pugnose Pipefish, Lined Seahorse, Longsnout Seahorse, Dwarf Seahorse, Opossum Pipefish, Dusky Pipefish, Northern Pipefish, Chain Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Skilletfish, Longnose Gar, Florida Gar, Dwarf Frogfish, Splitlure Frogfish, Sargassumfish, Ocean Surgeon, Doctorfish, Barred Cardinalfish, Flamefish, Twospot Cardinalfish, Blackfin Cardinalfish, Conchfish, Striped Blenny, Florida Blenny, Pearl Blenny, Oyster Blenny, Barred Blenny, Crested Blenny, Highfin Blenny, Seaweed Blenny, Molly Miller, Spotted Dragonet, African Pompano, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Crevalle Jack, Horse-Eye Jack, Bar Jack, Atlantic Bumper, Leatherjacket, Bigeye Scad, Atlantic Moonfish, Lookdown, Florida Pompano, Permit, Bluespotted Sunfish, Swordspine Snook, Fat Snook, Tarpon Snook, Common Snook, Foureye Butterflyfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish, Bigeye Stargazer, Sand Stargazer, Arrow Stargazer, Masked Stargazer, Saddle Stargazer, Sharksucker, Atlantic Spadefish, Irish Pompano, Striped Mojarra, Rhomboid Mojarra, Spotfin Mojarra, Silver Jenny, Bigeye Mojarra, Slender Mojarra, Mottled Mojarra, Yellowfin Mojarra, River Goby, Nothchtongue Goby, Frillfin Goby, Bridled Goby, Lyre Goby, Goldspot Goby, Darter Goby, Blackbar Goby, Highfin Goby, Slashcheek Goby, Seaboard Goby, Code Goby, Tiger Goby, Smallmouth Grunt, French Grunt, Spanish Grunt, Cottonwick, Sailors Choice,White Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Pigfish, Burro Grunt, Spotfin Wrasse, Dwarf Wrasse, Slippery Dick, Pearly Razorfish, Bluehead, Palehead Blenny, Hairy Blenny, Blenny, Blackfin Blenny, Saddle Blenny, Checkered Blenny, Tripletail, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Cubera Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mohogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Pugjaw Wormfish, Striped Mullet, White Mullet, Redeye Mullet, Fantail Mullet, Spotted Goatfish, Spotfin Jawfish, Ocellated Jawfish, Swamp Darter, Atlantic Threadfin, Little Scale Threadfin, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, Night Sergeant, Dusky Damselfish, Bicolor Damselfish, Cocoa Damselfish, Bluefish, Princess Parrotfish, Redtail Parrotfish, brown shrimp, grass shrimp, fiddler crab, blue crab, Bucktooth Parrotfish, Redfin Parrotfish, Silver Perch, Striped Croaker, Spotted Seatrout, Silver Seatrout, Weakfish, High Hat, Spot fish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish, Northern Kingfish, Atlantic Croaker, Black Drum, Star Drum, Sand Drum, Little T unny, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cero Mackerel, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Humpback Grouper, Dwarf Sand Perch, Sand Perch, Coney, Jewfish/Goliath grouper, Red Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Barred Hamlet, Butter Hamlet, Black Grouper, Gag; Gray Grouper, Scamp, Whitespotted Soapfish, Greater Soapfish, Lantern Bass, Belted Sandfish, Sheepshead, Sea Bream, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Silver Porgy, Spottail Pinfish, Pinfish, Scup, Great Barracuda, Northern Sennet, Man-of-war Fish, Northern Harvestfish, Butterfish, Atlantic Cutlassfish, Southern Stargazer, Eyed Flounder, Twospot Flounder, Gulf Stream Flounder, Sand Whiff, Spotted Whiff, Bay Whiff, Fringed Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Summer Flounder, Southern Flounder, Flounder, Channel Flounder, Blackcheek Tonguefish, Hogchoker, Red Lionfish, Barbfish, Scorpionfish, Plumed Scorpionfish, Spotted Scorpionfish, Shortfin Searobin, Striped Searobin, Blackwing Searobin, Leopard Searobin, Bighead Searobin, Hardhead (Sea) Catfish, Gafftopsail Catfish, Brown Hoplo, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Tadpole Madtom, Dotterel Filefish, Orange Filefish, Filefish, Gray Triggerfish, Ocean Triggerfish, Fringed Filefish, Planehead Filefish, Ocean Sunfish, Honeycomb Cowfish, Scrawled Trunkfish, Trunkfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Bridled Burrfish, Striped Burrfish, Porcupinefish, Balloonfish, Smooth Puffer, Northern Puffer, Southern Puffer, Bandtail Puffer, or Checkerd Puffer as they breed, visit, and move around our waters? We want you to take into consideration even the smallest fishes as they are all vital to the web of life in our lagoons. Along with the boney fishes of the lagoon we also have many other creatures. How will this current rail plan affect sharks and rays like the Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Sandbar Shark, Tiger Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Lemon Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Nurse Shark, Southern Stingray, Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingray, Smooth Butterfly Ray, Atlantic Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Bullnose Ray, Sourthern Eagle Ray, Cownose Ray, Smalltooth Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, Atlantic Guitarfish, and Lesser Electric Ray as they move, breed, and utilize the waters ? We also have an amazing amount of turtles and marine mammals. How will the potential for less available seagrass and with that less food for the threatened Florida Manatee? How will that lack of seagrass affect the bait fish populations that bottlenose dolphins rely on? How will this rail line as planned affect the manatee/bottlenose dolphin migrations and daily movement patters? Will the increased noise, vibration, and other ecological issues affect manatee/bottlenose dolphin breeding? Do trains affect bottlenose dolphin’s echolocation? How will this planned rail line affect the Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Atlantic Ridley, Leatherback as they feed and move through the lagoon? Will the American alligators that live and breed in the path of this rail line be affected? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouAlex Gorichky · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20836No Fill No KillHello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Water Resources: The lagoons that will be in the projected path of the current Port Canaveral Rail plan are non-tidal coastal lagoons. Historic wind driven flow has been choked for decades by the earthen causeways that line the space coast. Will this projected rail plan utilize proven lagoon choking earthen causeways? If so how much is projected to be earthen? How will this earthen berm section impede the already restricted flow on the Banana River Lagoon? How does this change of flow affect dispersal of vital seagrasses? Florida’s 2.7 million acres of seagrass supports both commercial and recreational fisheries that provide a wealth of benefits to the state’s economy. Adding the economic value of the nutrient cycling function of seagrasses, commercial harvests, eco-tourism, and the value of recreational/charter fisheries the FDEP has estimated that each acre of seagrass in Florida has an economic value of approximately $20,500 per year. Adding to that, the realization that the north Banana River is the last stronghold of healthy on the entirety of that lagoon; the $20,500 would certainly grow to an unknown number! Many of our lagoon seagrass beds have vanished or are vanishing at an alarming rate! What is the economic impact of the seagrass beds that will be covered or filled over by the construction of this railway? What are the projected economic loses from a spill of the expected cargo (and future potential cargo) due to seagrass loss? How will this reduced flow affect the daily movements, larva dispersal, migratory, feeding, and breeding of key lagoon species like Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, brown shrimp, grass shrimp, fiddler crab, blue crab, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, sea robin, and tripletail, sharks, rays, bottlenose dolphin, and Florida Manatee? How will this constrained flow affect algae blooms, and bacteria blooms? How will increased negative blooms affect the areas residences human, fish, and animals? How will a spill of any expected/projected cargo affect these blooms? When do these blooms most commonly happen? Biological Resources: The Merritt Island wildlife refuge and surrounding waters of the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River lagoon have an economic impact of 3.7 billion annually to our local economy. These areas; especially the area being looked at for industrialization by this current rail concept is virtually untouched. The south end of NASA property (ie. Barge Canal, Kars Park to NASA causeway shoreline) have in no current long-term plans (until now) slated for any development by NASA. Our visitors and locals enjoy seeing our wildlife healthy and happy. Of the hundreds of animals, plants, birds, invertebrates, fish, trees, and marine mammals found in the path of this current plan many are endangered or threatened. How will this projected rail path displace or interrupt species of special concern like redfish, seatrout, tarpon, Golden Leather Fern, Sea Rosemary, Four-petal Pawpaw, Cup Lichen, Largeflower False Rosemary, Lakela's Mint, Johnson's Seagrass, Caribbean Apple Cactus, Erect Prickly Pear, Royal Fern, Tiny Polygala, Northern Needleleaf, Giant Airplant, Spreading Airplant, Carter's Mustard, Sturgeon, Sawfish, Mangrove Rivulus, American Alligator, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Eastern Indigo Snake, Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Gopher Tortoise, Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, Gopher Frog, Alligator Snapping Turtle, Atlantic Salt Marsh Snake, Florida Pine Snake, Florida Scrub Jay, Limpkin, Burrowing Owl, Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Crested Caracara, Piping Plover, Kirtland's Warbler, Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, Southeastern American Kestrel, Florida Sandhill Crane, American Oystercatcher, Wood Stork, Brown Pelican, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Roseate Spoonbill, Everglade Snail Kite, Black Skimmer’ Least Tern, Roseate Tern, Silver Rice Rat, Southeastern Beach Mouse, Florida Mouse, Florida Manatee, Florida Black Bear, white mangrove, black mangrove, buttonwood, turtle grass, manatee grass, widgeon grass, shoal grass, paddle grass, star grass, salt marsh cord grass, saltwort, and American glasswort? Will the EIS plan take into cosideration the several Bald Eagle nests this rail will impact? Cumulative Impacts: The effects of poor planning and disastrous management for decades along the lagoons are coming to a head. The waters that once supported vast amounts of seagrass and life are now becoming desolate waste lands. Many of the lagoons cleaning and filtering animals, grasses, and microorganisms have disappeared. Will the EIS address potential for dangerous commodities to be spilled on multiple occasions and that’s effect on the ecology of this area? Will the EIS study all potential commodities that will be carried? Will the Port and operating company have limits of the materials transported through sensitive waters and lands? Will the Port and associated rail operator be unable to transport materials that cumulative impacts have not been studied? Will the EIS take growth into account? Is expansion and increase cargo load count needed to obtain viability of Port Canaveral Cargo Rail? Will this EIS to account for increased usage and can/will limits be put in place? Will the Port rail be allowed to operate over the amount of rail usage studied in the EIS? Will long term studies on the effects of commercial conversion in wildlife preserves be looked at? How will this current rail plan interact with the lagoon and lands 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100 years from now? Many people did not care to ask that last question years ago. Let’s not make the same mistakes! As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouAlex Gorichky · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20835No Fill No KillHello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Recreation: The waters around and in the path of the rail plan in its current state are commonly used for recreation by locals and visitors. How will this rail affect the islands popular for swimming, fishing, and boating? What will be the plan for returning these areas to a usable condition in case of spill? How will the schedule affect usage during construction and operations? How will this operation affect the passage of vessels to the Canaveral lock during construction and operation? Will this impede sail boat traffic to the No-Motor-Zone (NMZ)? Will this impede access of non-motorized vessels to the East Side launch of the NMZ? How will this plan affect passage on the West shore adjacent to the NMZ? Will Kayakers and canoers be forced to the middle (bridge) of a dangerous open river to get from one side to the other on both the west and east shores? Noise and Vibration: All of the land that the current rail plan will be building on and converting into industrial (RAIL) use is part of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. This ecological gem generates a large boost for our economy with (but not limited to) fishing, birding, hiking, biking, boating, eco-tour, kayaking, and wildlife drive activities. How will this noise from the projected plans affect visitors to the natural areas? Will prime wildlife viewing areas be affected by noise of this plan? Will the KARS Park area be severely affected by the noise and vibration of passing trains? How will neighborhoods on north Merritt Island and other towns down-rail be negatively affected buy new rail noise or increased rail traffic in already developed sections? I would also like to know what affects these vibrations and noise have on shore birds like Great Egret, osprey, bald eagle, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Least Bittern, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, Ibis, Belted Kingfisher? This includes feeding, breeding, nesting, and roosting pattern interruptions. How does the vibration affect breeding boney fishes like the Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, sea robin, and tripletail? How will reduced breeding affect tourism, recreational, charter, commercial fishing industries? Economic: Florida’s 2.7 million acres of seagrass supports both commercial and recreational fisheries that provide a wealth of benefits to the state’s economy. Adding the economic value of the nutrient cycling function of seagrasses, commercial harvests, eco-tourism, and the value of recreational/charter fisheries the FDEP has estimated that each acre of seagrass in Florida has an economic value of approximately $20,500 per year. Adding to that, the realization that the north Banana River is the last stronghold of healthy on the entirety of that lagoon; the $20,500 would certainly grow to an unknown number! Many of our lagoon seagrass beds have vanished or are vanishing at an alarming rate! What is the economic impact of the seagrass beds that will be covered or filled over by the construction of this railway? What are the projected economic loses from a spill of the expected cargo (and future potential cargo) due to seagrass loss? What will the lack of flow from any earthen causeway do to this vital link in the lagoons chain? What impact will loss of seagrass in the north banana river lagoon have on the lagoon in its entirety? What impacts will the loss of this habitat so close to port Canaveral have on offshore species of fish like cobia, triple tail, mangrove snapper, black grouper, gag grouper, scamp grouper, bull sharks, lemon sharks, bonnethead sharks, greater hammerhead sharks, endangered Goliath grouper, and endangered American Red snapper’s life cycles; including breeding, refuge, and migratory patterns? What are some of the commercial and recreational fishing economic impacts associated with a decline of those offshore species that utilize with the lagoon at some point in their life cycle? How will this plan affect other lagoon residents vital to recreational, charter, and commercial fishing industries like the Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, and tripletail? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouAlex Gorichky · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20834Catherine TestaCatherine Testa’s Comments/concerns re: STB Docket No. FD35852 Railroad accidents/fire/vandalism and the availability of emergency responders to attend the disaster -what if they can’t get here or are delayed because the bridges that allow access to North Merritt Island are in the open position or worse yet - stuck in the open position- what about the safety of the residents and the wildlife and the environment….??? Increased Noise Environment destruction Decreased Property values Personal safety is at risk Hazardous waste polluting and hurting the residents and wildlife This is a wildlife refuge – I have never heard of a cargo train line going through a wildlife refuge before. What else is next – a garbage dump or a hazardous waste disposal site? It almost sounds like this is a done deal – Put the railroad over the river (via a bridge not on a berm to affect the river which is already compromised) at a point which will allow the fewest amount of rail miles on Merritt Island – avoiding all residential areas and the wildlife preserve. Make the bridge high and don’t allow it the affect the Banana River! What about the wildlife – while crossing the tracks they would be subjected to being run over by the train or crushed/injured by falling debris from the train. What happens if the train derails – how many scrub jays, indigo snakes, other endangered animals – and what about people – or children - how will they be protected from the train or falling cargo? This is a rural neighborhood – it needs to remain safe and quiet for all the residents – 2, 4, 6, or 8 or more legged or winged – we all need to be safe. How about during construction? – What about the heavy construction equipment being moved throughout the neighborhood – down my road, how much noise will be created by the equipment – What about the flooding that will be created when they build up the land under the railroad tracks – who will compensate the homeowners for the damage to their land and home?? Building up the berm – how will this affect the natural movement/migration of the wildlife??? Will this affect their reproduction habits – will this endanger more species or kill off those already endangered?? What about the noise pollution?? We can already hear the train that is in Cocoa – and that is miles away – how much louder will this be if it is in my backyard??? – It will be unbearable! What about the emissions from the trains – smoke/soot/smell/health hazards/pollution and tons of noise! All of this in a preserve!!!!! Shame on the Port Authority for proposing this project. What about the construction phase – how will so many people affect the wildlife preserve?? Will they smoke and possibly cause brush fires during a dry season??? Will they be bitten by poisonous snakes or will the project call for killing all poisonous wildlife to protect the workers?? (or better yet – kill off all the wildlife just to make sure you kill all the poisonous ones – you wouldn’t want someone to get bitten- overkill to be safe – kill the wildlife and you don’t need a preserve!) The nearest hospital is about 30-45 minutes away! Do we have the Florida panther here on Merritt Island – I’ve been told we do. I believe I saw one in Tingleys Marina & RV Park within the last year. Maybe the panther is where the train is going – will the train break for the Florida Panther?? Or will we lose another treasure thanks to greed. And just think of the natural God given beauty of North Merritt Island – I just don’t want to see the majestic Bald Eagle being hit by the Port Authority train – what tourist would want to see that? I much prefer to see the Bald Eagle in my backyard enjoying a fresh caught fish or in the trees arguing with the hawks. That would be a great way to get more people to come here and spend their money! It’s bad enough that we have electric lines ruining the skyline – now we will have a railroad blocking the sunset and the sunrise. The noise will wake us up in the night and kill the silent beauty of the day – it will block the sounds of the birds, frogs, alligators, pigs, owls, woodpeckers, hawks, bats, and children playing. North Merritt Island is a sanctuary for the animals and for the people who have chosen it to be their home! If we wanted to live next to the noise and the pollution of the train we could have stayed in New York! The wildlife refuge has been here for decades – the animals have been here longer than the people – doesn’t that count for anything? What or who is more important – the Port Authority’s profit or the residents/taxpayers and wildlife of Brevard County? The residents/taxpayers and the wildlife of Brevard County are more important! How can we be paying for cleaning our beautiful lagoon and paying to make it filthy at the same time? We are the ones who are paying for both ends of the deal with our taxes! All the wildlife and endangered species in the refuge would be put at risk, as well as the water quality in our lagoon and aquifer. One spill of the oil or any big train accident and we would have such a mess. How hard would an emergency be in the middle of a wildlife refuge? In addition, the big ecotourism revenue for the county from the Indian River Lagoon will go away – as the river dies so will the ecotourism revenue die. The last huge university study revealed $1.2 Billion in annual tourist revenues for Brevard County and $3.2 Billion in annual revenues for the entire 5 county lagoon area. That income would have to be made up somehow...Ecotourism also provides jobs – which will be lost…. The surface water flow to Sykes Creek would be obstructed, as trains can't run in water...so tracks would have to be built up. It would be too expensive and logistically difficult to put it on a trestle through the refuge, so properties on the East side of SR 3 including Chase Hammock and Crisafulli are at most risk of flooding and the folks on the East side have nowhere to go unless they have rowboats. The tens of thousands of jobs, jobs, jobs" the Port rants about, end up really being ~30 after construction. An attorney with the LWV talked to each of the "vendors" at the Port asking how many more employees they would need for this new transport system (e.g., Morton Salt may add 1 or 2 workers, etc.). That would have a cumulative number in the teens to low twenties and adding some folks running the computers on the locomotives are a few more. Why not be generous and say 50 "new exciting jobs", tops? But from that huge double digit number, you would have to subtract the hundreds (maybe more) of hard-working truckers and loaders who currently have quite good paying jobs transporting goods and would lose them to rail cargo systems as well as the ecotourism lost jobs. Rail cargo is automated now. There would be very few "well-paying jobs" from this proposal. It is Orange County, OIA, the City of Orlando and the hotels, motels and attractions (Disney is a big one) in Orlando that the project would benefit from this debacle (as well as the Port Authority) - at Brevard's (and especially NMI's) expense. We would lose our ecotourism revenue and our quality of life. All North Merritt Island will have mega reduced property values and quality of life – we the residents of North Merritt Island should not have to pay so the Port Authority profits! 49 U.S.C. § 10901: Section 10901 provides that the Board must approve a construction request unless it finds that the construction is “inconsistent with the public convenience and necessity.” I believe this project is inconsistent with public convenience and necessity."Merritt Island, Fl
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20833Bill BancroftAttached is the best route from the port to connect to KSC. It is hi-lited in silver. This route stays away from homes and impacts the environment the least.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20832Mary Elizabeth HillbergDear Dave Navecky, A few of my constituents have sent me questions and statements regarding the PCRE, requesting I send them in to you for them, as they are not able to do so themselves. The following are those comments. If you have questions, I will do my bet to answer them or forward them in person to my neighbors. Thank you for your good work. 1. We understand the KSC wishes the proposed rail to run between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. so as not to “inconvenience “ tourists and KSC workers. Continuous train noise all night would be very difficult for the community reducing our quality of life and property values. What are the operating hours and days for the proposed rail system? 2. There is national funding to recover the sea grasses (starting near Sykes Creek, to see if positive results are seen, including presence of clams and cleaner water) and Mosquito Lagoon is to benefit as well. What impact will the proposed rail system have on that continued funding? 3. What is planned for the Existing barge canal and its usefulness (cost savings, etc.) to the Port? 4. Transportation of Ethanol and Biodiesel fuel is planned. What will be the impact of an accident involving these toxic fuels on the fragile lagoon environment? What are the health risks to the North Merritt Island citizens, as well as the Indian River Lagoon? 5. There are significant cost savings already realized and land utilization examples at KSC/NASA including; lease (20 yr.) of Launch Pad A to SpaceX , lease of Orbiter Processing Facility High Bay 1 to Boeing, demolition of buildings (not required post Shuttle), and potential leases of the Shuttle Landing Facility. How will these cost savings be affected by the proposed rail extension? 6. The red drum and tarpon are very popular sport fish species that are specific to the area of the Banana River that the Port plans to disrupt. They are not found in other areas of the lagoon and their sensitive spawning and breeding areas cannot be mitigated elsewhere in the lagoon. We feel this is an unacceptable biological impact to the lagoon, as well as a significant socioeconomic impact to the recreational interests of the community and a significant economic impact to the citizens. According to the latest Economic Assessment and Analysis by Hazen & Sawyer (2008), Brevard County receives $1.2 Billion in annual revenues from the combined tourist, recreational and scientific advantages of the Indian River Lagoon. Were this revenue stream to be taken from us, the citizens of Brevard County would have to replace these critically needed funds with increased taxes and fees. We feel this is an undue burden on the Brevard Community and an unacceptable impact for the citizens to bear. We feel the No Action" recommendation is the best choice for this venture. Second to that, we feel the SR528 commercial corridor is the logical choice for such a heavy industrial construction. Please choose either of those. Thank you, Mary Hillberg & Citizens of North Merritt Island"
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20831Marilynn CollinsSafety The area is pristine and much is undisturbed wetlands. Any accident containing chemical would be difficult to clean up and would potentially end up in the lagoon and our aquifer which provides our drinking water. Recreation The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge provides recreation for birding, boating, fishing, hunting and has 15 federally listed threatened or endangered species. Our truly wild places are disappearing and must be protected. A better route for the rail would be the 528 corridor. Biological The Indian River Lagoon system is in crisis. The northern section is in the best condition and has the best sea grasses. Any type of causeway structure would slow the flow of water and cause destruction of the natural balance. Millions of dollars have been allocated to improve the lagoon. The proposed rail system puts this project in jeopardy. Scrub jays are found exclusively in Florida and there most critical threat is habitat destruction. They need a very specific type of environment which is high and dry, the same type of land preferred by developers. This refuge provides one of the few place left in Florida where they can survive. Estimates say that only 3,000 scrub jays remain in Florida. A rail cutting through the habitat would have a negative effect. The 528 corridor is a better choice. Aesthetics The Merritt Island Wildlife Sanctuary provides pristine vistas and abundant wildlife in a setting untouched by man. A railroad running through it would be devastating. A much better route for the rail would be along the 528 corridor.Satellite Beach, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20830Terry Motto The EIS should fully address the potential impact the proposed rail extension project may have on the area’s flood plan and 2014 study (the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Insurance Study No. 12009CV000A, dated March 17, 2014). o The EIS should fully address the potential impact the proposed rail extension project may have on the current restoration project of the Indian River Lagoon Basin, a designated impaired water body under the Federal Clean Water Act. For example, how will a causeway constructed across the Banana River affect species habitat, vegetation (sea grasses), wind, flow of water, stormwater runoff, point and non-point source pollution, atmospheric deposition, and other considerations addressed in the Banana River Basin Management Action Plan. o I believe the Biological Resources review of the proposed EIS should address all protected species within the project area and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. o I believe a systems approach methodology should be used when analyzing the elements within the proposed EIS rather than looking at the issues independently of one another.Rockledge, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20829Sandra PesceDear Mr Navecky, I am totally opposed to the Port Canaveral Rail Extension. I live on N. Merritt Island and I am very concerned with the negative impact of this rail through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Please refer to the attachment Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan U.S. Dept of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, August 2008. A total of 316 pages but most important is that the rail is not at all consistent with the purpose and plan of the refuge. Please refer to II. Refuge Environment, pages 9, 10, 11, 18 and last paragraph on page 19; IV. Management Direction pages 73, 74; Appendix E, Appropriate Use and Compatibility Determinations, pages 189, 190, 191; and page 207 last paragraph. I am concerned for the negative environmental impact on the Refuge and the cutting off of the natural flow of water in the Banana River thus causing the natural sea grasses to die due to the lack of flow and current. The attached plan has identified that the natural waterways in the Indian River and Banana River have already been damaged/destroyed from construction of the causeways between the main lands, Merritt island, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral that were built many years ago. Must we relive history with a rail causeway made from land berms and trestle bridge especially in the only" pristine area left in our estuary. Do we want this whole area to be known as "The Dead Sea". I pray not. Aesthetically, the rail extension would just ruin the beauty of this only remaining pristine waterway and through a National Wildlife Refuge. What are "they" thinking? Then we will have the noise, pollution and vibration from many, many trains with many, many cars attached through many, many miles. Then we have the negative impact of our property values decreasing and our rural community gone just like the dead sea grasses that fish, manatees, birds and dolphins are dying from (lack of food). I do hope that all the concerns of the people opposed to this plan are carefully and thoughtfully reviewed and considered. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this environmental disaster. Sincerely, Sandra Pesce"Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentPlease accept the attached comments for Docket No. FD 35852.Dylan Reingold · Vero Beach, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20827Peggy GiesenschlagSince 2009, the N. Banana River zone has suffered a 72% loss of seagrass. The citizens in the IRL watershed have worked hard to pass legislation and spend money to develop projects to improve the water quality to help the seagrass recover. Building a rail road bridge across the Banana River is a step in the wrong direction. Business's desire to make more money should not trump the will of the citizens to save the health of the Banana River and all the creatures that depend on it to live. The Merritt Island Nation Wildlife Refuge should remain a refuge period. The set aside for this protected, pristine area should not be: until business wants to use this land to make more money for themselves. These lands are finite and must be protected by government. The citizens' recent vote on Amendment 1 clearly shows the Fl. citizens desire to keep this land out of the influence of commercial use. Please use the power of big government to protect these lands without exception.Melbourne, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20826William R. KleinThe proposed railroad develop a barrier and subdivide a large section of environmentally sensitive undisturbed land. This rail road barrier separating a large area into 2 smaller tracts may destroy the survivability of some animal species in the affected area. The proposed railroad track could be an environmental disaster for some animal species. The preferred route would be parallel and close to Route 528 to prevent the destruction of sensitive environmental habitat that has been an environmentally protected area for Cape Canaveral. Many species of animals require a minimum amount of land for food and survival. These areas may be 20 acres for a single family of Scrub Jays and 100 acres for breeding purposes or many square miles for other species. There are 22 Threatened or Endangered animal species and 56 species of special concern listed in LISTED SPECIES OF THE MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE which could be the same for the area of the proposed railroad extension. http://www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr/ListedSpecies.html Each of these species should be studied to determine the area that species needs to be sustainable. The proposed railroad extension should not subdivide the undisturbed land of either of the 2 areas into a parcel unable to support breeding populations for any of these 78 Threatened, Endangered, or special concern animal species.Titusville, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20824Thomas R. GrimisonI support the rail extension project to connect Port Canaveral to eastern Florida rail lines. I have been a resident of Brevard County since 1986. I have worked at Port Canaveral as a Harbor Pilot since 2000, and I am active with the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, currently serving as the club's President for 2014. I am submitting my comments as an individual citizen concerned with economic development for Brevard County and Central Florida. Rail connection to Port Canaveral is long overdue and I am sure that an objective analysis will show that connecting to the rail line on Kennedy Space Center will by far be the most cost effective and have the least impact on the environment and the community than any other alternative. I believe all concerns raised by citizens concerned with the environmental impact as well as homeowners concerned with a rail line near their homes can be satisfactorily addressed or mitigated. The idea that a bridge across the Banana River will cause untold damage to the lagoon is something that will not be scientifically supported. There are plenty of existing bridges across the lagoon and they are not the source of issues affecting lagoon health. This project is crucial to the future development of the Port to be able to handle the increased trade that is projected over the next 20 years and beyond.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20823William R. KleinThe proposed rail line is 11 miles of new track rune through environmentally sensitive wetlands and across the Banana River which is under great environmental stress. The preferred rout would be parallel and as close to Route 528 for the following reasons. 1.It will be cheaper in the long run even if the 11 mile right of way is given free of charge by the US Government the the required environmental mitigation expenses and the loss of Ecotourism and recreation business to the numerous organizations in the area. Florida is planning to spend over $20 million/yr for many years to restore the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The IRL supports over $3 billion/yr in Ecotourism. The proposed route for this rail project will be detrimental to these efforts. This project would have to mitigate the probable damage done. 2.The proposed track through the undisturbed wetlands needs to prevent polluting the wetlands and destroying the marine nursery system that supports the marine life of the Banana River. The tracks should be constructed in a tube or trough for the train to pass through the catch any runoff or contamination spills or transported chemicals and liquids. These liquids can be pumped to collection tanks at the start and end points of the tube or trough for the train. 3.The trains should be pulled by an electric engine to prevent diesel fumes from contaminating the wetlands. 4.The proposed causeway and rail trestle will impede water flow out of the Banana River and increase muck and other pollution buildup. The only way to improve the lagoon and prevent further pollution is to dredge out all the muck and contaminants before causeway and rail trestle are built. The Banana River is a major component of the IRL. It is in sever stress due to pollution from excessive development without proper mitigation and poor discharges of the pollution. The clams and oysters have disappeared. Many marine animals and shore birds have died. The Banana River could finally be destroyed if the muck dredging and contamination is not removed before the project starts. 5.Wildlife crossings need to be provided in the wetland and other land areas. 6.The cost of acquiring private land along Route 528 will be much cheaper than the mitigation and maintenance costs required to properly protect the environment.Titusville, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20822Linda BehretI am writing to express my concerns about the plans for Canaveral Port Authority's Rail extension project. 1. I am concerned first of all about the effect this project will have on the Banana River and the rest of the Indian River Lagoon. The Lagoon is impaired and needs all the help we can give it. The plans call for concrete pilings to extend 70-90 feet beneath the Banana River (BR), and for filling in a few hundred feet of the BR to create a causeway to support the rail going across that waterway. This will cut down on the natural flow that helps keep the area north of Rt 528 one of the best seagrass areas in the Lagoon. This will adversely affect water quality in that area, which the lagoon does not need. Besides being a bad thing in itself, will also adversely affect the number of fish that come to that area. Some of the folks who make their living off the Lagoon are fishing for a livelihood, that will also be adversely affected. Also, algae can clump up and decay near causeways, which is toxic to marine life, to say nothing of the terrible rotten-eggs smell it causes. 2. Then the rail project will go through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR), and no matter how slowly the trains go, they will still disturb threatened Florida wildlife, including scrub jays and and gopher tortoises. MINWR has 17,000 acres of contiguous scrub habitat, and supports the second-largest populations of scrub jays, second only to the Ocala National Forest. The rail will be going through part of that," said Layne Hamilton, manager of MINWR. These two concerns about this project are enough to make me ask you to please consider using an alternate route to get from the Port to the FEC rail lines. Rail tracks to be built alongside Rt 528, an important transportation corridor now, and even more so in the future, leaps to mind. This would be a shorter route, slightly south and straight west across the two Lagoon rivers to the tracks. It would not necessitate a long, rambling journey north and west from the Port, through M iNWR and the Kennedy Space Center, to the existing FEC tracks. Thank you for your consideration of these thoughts. Linda Behret"
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20821James DurocherHello, I have many concerns which need to be addressed before this project can move forward. I owned a kayak company which often paddled the area with the planned bridge. I think a causeway jutting out from shore will be detrimental to any natural flow through the estuary creating more stagnant water, should be trestles all the way across. This is also the best living sea grass area in the whole declining Indian River Lagoon. Any sea grass to be damaged with construction should be transplanted to other areas of the lagoon. Consequently with all the sea grass this is a thriving area for manatee, dolphin, fish of all kinds and estuary life. What would be the possible effect on all of them. Also the miles of tracks through the wetlands of Merritt Island and all the effects to those areas and its creatures needs to be studied and addressed. What can be done to limit gopher tortoise and other species of being hit by train or kept from moving across tracks. I think it would be a much better idea to study the route along 528 or going north through the Air Force station. I am also very concerned about inspection of the containors and an Arab country operating the line.Cocoa Beach, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentPosition statement from local economic development agencyTroy Post · Titusville, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20819Wayne FountainMr. Navecky- Please see attachment for concern with respect to the Port Canaveral Rail Extension. -WayneMelbourne, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20818Todd SmithThe proposed railway extension in to Port Canaveral, Florida is simply another industrial attack on an already fragile eco system. The desire to expand commerce should not be allowed to destroy the fragile marine enviroment that so many have fought to preserve. This is an atrosity and it should be stopped.Merrritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20817Turtle Coast GroupAs a former aerospace engineer employed at the Kennedy Space Center, I find it hard to imagine the impact on the security of this very active space launch complex by a commercial, unsecured container/rail project. As a currently, very environmentally concerned citizen, I fear for our future if this project, as proposed, is allowed to proceed. There are other methods to transport containers as well as other paths for new rail construction (alongside SR 528 for example).Thomas P. Keenan III · Melbourne, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20816Ruth NelliganI have written before, but am writing again to offer the alternative to this proposal to route a major commercial rail line through a National Wildlfe Preserve. According to the studies, there is another route that was an option-- to go straight across from the Port Canaveral West, parallel to the existing highway 528. The reason this option was at the bottom of their list, was cost: because it would span 2 rivers, there needs to be 2 bridges built. However, this new development of a commercial container port would bring in billions of dollars over the next decade-- and there are very deep pockets behind this project, so let them finance the 2 bridges. The cost is not worth destroying the last natural area on the Eat Central Florida Coast, or disrupting the quality of life for citizens who chose to locate their homes here because of the quiet peaceful atmosphere. I am against the expansion of a container port in this area, because it will forever change the beauty of the Port area into just another urbanized part of Florida. Attached are some copied-and-p[asted articles I have gathered that show how other areas of Florida can bring in more jobs and respond favorably to the increasing demand to move cargo in and out of Florida. Please do not bring this Port Canaveral into the mix-- it is only because of LOCAL INTERESTS (specifically including John Walsh, the head of the Canaveral Port Authority) who are basing their desire for personal profit as the reason behind this ill-advised proposal. The issue of bringing jobs to Florida is addressed by the expansion of all the existing Ports in Florida, now. Please note the final paragraph attached, that is from a Jacksonville, FL business publication, that references a company Gulftainer" who have made a deal for $100 to the Port Authority to expand the container business of the port. There is no reason other than cost, when comparing this proposal to the one to route the rail line directly West to the City of Cocoa, to connect with the main line, why the alternative cannot be preferred. Thank you."Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20815Charles VenutoI am opposed to the proposed rail system from Port Canaveral through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge/Kennedy Space Center. The route will disrupt the habitat of the Florida Scrub Jay, the only bird endemic to Florida. I am the Vice President of the Merritt Island Wildlife Association and although I am sending this as an individual my comments likely represent the majority of our 1300 members. This is a bad idea being pushed by the Port Authority. An alternative route needs to be pursued. Thank you. Charles VenutoMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentEI-20814Mary HillbergDear Dave Navecky, I am opposed to the PCRE for Safety reasons. Freight rail accidents are not uncommon (see attached data). There are no existing rail operations in the proposed area. The eastern side of North Merritt Island is essentially an undisturbed wetlands within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, that outfalls into the Banana River section of the Indian River Lagoon. The area has not been exposed to traffic, industrial construction or heavy machinery, much less a freight train. The construction of a railroad in this area is illogical in for multiple safety and compatibility reasons. The Brevard County Emergency Management Service (BCEMS) has a 7 minute goal for emergency response time. KSC Medical Services provides emergency service contractors with similar response goals. There is no way sufficient/adequate emergency service may be provided in this refuge area in this period of time. (BCMRS Dis. Cntr.) There is no way to limit or monitor the type of cargo of a proposed freight system in this area. Toxic, contaminated, explosive or flammable cargoes may be expected in both directions on a heavy diesel cargo freight rail. The risks to the population living within a 2 mile area from the proposed rail are far too great to support such operation. (See attached list of U.S. Rail Accidents in the last four years) The proximity of large communities and public recreation areas presents a clear and present danger for the residents of NMI. These citizens have chosen an area next to a Wildlife Refuge to avoid just such consequences. The investments of tax payers in this area cannot be ignored. To allow such industrial development proximal to residential homes and a publicly supported recreation complex is incompatible with the surrounding area, in addition to the risk factors. There is no mitigation that will prevent the loss of investment/property value, quality of life or peace of mind for the citizens affected. (Related to EIS Impact Categories #10, #12, #14 & #16) There is no way to monitor the area for accidental or intentional rail incidents that may precipitate an emergency situations. The KSC emergency medical response system is designed to service the populated industrial area of KSC, not for all undisturbed wetland areas within the entire Wildlife Refuge. (See attached listings of U.S. Rail Accidents from 2011 through 2014) Current response goals by the Brevard County Fire Rescue is 9 minutes. In case of fire from freight rail accidents, there is no way suppression could be competently attained in this dense, refuge area. In case of toxic spills from accidents, there is no way the surface waters and ultimately aquifer and lagoon would not be contaminated. (Related to EIS Impact Category # 6) The cumulative and incremental risks are too great to support the proposed route for the Port’s rail extension. This proposed construction is inconsistent with the public convenience, safety and necessity, as well as incompatible with the surrounding development. (Related to EIS Impact Category #16) The proposed Rail Extension by the Canaveral Port Authority puts the citizens and environment of Brevard County at risk. Sincerely, Mary E. HillbergMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/19/2014)CommentDear Mr. Navecky, Please accept my sincere objections and concerns regarding the Canaveral Port Authority's proposed Rail Extension through the Indian River Lagoon, North Merritt Island area, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Port assures they will take extraordinary precautions to protect the Most diverse estuary in North America" (Indian River Lagoon), as well as the multiple endangered and threatened species that live in our valuable refuge. But this is an extremely expensive promise. After reading hundreds of pages of information and attending Canaveral Port Authority Meetings, I am concerned regarding the Port's economic viability. During the December 11, 2014 CPA Board Meeting, the board determined the need to borrow money to support current Port operations. The Board members stated they did "not want" to reinstate district taxing, that ceased in 1986, when the Port became self-supporting. It does not appear the Canaveral Port authority is able to financially support its current operations, much less all the safety precautions and environmental protections involved in this rail expansion. The current Canaveral Port Authority petition for exemption from financial disclosure is troubling. Congress requires railroad developers to file a series of financial statements to protect the public from incompetent entrepreneurs. Please consider the financial ability of the CPA to fulfill their elaborate promises. Thank you for your diligent work on this issue. We (the citizens of North Merritt Island) are very concerned and depending on you. Sincerely, Mary E. Hillberg"Mary E. Hillberg
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20812Kathleen HeltonMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20811University of Central FloridaM.J. Soileau · Orlando, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20810Mary HillbergDear Mr. Navecky, I firmly object to the proposed Port Canaveral Rail Extension. Researching the proposal and probable shocking environmental impact on the Indian River Lagoon, high functioning wetlands, endangered threatened species and habitat, I object on environmental grounds. In terms of impact to endanagered, threatened, and species of special concern, please consider the brown pelican (pelicanis occidentalis, State Species of Special Concern [SSC), Florida sandhil crane (Grus canadensis pratensis, state threatened [ST]), Limpkin (Aramus guarauna (SSC), Beach nesting birds of the American oystercatcher (Haematapus palliatus,SSC), black skimmer, (Rynshops niger, SSC), Least tern (Sterna antillarum, ST), Snowy plover ( Charadrius alexandrines, ST), Little Blue heron (Egretta caerulea, SSC), Reddish egret ( Egretta rufescens, SCC), Roseeate spoonbill (Platalia ajaja, SSC), Snowy egret (Egretta thula, SSC), Tricolored heron ( Egretta tricolor, SSC), White ibis (Eudocimus albus, SSC). The project area may also provide habitat for marine turtles. I request that the EIS include all the above species and a commitment to consider the potential impacts to these species. Please consider the alternate route for the Port's rail extension along the State Road 528. That route would spare all the above species great damage up to and including extinction. Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments. Mary E. HillbergMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20809Susan SmithPlease review the attached comments I am submitting for the EIS.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20808Barbara VenutoPORT CANAVERAL RAIL PLAN: I am very unhappy to hear that a rail plan is being considered that will cut through a natural wildlife corridor, through prime scrub habitat that taxpayers have protected and paid to protect for decades It would definitely impact the scrub jay population. The rail plan would also cut through wetlands and would block the natural flow of the water. The impact on the Indian River Lagoon would damage some of the areas better quality ecosystem. And if there were to be an accident, it would be absolutely devastating. A route should be chosen in which it would least impact the last of our natural areas. Perhaps along the Beeline corridor of 528 would be more apropiate.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20807WIlliam HillbergMr. Dave Navecky, I am submitting my strong objections to the Canaveral Port Authority's proposed diesel cargo rail being built through the Indian River Lagoon, North Merritt Island, and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. The obvious environmental damage this will cause is beyond words. We have spent thousands of man-hours and millions of dollars protecting and restoring the lagoon and our critical wetlands that feed the aquifer. A railroad is not compatible with the surrounding environment or population. Please consider the recommending the appropriate route of the SR 528 Causeway that already exists and would facilitate Orlando International Airport and Florida East Coast Railway access. If that alternate route is not acceptable, then please recommend the no action" alternative for this project. Thank you, William J. Hillberg"
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20806Michael TournadeI'm a long time resident of Brevard County and Merritt Island - The Savannahs specifically. I've attached a submittal generated by a friend that has details of impacts the Proposed Rail system would have to our area. My own thoughts on this proposed project are: the impact to traffic entering / exiting the CCAFS South gate during peak hours (huge impact); the physical and environmental damage created in the Banana River, as causeways and trestle structures are built (huge impact); the same issue should be considered when the rail transitions to land and tracks North through the Merritt Island Wildlife Sanctuary, across Hall Rd, through KARS Park and along the north east bank of Merritt Island (again(huge impact); what is the acoustic reduction plan for the installed rail system for those areas mentioned above (nothing is planned per Port Commissioner W. Justice). I'm a resident of The Savannahs community and based on sound reasoning (nothing will be built in a wildlife sanctuary and the peacefulness of North MI)we decided to stay in our home of 21 years and retire here. Property values will plummet, life here will drastically change for the worse if this project goes through. The CPA states thousands of high paying jobs would be coming along with this system, but I don't see it. We're talking mid-low paying jobs like stevedores, equipment operators, laborers etc., and not that many more than what is currently contracted for. We have enough industry in the Port with the addition of the expanded Cruise industry without adding the burden of a proposed rail system that benefits very few entities but impacts and burdens the entire community of central Brevard county. One last comment - I attended the meeting at the Radisson on the 19th and posed the question of what was the reason for the construction in the North Port, off of SR 401 between the Fuel Tank Storage area and west to the old Space Hab facility located on the south side of SR 401. No one could answer me - it's ironic that per the drawings on all of the whiteboards in that meeting, it depicted the rail line moving south to the water's edge. That construction is still going on to date.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20805NMISABDear Mr. Navecky, As an elected representative of the citizens who live on North Merritt Island, I am very concerned about the multiple negative impacts involved with the PCRE. The community here has been unaware of the plans of the Port Authority prior to the last few months and many feel decisions may be made without considering their opinions, property values or the fragile environment of North Merritt and the Indian River Lagoon. In terms of property values, the proposed route through North Merritt Island presents an obvious negative impact on the property values in the North Island area. The claims of the CPA to ..increase initial activity of three or four cargo trains a week by 20 times in the next 10 years..." are chilling. While we have grown to doubt most of what we have heard from the CPA on this topic, as it changes with each new version, the inevitable negative impact on property values in North Merritt Island due to this proposal does not change. The proposed route through North Merritt Island is not an acceptable proposal. A suggested alternate route for this venture is the commercial corridor of Florida State Road 528. It is shorter, already goes straight into current Port property, more directly aligns with the FEC rail, and is far less environmentally destructive. Several years ago, the state planned widening of SR 528 was described, involving many properties that were not developed at that time. State Representative Bob Allen spoke at this public presentation and multiple maps demonstrated the area considered. Since that time, properties have continued to be developed along this state road, but the SR 528 widening plan was never rescinded to my knowledge. This is the preferred alternative route of the proposed cargo rail. The other alternative is the no action alternative. Sincerely, Mary E. Hillberg NMISAB Member NMIHOA Vice President"Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20804Melissa BassPlease see attached document for concerns regarding the Scope of the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed rail activity at Port Canaveral. Thank you for your time.Cape Canaveral, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20803Marco CalderonTo whom it may concern. The building of a rail system from port canaveral to the KSC is a diminhing of quality of life, destruction of the Indian River sea grass & wild wild. Running a rail across the Indian will destruct important vegetation that sustains the manatees,dolphin & fish that live in the Indian river. The Merritt Island wildlife refuge which rears the SAvannahs golf coarse community has been federally protected. Now that the money infused Port Canaveral wants to build a rail system sounds that there is no consideration for any of the Indian river, wildlife & residents of the savanna's golf course community. As a tax paying citizen of Brevard County & resident of Merritt Island I am asking you to DENY THE RAIL SYSTEM JOB AS PLANNED. Thank you Marco CalderonMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20802Troy AltusMS Word file attached pertaining to the proposed Port Canaveral rail extension.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20801Marlys BreckleHow much will another causeway slowing the natural flow of the water in the Banana River affect the quality of the water and the valuable seagrass needed for improving the state of the Indian River Lagoon? I believe it is labeled as part of a National Estuary.Titusville, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20800Marlys BreckleRemember to consider how a train crossing on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge will affect traffic to and from Canaveral National Seashore. Tourists and locals want to be able to get to the beach.Titusville, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20799Marlys BrecklePlease consider how these trains now and in the future will affect the wildlife, especially the butterflies. The Merritt Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge is home to many wonderful species of pollinators that we must protect for the sake of beauty and food. Thank you.Titusville, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20798Matt HeydenI am in shock that no one sees that this is an issue of national security. Of course, it's a disaster for the environment. But running tons and tons of uninspected cargo containers THROUGH NASA??? We don't even let people drive their cars through! Run a freight train through. This needs a serious look at. I simply can't believe that the federal government would allow anything so dangerous.Titusville, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20797no fill no killDear Sir, please think hard about what you are doing here. Please have a conscience for the future of our area and please have respect for the past and not think about budgets. I have been a business man and a proponent of industrial development for 30 years, but our lagoon is making a come back and this could end up an industrial nightmare. I have personally witnessed how the lack of concern for the environment can devastate an area. Think of all the millions of people on those cruise liners that will look at that newly formed mountain of scrap iron on the north bank not to mention all the patrons at the local eateries that look at the same, I'm one of them and I don't . Do you really want to be another Jacksonville, Baltimore or Elizabeth ? I don't think so, I am for well thought out well balanced growth but please don't be greedy, please listen to what the people are asking for, its not too much, its just the preservation of a natural beauty/paradise/livelihood that we want to last forever in cohabitation with the commercial/ industrial development. I really don't think the people are asking too much or trying to fight the project, I just feel that the cheaper proposed route is so much more evasive and catastrophic to our already over taxed ecosystem that also generates an amazing amount of revenue to Brevard county. P/S do you know anyone that wants to vacation in Jacksonville, Newport News, or Bath Maine. Please let your conscience be your guide because your children and grand children may have to live here. Thank You for your time Sincerely Marc CavalariMarc Cavalari · merritt island, florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20796Monica PophamHello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The numbers of issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Biological Resources: The Banana River NMZ (No-Motor-Zone) and adjacent Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a very unique area. This north stretch of the Banana River Lagoon is a pristine depiction of the lagoons natural state. Shorelines of the NMZ managed to not be developed for commercial or residential use due to NASA and CCAFS operations. These waters are the home of the only redfish known to breed inshore. These along with other species utilize small sections of these areas throughout their entire life cycles. What impacts will the current placement have on these unique schools of redfish? How will the rail line affect breeding, daily movements, migrations, feeding, and dispersal of young redfish that are vital to our recreational and charter fishing industries? How will this planned rail affect fish like the Shortnose Sturgeon, American Eel, Green Moray, Spotted Moray, Thread Eel, Goldspotted Eel, Shrimp Eel, Mangrove Rivulus, Reef Silverside, Brook Silverside, Rough Silverside, Tidewater Silverside, Penninsula Silverside, Atlantic Needlefish, Redfin Needlefish, Houndfish, Sheepshead Minnow, Goldspotted Killifish, Golden Topminnow, Marsh Killifish, Gulf Killifish, Mummichog, Longnose Killifish, Flagfish, Bluefin Killifish, Rainwater Killifish, Atlantic Flyingfish, Northern Halfbeak, Halfbeak, Mosquitofish, Least Killifish, Sailfin Molly, Guppy, Swordtail, Platy, Sunset Platy, Inshore Lizardfish, Snakefish, Oyster Toadfish, Yellowfin Menhaden, Atlantic Menhaden, False Pilchard, Redear Sardine, Scaled Sardine, Dwarf Herring, Atlantic Thread Herring, Spanish Sardine, Cuban Anchovy, Striped Anchovy, Bigeye Anchovy, Dusky Anchovy, Bay Anchovy, Bonefish, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Marginate Cusk-Eel, Bluespotted Cornetfish, Pugnose Pipefish, Lined Seahorse, Longsnout Seahorse, Dwarf Seahorse, Opossum Pipefish, Dusky Pipefish, Northern Pipefish, Chain Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Skilletfish, Longnose Gar, Florida Gar, Dwarf Frogfish, Splitlure Frogfish, Sargassumfish, Ocean Surgeon, Doctorfish, Barred Cardinalfish, Flamefish, Twospot Cardinalfish, Blackfin Cardinalfish, Conchfish, Striped Blenny, Florida Blenny, Pearl Blenny, Oyster Blenny, Barred Blenny, Crested Blenny, Highfin Blenny, Seaweed Blenny, Molly Miller, Spotted Dragonet, African Pompano, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Crevalle Jack, Horse-Eye Jack, Bar Jack, Atlantic Bumper, Leatherjacket, Bigeye Scad, Atlantic Moonfish, Lookdown, Florida Pompano, Permit, Bluespotted Sunfish, Swordspine Snook, Fat Snook, Tarpon Snook, Common Snook, Foureye Butterflyfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish, Bigeye Stargazer, Sand Stargazer, Arrow Stargazer, Masked Stargazer, Saddle Stargazer, Sharksucker, Atlantic Spadefish, Irish Pompano, Striped Mojarra, Rhomboid Mojarra, Spotfin Mojarra, Silver Jenny, Bigeye Mojarra, Slender Mojarra, Mottled Mojarra, Yellowfin Mojarra, River Goby, Nothchtongue Goby, Frillfin Goby, Bridled Goby, Lyre Goby, Goldspot Goby, Darter Goby, Blackbar Goby, Highfin Goby, Slashcheek Goby, Seaboard Goby, Code Goby, Tiger Goby, Smallmouth Grunt, French Grunt, Spanish Grunt, Cottonwick, Sailors Choice,White Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Pigfish, Burro Grunt, Spotfin Wrasse, Dwarf Wrasse, Slippery Dick, Pearly Razorfish, Bluehead, Palehead Blenny, Hairy Blenny, Blenny, Blackfin Blenny, Saddle Blenny, Checkered Blenny, Tripletail, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Cubera Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mohogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Pugjaw Wormfish, Striped Mullet, White Mullet, Redeye Mullet, Fantail Mullet, Spotted Goatfish, Spotfin Jawfish, Ocellated Jawfish, Swamp Darter, Atlantic Threadfin, Little Scale Threadfin, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, Night Sergeant, Dusky Damselfish, Bicolor Damselfish, Cocoa Damselfish, Bluefish, Princess Parrotfish, Redtail Parrotfish, brown shrimp, grass shrimp, fiddler crab, blue crab, Bucktooth Parrotfish, Redfin Parrotfish, Silver Perch, Striped Croaker, Spotted Seatrout, Silver Seatrout, Weakfish, High Hat, Spot fish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish, Northern Kingfish, Atlantic Croaker, Black Drum, Star Drum, Sand Drum, Little T unny, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cero Mackerel, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Humpback Grouper, Dwarf Sand Perch, Sand Perch, Coney, Jewfish/Goliath grouper, Red Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Barred Hamlet, Butter Hamlet, Black Grouper, Gag; Gray Grouper, Scamp, Whitespotted Soapfish, Greater Soapfish, Lantern Bass, Belted Sandfish, Sheepshead, Sea Bream, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Silver Porgy, Spottail Pinfish, Pinfish, Scup, Great Barracuda, Northern Sennet, Man-of-war Fish, Northern Harvestfish, Butterfish, Atlantic Cutlassfish, Southern Stargazer, Eyed Flounder, Twospot Flounder, Gulf Stream Flounder, Sand Whiff, Spotted Whiff, Bay Whiff, Fringed Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Summer Flounder, Southern Flounder, Flounder, Channel Flounder, Blackcheek Tonguefish, Hogchoker, Red Lionfish, Barbfish, Scorpionfish, Plumed Scorpionfish, Spotted Scorpionfish, Shortfin Searobin, Striped Searobin, Blackwing Searobin, Leopard Searobin, Bighead Searobin, Hardhead (Sea) Catfish, Gafftopsail Catfish, Brown Hoplo, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Tadpole Madtom, Dotterel Filefish, Orange Filefish, Filefish, Gray Triggerfish, Ocean Triggerfish, Fringed Filefish, Planehead Filefish, Ocean Sunfish, Honeycomb Cowfish, Scrawled Trunkfish, Trunkfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Bridled Burrfish, Striped Burrfish, Porcupinefish, Balloonfish, Smooth Puffer, Northern Puffer, Southern Puffer, Bandtail Puffer, or Checkerd Puffer as they breed, visit, and move around our waters? We want you to take into consideration even the smallest fishes as they are all vital to the web of life in our lagoons. Along with the boney fishes of the lagoon we also have many other creatures. How will this current rail plan affect sharks and rays like the Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Sandbar Shark, Tiger Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Lemon Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Nurse Shark, Southern Stingray, Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingray, Smooth Butterfly Ray, Atlantic Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Bullnose Ray, Sourthern Eagle Ray, Cownose Ray, Smalltooth Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, Atlantic Guitarfish, and Lesser Electric Ray as they move, breed, and utilize the waters ? We also have an amazing amount of turtles and marine mammals. How will the potential for less available seagrass and with that less food for the threatened Florida Manatee? How will that lack of seagrass affect the bait fish populations that bottlenose dolphins rely on? How will this rail line as planned affect the manatee/bottlenose dolphin migrations and daily movement patters? Will the increased noise, vibration, and other ecological issues affect manatee/bottlenose dolphin breeding? Do trains affect bottlenose dolphin’s echolocation? How will this planned rail line affect the Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Atlantic Ridley, Leatherback as they feed and move through the lagoon? Will the American alligators that live and breed in the path of this rail line be affected? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? I would like to add, I am 60 years, and a life time resident. I've enjoyed our coastal shorelines my entire life. Its time we take a stand to protect our environment and natural habitat. Sincerely, Monica PophamAltamonte Springs, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20795Carl McManusDear Mr. Navecky, As a long time citizen of Brevard County Florida I respectfully appeal to you and your staff to recognize the environmental damage that will occur with the implementation of the Port Canaveral Rail Extension. As you may be well aware, the state of Florida is plagued with the problems from sprawl and overdevelopment in our coastal areas. I implore you to take a long term view of the damage this project will do to Merritt Island, Florida. I share the concern with thousands of Brevard County residents who do not want the sanctuary of North Merritt Island destroyed by the installation of a rail line. Please disapprove any requests to move forward on the Port Canaveral Rail Extension Project.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20794Savannahs HomeownerI am very concerned that the rail will be running directly behind our house - bringing down the value of our home; ruining the peace and quiet that we have in our neighborhood and damaging the environment as stated in the meetings that we attended. I don't believe that the train will only run the limited number of times mentioned. I believe that this will grow and grow due to the investment being made in the port. They will need to recoup these costs.Pam Storm · Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20793Joseph KennedyRE: Environmental Filing, Docket No FD 35852 Hello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The numbers of issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Biological Resources: The Banana River NMZ (No-Motor-Zone) and adjacent Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a very unique area. This north stretch of the Banana River Lagoon is a pristine depiction of the lagoons natural state. Shorelines of the NMZ managed to not be developed for commercial or residential use due to NASA and CCAFS operations. These waters are the home of the only redfish known to breed inshore. These along with other species utilize small sections of these areas throughout their entire life cycles. What impacts will the current placement have on these unique schools of redfish? How will the rail line affect breeding, daily movements, migrations, feeding, and dispersal of young redfish that are vital to our recreational and charter fishing industries? How will this planned rail affect fish like the Shortnose Sturgeon, American Eel, Green Moray, Spotted Moray, Thread Eel, Goldspotted Eel, Shrimp Eel, Mangrove Rivulus, Reef Silverside, Brook Silverside, Rough Silverside, Tidewater Silverside, Penninsula Silverside, Atlantic Needlefish, Redfin Needlefish, Houndfish, Sheepshead Minnow, Goldspotted Killifish, Golden Topminnow, Marsh Killifish, Gulf Killifish, Mummichog, Longnose Killifish, Flagfish, Bluefin Killifish, Rainwater Killifish, Atlantic Flyingfish, Northern Halfbeak, Halfbeak, Mosquitofish, Least Killifish, Sailfin Molly, Guppy, Swordtail, Platy, Sunset Platy, Inshore Lizardfish, Snakefish, Oyster Toadfish, Yellowfin Menhaden, Atlantic Menhaden, False Pilchard, Redear Sardine, Scaled Sardine, Dwarf Herring, Atlantic Thread Herring, Spanish Sardine, Cuban Anchovy, Striped Anchovy, Bigeye Anchovy, Dusky Anchovy, Bay Anchovy, Bonefish, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Marginate Cusk-Eel, Bluespotted Cornetfish, Pugnose Pipefish, Lined Seahorse, Longsnout Seahorse, Dwarf Seahorse, Opossum Pipefish, Dusky Pipefish, Northern Pipefish, Chain Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Skilletfish, Longnose Gar, Florida Gar, Dwarf Frogfish, Splitlure Frogfish, Sargassumfish, Ocean Surgeon, Doctorfish, Barred Cardinalfish, Flamefish, Twospot Cardinalfish, Blackfin Cardinalfish, Conchfish, Striped Blenny, Florida Blenny, Pearl Blenny, Oyster Blenny, Barred Blenny, Crested Blenny, Highfin Blenny, Seaweed Blenny, Molly Miller, Spotted Dragonet, African Pompano, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Crevalle Jack, Horse-Eye Jack, Bar Jack, Atlantic Bumper, Leatherjacket, Bigeye Scad, Atlantic Moonfish, Lookdown, Florida Pompano, Permit, Bluespotted Sunfish, Swordspine Snook, Fat Snook, Tarpon Snook, Common Snook, Foureye Butterflyfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish, Bigeye Stargazer, Sand Stargazer, Arrow Stargazer, Masked Stargazer, Saddle Stargazer, Sharksucker, Atlantic Spadefish, Irish Pompano, Striped Mojarra, Rhomboid Mojarra, Spotfin Mojarra, Silver Jenny, Bigeye Mojarra, Slender Mojarra, Mottled Mojarra, Yellowfin Mojarra, River Goby, Nothchtongue Goby, Frillfin Goby, Bridled Goby, Lyre Goby, Goldspot Goby, Darter Goby, Blackbar Goby, Highfin Goby, Slashcheek Goby, Seaboard Goby, Code Goby, Tiger Goby, Smallmouth Grunt, French Grunt, Spanish Grunt, Cottonwick, Sailors Choice,White Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Pigfish, Burro Grunt, Spotfin Wrasse, Dwarf Wrasse, Slippery Dick, Pearly Razorfish, Bluehead, Palehead Blenny, Hairy Blenny, Blenny, Blackfin Blenny, Saddle Blenny, Checkered Blenny, Tripletail, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Cubera Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mohogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Pugjaw Wormfish, Striped Mullet, White Mullet, Redeye Mullet, Fantail Mullet, Spotted Goatfish, Spotfin Jawfish, Ocellated Jawfish, Swamp Darter, Atlantic Threadfin, Little Scale Threadfin, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, Night Sergeant, Dusky Damselfish, Bicolor Damselfish, Cocoa Damselfish, Bluefish, Princess Parrotfish, Redtail Parrotfish, brown shrimp, grass shrimp, fiddler crab, blue crab, Bucktooth Parrotfish, Redfin Parrotfish, Silver Perch, Striped Croaker, Spotted Seatrout, Silver Seatrout, Weakfish, High Hat, Spot fish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish, Northern Kingfish, Atlantic Croaker, Black Drum, Star Drum, Sand Drum, Little T unny, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cero Mackerel, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Humpback Grouper, Dwarf Sand Perch, Sand Perch, Coney, Jewfish/Goliath grouper, Red Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Barred Hamlet, Butter Hamlet, Black Grouper, Gag; Gray Grouper, Scamp, Whitespotted Soapfish, Greater Soapfish, Lantern Bass, Belted Sandfish, Sheepshead, Sea Bream, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Silver Porgy, Spottail Pinfish, Pinfish, Scup, Great Barracuda, Northern Sennet, Man-of-war Fish, Northern Harvestfish, Butterfish, Atlantic Cutlassfish, Southern Stargazer, Eyed Flounder, Twospot Flounder, Gulf Stream Flounder, Sand Whiff, Spotted Whiff, Bay Whiff, Fringed Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Summer Flounder, Southern Flounder, Flounder, Channel Flounder, Blackcheek Tonguefish, Hogchoker, Red Lionfish, Barbfish, Scorpionfish, Plumed Scorpionfish, Spotted Scorpionfish, Shortfin Searobin, Striped Searobin, Blackwing Searobin, Leopard Searobin, Bighead Searobin, Hardhead (Sea) Catfish, Gafftopsail Catfish, Brown Hoplo, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Tadpole Madtom, Dotterel Filefish, Orange Filefish, Filefish, Gray Triggerfish, Ocean Triggerfish, Fringed Filefish, Planehead Filefish, Ocean Sunfish, Honeycomb Cowfish, Scrawled Trunkfish, Trunkfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Bridled Burrfish, Striped Burrfish, Porcupinefish, Balloonfish, Smooth Puffer, Northern Puffer, Southern Puffer, Bandtail Puffer, or Checkerd Puffer as they breed, visit, and move around our waters? We want you to take into consideration even the smallest fishes as they are all vital to the web of life in our lagoons. Along with the boney fishes of the lagoon we also have many other creatures. How will this current rail plan affect sharks and rays like the Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Sandbar Shark, Tiger Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Lemon Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Nurse Shark, Southern Stingray, Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingray, Smooth Butterfly Ray, Atlantic Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Bullnose Ray, Sourthern Eagle Ray, Cownose Ray, Smalltooth Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, Atlantic Guitarfish, and Lesser Electric Ray as they move, breed, and utilize the waters ? We also have an amazing amount of turtles and marine mammals. How will the potential for less available seagrass and with that less food for the threatened Florida Manatee? How will that lack of seagrass affect the bait fish populations that bottlenose dolphins rely on? How will this rail line as planned affect the manatee/bottlenose dolphin migrations and daily movement patters? Will the increased noise, vibration, and other ecological issues affect manatee/bottlenose dolphin breeding? Do trains affect bottlenose dolphin’s echolocation? How will this planned rail line affect the Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Atlantic Ridley, Leatherback as they feed and move through the lagoon? Will the American alligators that live and breed in the path of this rail line be affected? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billion our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank You Joseph KennedyTitusville, Fl
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20792Randy HaynesThis extension will cause massive environmental problems for us and year to come. Please let's not destroy our waterways more than we already haveCocoa, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20791Cody GordonRE: Environmental Filing, Docket No FD 35852 Hello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Recreation: The waters around and in the path of the rail plan in its current state are commonly used for recreation by locals and visitors. How will this rail affect the islands popular for swimming, fishing, and boating? What will be the plan for returning these areas to a usable condition in case of spill? How will the schedule affect usage during construction and operations? How will this operation affect the passage of vessels to the Canaveral lock during construction and operation? Will this impede sail boat traffic to the No-Motor-Zone (NMZ)? Will this impede access of non-motorized vessels to the East Side launch of the NMZ? How will this plan affect passage on the West shore adjacent to the NMZ? Will Kayakers and canoers be forced to the middle (bridge) of a dangerous open river to get from one side to the other on both the west and east shores? Noise and Vibration: All of the land that the current rail plan will be building on and converting into industrial (RAIL) use is part of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. This ecological gem generates a large boost for our economy with (but not limited to) fishing, birding, hiking, biking, boating, eco-tour, kayaking, and wildlife drive activities. How will this noise from the projected plans affect visitors to the natural areas? Will prime wildlife viewing areas be affected by noise of this plan? Will the KARS Park area be severely affected by the noise and vibration of passing trains? How will neighborhoods on north Merritt Island and other towns down-rail be negatively affected buy new rail noise or increased rail traffic in already developed sections? I would also like to know what affects these vibrations and noise have on shore birds like Great Egret, osprey, bald eagle, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Least Bittern, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, Ibis, Belted Kingfisher? This includes feeding, breeding, nesting, and roosting pattern interruptions. How does the vibration affect breeding boney fishes like the Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, sea robin, and tripletail? How will reduced breeding affect tourism, recreational, charter, commercial fishing industries? Economic: Florida’s 2.7 million acres of seagrass supports both commercial and recreational fisheries that provide a wealth of benefits to the state’s economy. Adding the economic value of the nutrient cycling function of seagrasses, commercial harvests, eco-tourism, and the value of recreational/charter fisheries the FDEP has estimated that each acre of seagrass in Florida has an economic value of approximately $20,500 per year. Adding to that, the realization that the north Banana River is the last stronghold of healthy on the entirety of that lagoon; the $20,500 would certainly grow to an unknown number! Many of our lagoon seagrass beds have vanished or are vanishing at an alarming rate! What is the economic impact of the seagrass beds that will be covered or filled over by the construction of this railway? What are the projected economic loses from a spill of the expected cargo (and future potential cargo) due to seagrass loss? What will the lack of flow from any earthen causeway do to this vital link in the lagoons chain? What impact will loss of seagrass in the north banana river lagoon have on the lagoon in its entirety? What impacts will the loss of this habitat so close to port Canaveral have on offshore species of fish like cobia, triple tail, mangrove snapper, black grouper, gag grouper, scamp grouper, bull sharks, lemon sharks, bonnethead sharks, greater hammerhead sharks, endangered Goliath grouper, and endangered American Red snapper’s life cycles; including breeding, refuge, and migratory patterns? What are some of the commercial and recreational fishing economic impacts associated with a decline of those offshore species that utilize with the lagoon at some point in their life cycle? How will this plan affect other lagoon residents vital to recreational, charter, and commercial fishing industries like the Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, and tripletail? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20790Ruth NelliganThe decision to add a rail line for the sole purpose of expanding the cargo container traffic in and out of Port Canaveral will negatively impact the tourism industry in this area of Florida. Presently, the cruise ship business accounts for a huge influx of dollars and jobs. Part of the attraction to this part of Florida, is the quaint old-time" feel to the area. ( Cocoa Beach, The Kennedy Space Center) and the un-crowded nature of this part of the Central Florida East Coast. Attached are several photos to illustrate this point: The beauty and awe of the big cruise ships vs the ugly, rusty, industrial look of the Container Port. There are 3 other major Container Ports in the area: Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and the Jacksonville area ones. They are all undergoing expansion, as needed, to keep up with the larger ships expected when the Panama Canal widening/ deepening project is completed. We do NOT need this area to jump on that bandwagon! The ruse that it will save the environment by reducing over-land trucking traffic is just that: a smokescreen to divert attention away from the fact that this proposed rail extension will be an even worse negative environmental condition. The Banana River North of the highway 528 is the last wetland to have the ability to grow seagrass, a plant on which many natural species in this area depend on for life. A causeway will seriously change the flow of water, and alter the pristine state it is in by accumulations of mud and algae blooms. There are too many other negative impacts that a rail system in the MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ( note the word "Refuge") will have, that I cannot list them all. To preserve the Cruise ship and Tourism industry, to save the many endangered wildlife species that need this area protected, and to support alternative proposals, I urge you and the fellow STB members to vote AGAINST this proposal. Thank You, Sincerely."Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20789Peggy GiesenschlagThe Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is no place to build commercial train tracks. Leave this pristine, prime wildlife habitat, that taxpayers have fought to protect, alone. We, the citizens, and the scrub jays, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes and other wildlife, deserve areas where the needs of business, in search of more money, do not come first. Protect this property in current state.Melbourne, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20788Paul SnyderAs a Service connected Disabled Veteran having only 33% of my lung function. I Moved to The Savannah Golf Course for the fresh clean air away from the city Dianna Shores area . I have problems with the controlled burns the County does & am stuck in-doors during these events. Having Diesel trains moving thru our neighborhood would restrict me to the point of being stuck indoors with very little enjoyment of our clean air. I hope I get as much consideration as an endangered species ,like a Scrub Jay and halt this environment destroyer Rail Line Thru This Area. Thank you. Mr. Paul J. SnyderMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20787Ryan CookI moved to the north Merritt island area because no one could build on a sanctioned wildlife refuge. Now a private rail system is proposed to be built straight threw the middle of this government protected land that we pay with our taxes to protect.. I strongly disagree that building this rail system will harm all the wild life that has no other place to go. I will vote out any politician that votes this in and so many others feel the same even if that miss this deadline to oppose.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentUS EPA Region 4 NEPA comments have been submited via attachmentsBeth Walls · Atlanta, GA
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20785Ryan CookI moved to north merritt island because of the protected lands surrounding the kennedy space center. natural protect waters and wildlife. Not to have a private rail system to polute and ruin the quality and goverment protected land which we have spent so much money to protect it. I say no way to corporate greed, we have cruise ships that bring in money needed for the port, this does not interfere with the proctect wet lands. I will no vote for anyone who grants this rail system.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20784Jane ProvanchaThe railroad -with any earthen-causeway style support should not be considered for this project. The further covering (impact) of the Banana River bottom with such an earthen substructure exacerbates already heightened issues with water quality, circulation, and sensitive wildlife connectivity. In addition, the short sighted plan to connect via NEW tracks through MI and KSC instead of along an existing transportation coorridor with NEW tracks (along the BEACHLINE) to COCOA (affording north and south and to the WEST as the other rails are in planning to Orlando and MIA west appear highly inappropriate, impulsive and wasteful use of dollars. Respectfully yours, Jane ProvanchaCocoa, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20783Matthew J HofmannI have been a resident of Merritt Island since 1979 and have lived in several residences in the are. I did NOT choose to purchase a home adjacent to an airport, railroad or I95 as the noise generated by these features was not desirable. I did choose to purchase a home adjacent to a Wildlife Refuge" as the protection from encroaching development and associated nuisance was a desirable feature. The plan for Port Canaveral to build a railroad approximately 1000 feet from our homes across the lagoon and through the wildlife refuge in North Merritt Island is an intrusion and environmental impact of extreme proportions. The port has stated the goal is to grow the cargo traffic 20 fold from the beginning of operations of 2 to 3 trains a week. That is 40 to 60 trains a week, an incredible impact to the quality of life on North Merritt Island. Now apparently "quality of life" is not a concern for the Port or the STB which is in my opinion irresponsible and a blatant disregard for the residents and impact on our property values. It would appear the greed of the Port in bringing in cargo business supercedes the impact on it's neighbors. The environmental concerns have been far better articulated by others more qualified to speak to these concerns but the impact to the lagoon and the wildlife refuge is catastrophic. Brevard county has spent millions of our tax dollars buying environmentally sensitive lands to protect them from development, residents follow numerous laws to protect the lagoon and yet, the Port is attempting to violate these protections and in essence saying: not us, we will file for permission to destroy what we need to for the Port's economic gain, we don't care about the impact. This is blatant greed, not a boon to the area, very few jobs will be gained in spite of their claims. In addition, there is the concern of security over thousands of uninspected cargo containers going through the lagoon and wildlife refuge as well as through the heart of the Kennedy Space Center within a few hundred feet of critical spaceflight hardware processing areas, and personnel office buildings. Only a small fraction of containers are ever inspected. Also, a potential exists for extreme environmental damage and human injury in the event of a train accident and spillage of hazardous cargo. Most Ports of this type in Florida are located far away from residential areas. Port Canaveral is trying to fit a Jacksonville size port in a Mayberry size town. It is apparent that alternatives to this plan have not been studied. A rail line along the SR528 corridor, already a busy traffic highway would appear to have far less environmental impact and actually less costly. Yes, there are homes along this route, but they are already in an existing high noise environment. Bottom line: The greed of the Port should not be allowed to trample the environment,wildlife, quality of life and the property values of hundreds of homeowners along this route. Would they be allowed to build a railroad through Yosemite, the Grand Canyon of any other significant protected lands? Of course not and this is no different. Protected is protected and must be enforced. This is a dangerous precedent if approve. Thank you."
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20782Michael G VidnovicDear Mr. Navecky, I am sure by now you have received reams of non-quantifiable, passioned comments regarding the proposed Kennedy Space Center – Port Canaveral rail line construction proposal. Most comments are centered on environmental impacts, cost, and negative impact to home values. It is a proven fact that I can hear the rail line activity on Route 1 between Titusville and Cocoa, a distance of over 5 miles, so the immediate impact to the Savannahs (less than a mile to the west of the proposed crossing) is significant, especially in the face of the current volume of train loads and future anticipated train loads. It will indeed have a negative impact on environment, property values, etc, let alone the cost of having to build the rail line across wetlands. Although there are currently two options being considered, I am proposing a third option for consideration that will somewhat neutralize the ire of Savannah's (adjacent community development to the west of the proposed crossing) residents, and eliminate the necessity of constructing a rail line crossing Hall Rd. - East. That is to vector a proposed route across the Banana River beginning at a point north of Kars Park (running southeast/northwest) to connect into Port Canaveral, as opposed to the currently being considered options of a direct east/west crossing south of Kars Park. I am not an engineer and couldn't tell you the economics of what I am proposing, though there has to be a positive cost impact to the reduction of the mentioned rail crossing at Hall Road (a safety/cost issue), disruption to Kars Park Campground, disruption/property value impact to Savannahs residents, and all that is involved within. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to voice my concerns over the proposed rail line construction and your consideration of my introduction of a third option. Sincerely, Michael G. VidnovicMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20781William BeckIf the Air Force can not be over-ridden by higher authority to allow the rail line to be routed down the coast, I agree with routing proposed by Dick Loewenstein. (i.e. SE diagonal) To minimize effects on the lagoon, the trestle should run completely across the lagoon.MERRITT IS, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20780Don RayI'm certain you know ALL the reasons why this rail proposal is a bunch of crap and absolutely unnecessary. Use of the EXISTING rail to the north of the port is not only cheaper and can be configured to ease any concerns for security of the Air Force. Save money and do the right thing by listening for once!Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentRosalie Foster · Titusville, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentLauren Milligan
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(printed as 12/18/2014)CommentEI-20767USFWS - Merritt Island NWRLayne Hamilton
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20779Judy McCluneyAs a taxpayer and resident of Brevard County I oppose the Port Canaveral rail link through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. This is public land, set aside as a protected place for wildlife, the public, and the national purpose of space exploration. Definite commitments were made as to how this land is to be used. They have legal protection. Nowhere does it commit them to private profit as the Port is proposing: using public land to benefit private industries. This is not the intent of the long-standing guarantees, and would no doubt wind up in court. Insofar as tax monies are used to maintain these lands it is also using tax dollars to benefit private industry which is illegal under Florida statutes. I urge you to deny any permissions to use Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and Space Center lands for transporting commercial cargo trains. As an agency of the government you should certainly protect public commitments and laws.Cocoa, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20778Tanya KnappmanMy husband and I are adamantly against the railway going through the wetlands and wildlife refuge. It decreases the value of our homes,causing noise and air pollution and ruining our pristine environment. This is all about money and greed. Please, please do not let this railway ruin our island.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20777William R. KleinThe proposed railroad will destroy the habitability of these environmentally sensitive lands (wetlands, marshes, breeding estuaries, etc.). There are 125 listed species of plants and animals on Merritt Island where the proposed railroad is to be built. (see http://www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr/ListedSpecies.html for details) . A total of 94 species that presently occur on the refuge have a Federal or State designation (i.e., T, E, BCC, SSC, or C). Of these species 50 are listed as State or Federal Threatened or Endangered plants and animals (22 animals and 28 plants) and 5 are plants that are listed by the State as Commercially Exploited". There are 22 additional plant species that have special designations (i.e., R, FNAI, FCREPA - listed by Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals ). Some plant species may have both a State and special designation. The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) needs to address each of these 125 species, establish a population of each, describe the anticipated effect of the loss of habitat, and proposed mitigation for each detrimental impact. The railroad must not damage habitat of any Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Species of Special Concern (SSC), Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC), Rare (R ), species is listed by Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), and species is listed by Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals (FCREPA). The railroad must be routed around any affected species with the above designations or if impossible all affected species must be removed and relocated to a suitable area. Develop an Environmental Monitoring Program that continuously monitors all waterways, ground water, air quality, and sentinel wildlife species for any and all chemical contamination. Annual and Quarterly Environmental Reports must be prepared for and evaluated by the EPA for every year of operation until the facilities are dismantled and the site is returned to the original undisturbed condition. Mitigation procedures must be developed for all accidents and possible chemical contamination events. The populations of all species listed with the above designations above must be monitored and reported to the EPA. If any of these species suffer decline, the railroad must be shutdown until the species recovers. The Railroad needs to restore an equivalent 10 times the area disrupted by the railroad. Unrestricted development has destroyed thousands of environmentally sensitive lands in the past and placed the Indian River Lagoon in a threatened state. Many species have become extinct around the Indian River Lagoon. Oysters and clams have been eliminated. Crabs have almost been eliminated and fishing has been greatly diminished due to unrestricted development. It is time to make Developers repair the damage and improve the area damaged by requiring an area equivalent to 10 times the area disrupted to be restored by the Developer."
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20776Timothy AndersonI am writing in protest and complete non-support of a railway from Port Canaveral that adds railway and crossings over the Banana River and over vast wetlands of North Merritt Island. The environmental threat to so many living inhabitants of both the land and river is huge. Not just from permanent construction projects but also from the catastrophic consequences of a spill of hazardous waste that could occur. Spills that could harm humans along with wildlife and poison the land for decades to come. On top of that, the potential threat of security and safety of our nation’s premier space launch sites and the invaluable jobs they support make this railway project unimaginably threatening to the people, environment and jobs of Brevard County, Florida. Indeed, the Kennedy Space Center is just too important of a national asset to put it and its employees at risk of harm from accidental spills and intentional acts of terrorism. This is the only space port in the United States of America that supports launching humans into space. It is simply not worth any added risk to use the Kennedy Space Center as a commercial shipping route for anyone from anywhere. I'm also hearing that the KSC evaluation of potential use of their existing railway would require significant and expensive upgrades that may not be known to all. Furthermore, the Banana River is way too delicate for this kind of large scale disruption. Several acres of filling in the river to create new land and building new crossing trestles would no doubt cause immense potential for damage to the river floor and the underwater grasses so vital to all of the river life that depend on them for their lifecycle. Then on to North Merritt Island, across so much natural wetlands that support a tremendous amount of wildlife and the water that is filtered into the Florida aquifer below. With many humans living within just a half of a mile or so, at great risk of harm from any potential hazardous waste spills along with the noise infringement. This land is just too fragile with so much natural and native animals and plants that could be harmed. An environment that protects land and river life for all Floridians and is part of the fast disappearing natural environments that help keep the planets climate stable. Just say no to a new railway tying Port Canaveral to Merritt Island. It is not worth the harm it would do to Brevard County’s natural environment; the Banana River and the wetlands of North Merritt Island. The people of Brevard do not need or want such an intrusion with so much potential harm. Port Canaveral does not have to be expanded. It does not have to become a bigger player in import/export of shipped goods. Just say no. If need be, hold a referendum for the voters of Brevard County to make it crystal clear that this is not in the best interest of Brevard County or the land and river environment that we steward over. And if forced to choose a route for a Port Canaveral railway, I am sure a route that follows SR 528 to US 1 would be the preferred route, regardless of the financial cost to build. Money that would just take a few years longer to recoup by the commercial entities involved.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20775Jon WindhorstRe: Proposed Port Canaveral Rail Project Many of the adverse environmental and community concerns could be eliminated by choosing a route north through the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. I think this alternative should be more seriously considered.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)Comment
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20773Margaret GiesenschlagThe seagrass in the Banana River and the entire IRL is severely impaired. Building a rail bridge across the Banana River will be detrimental to the recovery of seagrass. Please locate your rails on the 528 causeway.Melbourne, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20772TW BalkeFD 35852 W018992-111914 our is opposition" to the permit exemption regarding the Port Extension proposal to construct a railroad through the lagoon and wetlands of NMI and the MI Wildlife Refuge for cargo freight. Our “scoping comments” were requested and many have been voiced, again we repeat ours as property owners, and wildlife protection advocates. These areas a sanctuary to many endangered varieties of birds, turtles and other species. Another point is the flooding conditions that exist in this N Merritt Island area. We already experience conditions in non storm events that are health hazards and property devaluation. Impacting the balance that wildlife and land use for a railroad connection for any freight or transportation purpose is why our negative voice and written objection is provided to encourage your rejection of W018992-111914 in FD 35852 Thank you Pat & Ted Balke, owners at 690 E Crisafulli Rd Merritt Island Fl. 32953 Route selection through the lagoon, wetlands of NMI and the MI Wildlife Refuge must be rejected!!"
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20771Thomas FairMr. Navecky, My name is Thomas Fair and I'm a resident of the Savannahs at Sykes Creek community on Merritt Island. My wife and I moved here a little over 3 years ago to escape noise and commercialism. I am concerned not only with the train noise and vibration but also with the noise that loading and unloading the train cars will produce. Although the distance between us and the port encompasses some land, it is mostly water. Water does not absorb noise. Even though we have lived here for 3 plus years the boom boom boom of the drums coming from the port when bands are preforming continues to be annoying. I anticipate that loading and unloading train cars will only increase the noise polution. I grew up 1 1/2 blocks from a railroad and inspite of the port's claims to the contrary, railroads are noisy and homes reflect the vibration. The claim that there will only be 4 trains in each direction per week is poppycock. Please review the port officials plans for future growth and it will become apparent that the train traffic will have to increase exponentially. This alone, not to mention the construction of the rail bed will have an ever increasing adverse effect on the wildlife in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, some of which are on the threatened and endangered lists. I fish a lot in the Banana river and am very concerned that the proposed causeway will further degrade the fishery by causing the demise of the grasses needed to sustain the aquatic life. If it is decided to approve the killing of the Banana River estuary anyway, I would propose that the causway and bridge go from the Port to above Kars Park and remain close to the river. Although it will be more expensive, it will most likely have a lesser adverse effect on the property values of the communities which border or are in close proximity to the proposed rail line. I am told that one of the KSC projects was a research study for making a turning basin south of the VAB. The study is titled Feasibility Study, KSC Rail/Turn Basin Connection, PCN: 98965". My attempt to download and read it was blocked. I am led to believe the engineering summary stated that the KSC railroads were designed for "plant" use, NOT an intermodal railroad system and that the KSC railroads will have to comply with the Federal Railroad Administration and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Right-of-Way Association requirements, to include safety upgrades including road crossings. There were three options with a range of $23M to $26M. Is it possible that NASA and the Port are being mum about that until all of the approvals are done! Please include this study to help you in your decision to deny approval of the Port Canaveral rail extension. An individual in our community, Dale Corey, did an extensive report upon which I cannot improve so, I'm passing this on to you as an attachment. You will probably receive this report from other individuals as well. Thank you, Tom Fair"Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20770Carol FairMr. Navecky: I am attaching a file that was prepared by Dale Corey, another resident in my neighborhood, The Savannahs at Sykes Creek. She has prepared an excellent document that covers the issues at hand. I am including a few remarks of my own in an attempt to convey my concern for this project. My property is one of the closest to the proposed Port Canaveral Rail Extension and, as such, has me very concerned. We have only lived in this development for 3.5 years. The main reason we moved here was for the peace and quiet as well as the beautiful environmentally protected areas and ecosystems. I seriously doubt that the beginning traffic flow on this rail line of a few trains a week will be honored for long. I am loathe to think of the noise that will be created from the commercial ships loading and unloading. The thought that the port will be turned into a booming commercial shipping enterprise is disturbing. The RORO (Roll on, Roll off) of the ships carrying vehicles is one example of the noise pollution. The talk" of the area is how we will become the highest volume port on the East Coast for the vehicle ships and how many jobs will be created. It seems to me that the info we are being provided about the train traffic is bogus. I believe we are being horribly mislead and I challenge you to obtain the truth from the Port Officials. My husband and I spent Sunday at the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Preserve. We drove around enjoying the birds and alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Blackpoint Drive parallels the railroad and on any given day, there are many, many people out there enjoying nature, taking pictures and observing the wildlife. We hiked on Scrub Jay trail and watched those protected scrub jays flying around and chirping to each other. I don’t think those birds are going to appreciate train noise! I request that you make time for a visit and come spend a day and see for yourself the unspoiled areas that would be ruined by the rail extension project. There aren't many areas like this left in the world and it would be a waste to lose it to a railway. Thank you for reviewing all the comments provided on this project and I can only hope that the outcome is that the railway extension in our area is not approved."Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20766E.D. CookNewland, NC
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20765Bill MorrisCape Canaveral, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20763Corry WestbrookI request that impacts on endangered species, such as Florida scrub jays, manatees and sea turtles be taken into consideration while considering the bridge and train track options. Any impacts to water quality impacts to the Banana Rive must also be taken into consideration. Also - please consider running the tracks over Florida State Road 528 so we can see all options and all impacts and compare the different routes. Also, include the option of not building the bridge and train tracks. And, of course, include all impacts on public safety. Thank you!Vero Beach, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20748Deborah Longman-MarienRockledge, FL
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(printed as 12/17/2014)CommentEI-20747Arthur and Gloria Norton, Jr.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/16/2014)CommentEI-20762Earl McMillinCape Canaveral, FL
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(printed as 12/16/2014)CommentEI-20761Michael RaphaelMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/16/2014)CommentEI-20760John CielukowskiDear Mr. Navecky, I am writing to you over my concerns about the proposed rail line being considered by the Port Canaveral Authority through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. I am strongly opposed to this project, especially at time when our Government and political representatives should be doing everything in its power to protect and help recover the Indian River Lagoon from its present degraded state. Other important points to consider are: • This rail line and it construction will have a negative impact not only on the lagoon, but on all the wildlife at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, especially species of special concern, like the gopher tortoise and scrub jay. • This rail line will also negatively impact Kars Park, which is a beautiful park that provides camping and recreation opportunities to many people. • The added construction of a bridge to Port Canaveral will negatively impact existing pristine sea grass, fisheries and marine mammals, including dolphin and manatee. • The environmental health and safety aspects of this project are also a concern. Inevitably, besides the continual runoff and / or blow off from the rail cars, there will be spills onto environmentally sensitive lands and into the Indian River lagoon. • The noise and vibration from the rail cars will also have a negative impact on wildlife at the refuge. • The amount of rail transportation which initially is proposed will inevitably increase. In summary, please do not approve this project, which not only will destroy part of this beautiful refuge, but is further degrade the Indian River Lagoon. Sincerely, John CielukowskiCocoa Beach, FL
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(printed as 12/16/2014)Commentsee attached fileMitchell Roffer · West Melbourne, Fl
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(printed as 12/16/2014)CommentEI-20758University of Central FloridaThis is a follow-up to a letter from the Vice President for Research at UCF. Letter was FedEx shipped today. This letter expresses our concerns with the proposed rail routing.Robert Crabbs · Kennedy Space Center, Florida
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(printed as 12/16/2014)Comment
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(printed as 12/16/2014)CommentEI-20756Greg ZellerBoth the exponential growth of Port Canaveral and the slow demise of the Indian River Lagoon have been well documented in the media. Growth and money vs. the environment. As a local resident for the last 60 yrs. and living on the shores of the lagoon for the past 21 yrs., I see the recent changes and future plans for the port as a trend to attract tourists and cargo and not as a destination for local residents. Bringing jobs and money into the local economy of course is not a bad thing, but not at the expense of local taxpayers and an already very fragile ecosystem. A rail system across even a portion of this vulnerable habitat is not acceptable. Loss of seagrass, air pollution, noise, encroachment into local neighborhoods and impacts to wildlife are just a few of the overwhelming issues that make this railway totally ludicrous. Of the most concern to me is the impact on the lagoon. After all that has been reported by the scientific community about the poor health of this habitat, even the thought of building any type of structure through its sensitive waters is ridiculous. Something that no one has mentioned in the articles that I have read is the fact that train car suspensions, wheels and couplers require plenty of lubrication to keep them in proper working condition. Where do you think the excess oil and other lubricants are going to end up? They will make their way onto the tracks/trestles and be washed into the lagoon by rainfall. I'm no scientist, but I don't think it takes one to realize the potential disaster that this could bring. Homeowners on the lagoon have restrictions as to the size and design of docks/structures as to not harm current or future grass beds - how is it even possible that we could allow a structure such as a rail system to cross this fragile environment and destroy acres of grass beds. I sure hope cooler heads will prevail and other means will be sought to resolve this issue.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/16/2014)CommentEI-20755Roberta WisniowskiMy concerns are: 1. The new rail line either option 1 or 2 would have a detrimental effect on the Indian River Lagoon. At this point it is in a fragile state at best. This part of the lagoon is one of the last virtually untouched,seagrass strongholds. Will we loose the improving lagoon to backfill, train pilings and vibrations? Will our aquatic life be affected to and unneeded end? 2. Recreation in the Indian River Lagoon would be disrupted during the construction phase and also be an aesthetically un pleasing sight when the lift bridge is left in the upright position except when a train is crossing. This would not be a draw for our community in which outdoor activity is one of the most important draws to this part of Merritt Island. 3.Public Safety is my number one concern for options 1 and 2. I lived in Farragut TN a small municipality outside Knoxville on September 15, 2002. A derailment of 27 cars happened next to the water. Hazardous materials were released and 2600 people over a 4.4 mile area were evacuated for 3 days. The cost in 2014 dollars was $1,337,417,and untold misery. I said I would never live near a railing again so we searched for a 4home away from the tracks and now we have to fight for our community when there is another option that would be less intrusive and less expensive. The 528 corridor is already in place with some tracks and right of ways already there. 4. The wildlife: The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a prime scrub habitat of wildlife biodiversity that taxpayers have paid to protect. The rail line would cut through not only the scrub habitat but also could impact the wetlands habitat, the filter for the lagoon. Fill for the corridor could block the natural flow of the wetlands. According to FLORIDA TODAY the 100 foot wide corridor of the two proposed alignments would cross over and cover more than 40 acres of wetlands. The north most option across the Banana River would cross over a 46 acre strip of the river while the more southern option would span a 30 acre strip. 5. Air Quality is a real concern. We have been told that the newer trains meet much stricter pollution standards. This may be true but with this plan to locate the train it is still in my backyard and there is still polution wether it be air, noise, vibrations or any other health effect.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20754Margaret WilsonMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20746Richard LoewensteinMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20745David RustMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20744Lawrence BakerMims, FL
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20743Mark TurnerMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20742Angelo and Nesly FogliaMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/15/2014)CommentEI-20740Dr. M.H. WeisbergMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/14/2014)CommentEI-20753Robert BalesWhat about electrical energy Trains which are safe for the environment, like the subway's in New York or some of the trains on the east Coast. Also a route going straight from the Port of Canaveral running parallel with 528 to the switching yard at 528 and US I in cocoa. This would resolve all concerns for the Wildlife, Air, Public Safety, Recreation and the Indian River Lagoon. And if elevated next to bridges and overpasses would not interfere with public transportation, creating a more efficient route.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/14/2014)CommentEI-20752Cindy HolmesMerritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/13/2014)CommentEI-20751Vicki MurfinI do NOT support the Port Canaveral Rail Extension. This line would endanger the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and destroy seagrass in the Banana River ( the food for already struggling manatees).Cocoa Beach, FL
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(printed as 12/13/2014)CommentEI-20750Ray DickinsonI want to voice my opposition to the Port Canaveral rail line project through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Indian River Lagoon is already in an extremely fragile condition and this project will further degrade this precious ecosystem and will negatively affect wildlife including scrub jays, gopher tortoises, and marine mammals. The project will in addition be unsightly in an area known for its natural beauty. I urge to to please respect these habitats and stop this project.Cocoa Beach, FL
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(printed as 12/13/2014)CommentEI-20749NMIHOAI am strongly opposed to the proposed rail extension by the Port Authority through the Banana River section of the Indian River Lagoon, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in terms of Safety (Impact Category #2), Biological Resources (Impact Category #5), Water Resources (Impact Category #6), Land Use (Impact Category #3), and Cumulative Impacts (Impact Category #16). Safety: The North Merritt Island populated area proximal to the proposed rail extension in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge has been declared an Area of High Hazard Flooding Concern" since 1991. Were this surface water outflow to be obstructed, all residences and structures west of the proposed rail extension would be at risk for flooding in this most current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated Flood Zone Map (March 17, 2014). Water Resources: Important water resources including wetland and surface water systems, are located within the affected area. North Merritt Island is located proximal to the Indian River Lagoon Hydrologic Basin (IRLB). Biological Resources: The IRLB contains the Indian River Lagoon, which is the most diverse estuary in North America and designated as an estuary of national significance, suppotig multiple protected and endangered species. Important state and local resources are located within the IRLB including the Pine Island Conservation Area, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Banana River Aquatic Preserve. Wetland and surface water systems within these and other areas of North Merritt Island are hydrologically connected. These connected systems are important because they provide flood protection, water supply, aquifer recharge, pollutant and nutrient reduction, wildlife habitat, protected and endangered species, and other environmental and economic benefits. Land Use: The construction of a heavy cargo railroad proximal to a Recreation Park is incompatible with the existing land use patterns within the project area. Per NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 9050.6 (as revised), KARS Parks I & II were established as recreational facilities operated by the NASA Exchange Council of Kennedy Space Center for the efficiency, morale, and welfare of all NASA employees and retirees, their family members and guests, Government contract employees, and official visitors. The KARS Parks are operated and maintained by non-appropriated funds generated by the Exchange Stores, Child Development Center and KARS Park membership and facility usage fees. All reasonable efforts have been made to make facilities and services accessible to and usable by all visitors including those with disabilities. This recreational area has been a staple land use supporting the public for nearly 50 years. Cumulative Impacts : The proposed rail extension through the Banana River section of the Indian River Lagoon, the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and sensitive wetland, aquifer and surface water discharge ares is neither an "Overriding Public Benefit", "In the Best Public Interest", nor in the "Public Interest" as defined in the Brevard County Comprehensive Plan. Please consider the devastating impacts and probability of irreversible environmental damage of this proposal. Our community is strongly opposed to this project. Sincerely, Mary E. Hillberg MPA,BSN,RN,CCRN Elected member of the North Merritt Island Special Advisory Board Vice President North Merritt Island Homeowner Association 3780 Sierra Drive Merritt Island,FL 32953 321.453.0220 nmihoa1@earthlink.net"Mary Hillberg
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(printed as 12/12/2014)CommentEI-20739Rick PiperGiving approval to building RR causeways across the north end of the Banana River to Port Canaveral is a terrible blow to the Indian River Lagoon System which is already in environmental CRISIS. If you don't know whats already going on here FIND OUT. We are in the middle of an all hands on deck rescue effort to save the IR system because of an out of control condition of a chronic series of algae blooms that has generated massive devastating sea grass kills pushing the entire system close to a dying river lagoon system. One of the main CAUSES of this LIFE THREATENING situation our river/lagoon system is in is, ACCORDING TO ALL STUDIES, the interruption of Natural Circulation of the water DUE TO THE CAUSEWAYS THAT CUT THROUGH THE LAGOONS breaking down the flow of water and stagnating large areas that need circulation to fight the effects of our now chronic series of annual unnatural algae blooms, that cause the deaths of thousands of life forms native to the river/lagoon system... including dolphins, manatees, seabirds and millions of fish. YOU want to allow Port Canaveral to build new causeways cutting the river AGAIN into more stagnant areas????? So some businesses can make more money??? While exponentially making it harder for the COMMUNITY TO SAVE OUR RIVER???? ARE YOU BOUGHT AND PAID FOR??? This is nothing short of corruption and a total disregard for the environmental crisis that WE WHO LIVE HERE ARE FIGHTING. IF YOU believe this is a GOOD IDEA, then YOU ARE EITHER CORRUPT OR DELUSIONAL. DO YOUR JOB and STOP THIS PROJECT!!!cocoa beach, florida
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(printed as 12/12/2014)CommentEI-20738Kurt HartmanI have worked in the maritime industry for over 25 years in the following ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Miami, Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach, Honolulu, New Haven CT, Bass Harbor ME, Key West and Port Canaveral. I carried many certifications as a member of the United States Coast Guard such as Federal Boarding Officer, Pollution Investigator, Container Inspector, Special Deputy United States Marshal for Port Security and Search and Rescue Coordinator. I spent 3 years in Port Everglades inspecting containers and a large volume of containers have violations concerning hazardous materials and improperly packaged break bulk and bulk items. I own wetlands on north Merritt Island (3 acres)and I am very restricted to (1/8 acre) because of environmental impact and they want to run a railway through the same area. I had to remove every pepper tree, are they going to do the same for the thousands of acres they intend to pass through? What happens during migratory season or mating season? What happens during a derailment, how do they access the area, cannot access by land and the water is only inches deep for the first 100 yards off shore and a foot for the next several hundred years. The fact is they will have no idea what is in the containers 99% of the time and they will continue to ask for more and more activity once this approved. The lagoon is already threatened as well as the wildlife in the area. This will have a greater impact on air quality then just the rail service. Container ships do not wait for cargo, cargo waits for ships and once it arrives it requires Mules (trucks) to move the containers to storage yards awaiting inbound and outbound transit. Let them build a rail yard in the industrial area of Cocoa where the tracks are already in place.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/11/2014)CommentEI-20737Gwendolyn Lavigne
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(printed as 12/10/2014)CommentTimothy Parsons
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(printed as 12/10/2014)CommentEI-20723Heather Bennett
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(printed as 12/10/2014)CommentEI-20720Ron BobayTitusville, FL
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(printed as 12/10/2014)CommentEI-20719Clarence and Mary PosserMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/9/2014)Comment
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(printed as 12/9/2014)CommentJennifer Goff · Tallahassee, FL
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(printed as 12/9/2014)CommentEI-20699Savannahs HomeownersDave S. Holmes · Merritt island, Florida
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(printed as 12/9/2014)CommentEO-2431Federal and State AgenciesFederal and State Agency Attendees of Scoping Mtg
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(printed as 12/8/2014)CommentEI-21213Anthony DuttonPlease consider the effect, during construction, on the entrance and exit of marine life from the upper Banana River. (Biological Resources)Melbourne, Florida
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(printed as 12/8/2014)Comment
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(printed as 12/8/2014)CommentEI-20697Sue FordMy name is Sue Ford and I am a former Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner, elected in 1984 and 1988. As a resident of North Merritt and a former Port Commissioner, I have strong concerns about the impacts of this project on our sensitive environment and the impacts on local residents and their property values. First, if the Port believes that they must have a connection to the Florida East Coast Railway, the only plan that makes any sense is the plan that goes North of the Port on to The USAF Station to connect to Kennedy Space Center's rail that comes almost to the Coast. This would be the least miles of new rail, with less cost, and NO impact to local residents and their property values. The environment is also far less sensitive as I believe it is high and dry. The plan that has been chosen would cause environmental degradation in many ways: 1. A bridge and partial causeway in the only pristine area of The Indian River Lagoon (where even motor boats can't go) would do tremendous damage to the entire Lagoon. This is and has been the spawning area of the Lagoon for many years, and some of the fish do make their way South and into other parts of the Lagoon. Also their is valuable wetlands along this area that filter runoff like nature intended. The development of a bridge and causeway would do tremendous damage alone. However, blocking the fish from swimming south would be detrimental to the whole Lagoon. Also, this comes at a time when the rest of the Lagoon is in very poor condition and state voters just voted (75% of the vote) to spend money to clean up the Indian River Lagoon. One part of government is going to clean up the problem while another part of government is harming it. I don't think that this will make any sense to the 75% of environmental voters in Florida. 2. To run rail tracks north to connect with KSC's rail spur on Merritt Island will majorly impact very substantial wetlands along the Banana River that filter the runoff before it goes into the river. This is another reason the river is so pristine in this area, along with there being no development on either side. Local fisherman and tourist will tell you how many fish can be caught there and how large they can be for those that are in shape enough to paddle to that area. Whether they fill the wetlands or try to run a bridge over them, would all be detrimental to this pristine part of the Lagoon. Development and the removal of wetlands in many other parts of the Lagoon has caused the problems of poor water quality, less grass beds, and deaths of marine life, including dolphins and manatees. 3. For those that say this will be of public good, I question that. As it is local residents do NOT feel that we get any benefit of having a Port in our area. We no longer even get the benefit of buying seafood cheaper like in the past. I am sure that the Port will be spouting about how many dollars and jobs this will bring to our area. One report that I read said 200+ jobs for construction of the project and 5 permanent jobs. That won't really impress a lot of people. I would believe that the money we could loose from tourists and snowbirds coming to the area would far out weigh what they could bring in. 4. Property values and noise and inconvenience to local residents must be addressed also. Definitely The Savannahs (with a Public golf course) will be affected. Having a train, any days of the week, 1/8 of a mile away will impact the property values of those beautiful homes. I am a licensed real estate agent in the state of Florida and was a Realtor, (selling property) until 2008 when I retired. I am very familiar with this area and it's property values. There are other subdivisions and individual homes that will be affected along the route to KSC also. 5. Brevard County is beautiful because of the Indian River Lagoon and our beaches. If we keep destroying our Lagoon tourist, snow birds, and even residents may find somewhere else to go. These are our natural resources that bring the majority of our money to Brevard County. Man and government has done everything in their power to destroy these valuable assets. I grew up in Cocoa Beach and watched them expand land in Cocoa Beach by filling the Lagoon and developing along most of it's shoreline. They destroyed most of the wetlands. I remember when they filled land where Merritt Square Mall now sits. Anyone that has been here as long as I have could tell you how beautiful it was in the 1950s and 1960s. The marine life was abundant and the water clean. My father would get oysters out of the river and eat them raw. However, at least they had the excuse back then that they didn't know any better. No one has that excuse today. Let me also remind you that this is a Lagoon (one of a kind). It has no current because it is a lagoon, not rivers! Due to the man-made locks, it has no tidal flow! All run-off that goes in, stays!!! 6. Another concern is about money and tax dollars. The present Port Director (on the Port's website) says that this whole project will cost 1 Billion dollars! (with a B) I am concerned that the Port will be getting too deep into debt. Canaveral Port Authority is still a taxing authority. If that were to occur, they could go back to the Public (1/2 of the county homeowners and businesses) and create a new property tax. As a Commissioner that fought to discontinue this tax in 1986, I would oppose such a proposal. Our Port is making money and doing well with the present businesses of Cruise Ships, restaurants, parks (one left) and more touristy type businesses. The Port is the second largest cruise ship port in the world. That is quite an accomplishment! (especially due to the small amount of land available. I personally, pushed hard for this type of business as a Port Commissioner in the 1980s because of our sensitive lands and an abutting city. I do NOT want to see Port Commissioners today make the same mistakes of the past by filling lands (50 acres in Banana River and 100 acres in Indian River) and further destroying our environment in order to create more land for business. (filling of the 150 acres in lagoon also in the present Port Director's comments on this project) 7. My last concern is about the way that this huge project is being phased out. If government agencies only approve/disapprove this project in phases and don't look at the whole thing. This is unfair to the public! This is a major project of substantial impact to the Port, our county, and our quality of life. The whole project should be evaluated in its entirety! I hope that all the agencies involved will understand the impact of this whole project on our environment and our lives in Brevard. Please do NOT allow one government agency to make the mistakes of the past. The real solution is the plan going north with the rail to the USAFS!!! Sincerely, Sue Ford © 2014 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/8/2014)CommentEI-20695Anthony DuttonPlease consider the effect, during construction, on the entrance and exit of marine life from the upper Banana River. (Biological Resources)Melbourne, Florida
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(printed as 12/8/2014)CommentEI-20694Norval MartinPlease see attached file with our opposition to the proposed new rail line from Port Canaveral through Merritt Island. Docket: FD 35852Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/8/2014)CommentEI-20693Sam LewellenDave, I live in the nearest development to the proposed rail system on Merritt Island, Savannahs. This rail extension would be less than a mile from our development as well as a new development nearby. The sound would significantly impact our peaceful community. In addition, there are many species of animals that are in that area that would be impacted, including a bald eagle. The KARS park that will adjacent to the rail hosts sports, camping, and other recreational activities that would be adversely affected. As a retired NASA employee, I was aware of an alternate proposed years ago that looked into going up Cape Canaveral and going west parallel to the NASA causeway, utilizing some existing rail. Suggest you make sure this concept has been revisited. Thank you for considering my comments.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/7/2014)CommentEI-20692Holly LorenzMy husband and I oppose the proposal to extend the rail line down Through Merritt Island to the Port. Although their may be needs, other alternatives farther north should be explored. The county and government have extended extensive money into cleaning up the Banana River lagoon over the next 10 years and this goes directly against that effort. There are also additional safety issues bringing this railway so close to residential areas when there are other alternatives. Please explore the northern route to the port that keeps it away from residential areas and lessens the impact to our environment, keeps our recreational areas and safety.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/6/2014)CommentEI-20691Vallie RoseMr. Navecky, I read the Port Canaveral Rail Extension Environmental Impact Statement and been informed by a neighbor who attended the Public Scoping Meeting. I would like to express my concern about this proposed project. This project could negatively effect the environment with noise pollution, disturb the wildlife in this nature preserve, as well as devalue the properties in the area. The Kennedy Space Center Nature Preserve is a beautiful, peaceful environment that will not benefit from industrialization. There are also safety concerns due to the fact that less than 5% of cargo containers transported are ever inspected. Human trafficking via cargo containers is a real danger. It would be devastating to our community to provide potential for this kind of activity literally in our own backyard. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you regarding this matter. Sincerely, Vallie RoseMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/6/2014)CommentEI-20690Dale Elizabeth CoreyPlease see the attached file for my comments regarding the Port Canaveral Rail Extension Environmental Impact Statement. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dale Elizabeth CoreyMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/6/2014)CommentEI-20689Julie MartinezI just want to say that as a resident of Merritt Island , that i DO NOT want this railway. This intended area is our wildlife refuge and areas that need to be protected and not destroyed. We have been managing getting cargo, people, etc to the port just fine the way things are. Please do not destroy the beautiful setting we have now. We LOVE our island the way it is, The peace, the quiet, the wildlife, the beauty.. NO ONE wants a loud train destroying that. Like I said, We have gotten things to the port just fine, keep things the way they are. I work in the medical field and a lot of people are talking about this and against it...Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 12/5/2014)CommentEI-20682Maralyn FowlerMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/5/2014)CommentEO-2430Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 12/4/2014)CommentEI-20688Shelly WilliamsonAs residents of The Savannahs and North Merritt Island, we strongly oppose the proposed rail construction project. We live in a peaceful community surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty. This project will be detrimental to our quality of life on many levels. I understand the reason behind this proposal but this is not an adequate solution by any means. Thank You, Shelly and Jay WilliamsonMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/4/2014)CommentEI-20687Julie ColomboWe say NO to the Rail Road. It would affect the Island that we live on Greatly!!! Killing the fish....we already have Lagoon Problems and do not want the railroad.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/4/2014)CommentEI-20681Florida TodayJim Waymer
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(printed as 12/3/2014)CommentEI-20680David F SintonImpact #5 Please assess the impact of this proposal on the spawning habits the Red DrumMelbourne Village, Florida
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(printed as 12/2/2014)CommentEI-20679Michael PlanteRE: Environmental Filing, Docket No FD 35852 Hello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The numbers of issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Biological Resources: The Banana River NMZ (No-Motor-Zone) and adjacent Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a very unique area. This north stretch of the Banana River Lagoon is a pristine depiction of the lagoons natural state. Shorelines of the NMZ managed to not be developed for commercial or residential use due to NASA and CCAFS operations. These waters are the home of the only redfish known to breed inshore. These along with other species utilize small sections of these areas throughout their entire life cycles. What impacts will the current placement have on these unique schools of redfish? How will the rail line affect breeding, daily movements, migrations, feeding, and dispersal of young redfish that are vital to our recreational and charter fishing industries? How will this planned rail affect fish like the Shortnose Sturgeon, American Eel, Green Moray, Spotted Moray, Thread Eel, Goldspotted Eel, Shrimp Eel, Mangrove Rivulus, Reef Silverside, Brook Silverside, Rough Silverside, Tidewater Silverside, Penninsula Silverside, Atlantic Needlefish, Redfin Needlefish, Houndfish, Sheepshead Minnow, Goldspotted Killifish, Golden Topminnow, Marsh Killifish, Gulf Killifish, Mummichog, Longnose Killifish, Flagfish, Bluefin Killifish, Rainwater Killifish, Atlantic Flyingfish, Northern Halfbeak, Halfbeak, Mosquitofish, Least Killifish, Sailfin Molly, Guppy, Swordtail, Platy, Sunset Platy, Inshore Lizardfish, Snakefish, Oyster Toadfish, Yellowfin Menhaden, Atlantic Menhaden, False Pilchard, Redear Sardine, Scaled Sardine, Dwarf Herring, Atlantic Thread Herring, Spanish Sardine, Cuban Anchovy, Striped Anchovy, Bigeye Anchovy, Dusky Anchovy, Bay Anchovy, Bonefish, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Marginate Cusk-Eel, Bluespotted Cornetfish, Pugnose Pipefish, Lined Seahorse, Longsnout Seahorse, Dwarf Seahorse, Opossum Pipefish, Dusky Pipefish, Northern Pipefish, Chain Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Skilletfish, Longnose Gar, Florida Gar, Dwarf Frogfish, Splitlure Frogfish, Sargassumfish, Ocean Surgeon, Doctorfish, Barred Cardinalfish, Flamefish, Twospot Cardinalfish, Blackfin Cardinalfish, Conchfish, Striped Blenny, Florida Blenny, Pearl Blenny, Oyster Blenny, Barred Blenny, Crested Blenny, Highfin Blenny, Seaweed Blenny, Molly Miller, Spotted Dragonet, African Pompano, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Crevalle Jack, Horse-Eye Jack, Bar Jack, Atlantic Bumper, Leatherjacket, Bigeye Scad, Atlantic Moonfish, Lookdown, Florida Pompano, Permit, Bluespotted Sunfish, Swordspine Snook, Fat Snook, Tarpon Snook, Common Snook, Foureye Butterflyfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish, Bigeye Stargazer, Sand Stargazer, Arrow Stargazer, Masked Stargazer, Saddle Stargazer, Sharksucker, Atlantic Spadefish, Irish Pompano, Striped Mojarra, Rhomboid Mojarra, Spotfin Mojarra, Silver Jenny, Bigeye Mojarra, Slender Mojarra, Mottled Mojarra, Yellowfin Mojarra, River Goby, Nothchtongue Goby, Frillfin Goby, Bridled Goby, Lyre Goby, Goldspot Goby, Darter Goby, Blackbar Goby, Highfin Goby, Slashcheek Goby, Seaboard Goby, Code Goby, Tiger Goby, Smallmouth Grunt, French Grunt, Spanish Grunt, Cottonwick, Sailors Choice,White Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Pigfish, Burro Grunt, Spotfin Wrasse, Dwarf Wrasse, Slippery Dick, Pearly Razorfish, Bluehead, Palehead Blenny, Hairy Blenny, Blenny, Blackfin Blenny, Saddle Blenny, Checkered Blenny, Tripletail, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Cubera Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mohogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Pugjaw Wormfish, Striped Mullet, White Mullet, Redeye Mullet, Fantail Mullet, Spotted Goatfish, Spotfin Jawfish, Ocellated Jawfish, Swamp Darter, Atlantic Threadfin, Little Scale Threadfin, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, Night Sergeant, Dusky Damselfish, Bicolor Damselfish, Cocoa Damselfish, Bluefish, Princess Parrotfish, Redtail Parrotfish, brown shrimp, grass shrimp, fiddler crab, blue crab, Bucktooth Parrotfish, Redfin Parrotfish, Silver Perch, Striped Croaker, Spotted Seatrout, Silver Seatrout, Weakfish, High Hat, Spot fish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish, Northern Kingfish, Atlantic Croaker, Black Drum, Star Drum, Sand Drum, Little T unny, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cero Mackerel, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Humpback Grouper, Dwarf Sand Perch, Sand Perch, Coney, Jewfish/Goliath grouper, Red Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Barred Hamlet, Butter Hamlet, Black Grouper, Gag; Gray Grouper, Scamp, Whitespotted Soapfish, Greater Soapfish, Lantern Bass, Belted Sandfish, Sheepshead, Sea Bream, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Silver Porgy, Spottail Pinfish, Pinfish, Scup, Great Barracuda, Northern Sennet, Man-of-war Fish, Northern Harvestfish, Butterfish, Atlantic Cutlassfish, Southern Stargazer, Eyed Flounder, Twospot Flounder, Gulf Stream Flounder, Sand Whiff, Spotted Whiff, Bay Whiff, Fringed Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Summer Flounder, Southern Flounder, Flounder, Channel Flounder, Blackcheek Tonguefish, Hogchoker, Red Lionfish, Barbfish, Scorpionfish, Plumed Scorpionfish, Spotted Scorpionfish, Shortfin Searobin, Striped Searobin, Blackwing Searobin, Leopard Searobin, Bighead Searobin, Hardhead (Sea) Catfish, Gafftopsail Catfish, Brown Hoplo, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Tadpole Madtom, Dotterel Filefish, Orange Filefish, Filefish, Gray Triggerfish, Ocean Triggerfish, Fringed Filefish, Planehead Filefish, Ocean Sunfish, Honeycomb Cowfish, Scrawled Trunkfish, Trunkfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Bridled Burrfish, Striped Burrfish, Porcupinefish, Balloonfish, Smooth Puffer, Northern Puffer, Southern Puffer, Bandtail Puffer, or Checkerd Puffer as they breed, visit, and move around our waters? We want you to take into consideration even the smallest fishes as they are all vital to the web of life in our lagoons. Along with the boney fishes of the lagoon we also have many other creatures. How will this current rail plan affect sharks and rays like the Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Sandbar Shark, Tiger Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Lemon Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Nurse Shark, Southern Stingray, Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingray, Smooth Butterfly Ray, Atlantic Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Bullnose Ray, Sourthern Eagle Ray, Cownose Ray, Smalltooth Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, Atlantic Guitarfish, and Lesser Electric Ray as they move, breed, and utilize the waters ? We also have an amazing amount of turtles and marine mammals. How will the potential for less available seagrass and with that less food for the threatened Florida Manatee? How will that lack of seagrass affect the bait fish populations that bottlenose dolphins rely on? How will this rail line as planned affect the manatee/bottlenose dolphin migrations and daily movement patters? Will the increased noise, vibration, and other ecological issues affect manatee/bottlenose dolphin breeding? Do trains affect bottlenose dolphin’s echolocation? How will this planned rail line affect the Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Atlantic Ridley, Leatherback as they feed and move through the lagoon? Will the American alligators that live and breed in the path of this rail line be affected? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouDeland, FL
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(printed as 12/2/2014)CommentEI-20678Andrew CilentiMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/2/2014)CommentTimothy Parsons
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(printed as 12/1/2014)CommentEI-20677John Durkee Jr.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/1/2014)CommentEI-20676Richard & Lisa RyalsMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 12/1/2014)CommentEI-20675John KumiskiChuluota, FL
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(printed as 11/30/2014)CommentEI-20664Gary McLearenMr. Dave Navecky Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423-0001 Attn: Environmental Filing, Docket No. FD 35852 Dear Mr. Navecky, The Canaveral Port Authority wants to expand its operations and believes it needs a new rail line. An obvious first question is, is an expanded cargo operation at the Port in the best interests of the citizens of Brevard County and the state of Florida? Will Port expansion improve our quality of life in any way besides adding a few jobs? The Banana River Lagoon has been horribly abused over the past 100 years or so. Numerous dredge and fill projects (including the original creation of the Port), “reclamation” of marsh lands, used as a dumping area for storm drains and drainage canals, docks, seawalls, etc., all have taken a toll on the water quality of the lagoon and the wild things that live there. Will the proposed project improve the health of the Banana River Lagoon in any way? Or will the dredge and fill construction of yet another causeway and a trestle bridge increase the sediment load, decrease the flow of water, and cause yet more loss of biodiversity? The water problems in the lagoon the past several summers have been well documented. Algae blooms have caused massive die-off of seagrass beds. Pelican, fish, dolphin, and manatee deaths have all spiked because of this. Again, will the proposed project help the water quality of the lagoon in any way? The Port Authority seems to think more is better. More in this case seems to be more noise, more pollution, more people, more congestion, more traffic, more crime, more problems. Wildlife loses out (it doesn’t vote or make campaign contributions). Those of us who fish, hike, paddle, and bird watch at wild places keep getting more and more crowded together. No one is building any more wild places! The lagoon in the area of the proposed rail causeway is a Federal manatee refuge. Building a causeway here would seem to be an incompatible use. The west shoreline of the lagoon, near which eight noisy, smelly trains a week would pass, is heavily used by both wildlife and paddlers. Wildlife loses yet another place to live, and paddlers lose one of the few magnificent semi-wilderness experiences left in Florida. Someone makes a bunch of money, though, so it’s OK. I do not like the idea of expanded Port cargo operations. But if a rail line must be built, couldn’t the already present causeway used by SR 528 be utilized? It would certainly lessen the environmental impact of the project. Thank you for your consideration. I will be watching with keen interest as the process unfolds. All the best- Gary McLearenOrlando, Florida
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(printed as 11/29/2014)CommentEI-20671Space Coast Kayak AnglersHello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The numbers of issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Biological Resources: The Banana River NMZ (No-Motor-Zone) and adjacent Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a very unique area. This north stretch of the Banana River Lagoon is a pristine depiction of the lagoons natural state. Shorelines of the NMZ managed to not be developed for commercial or residential use due to NASA and CCAFS operations. These waters are the home of the only redfish known to breed inshore. These along with other species utilize small sections of these areas throughout their entire life cycles. What impacts will the current placement have on these unique schools of redfish? How will the rail line affect breeding, daily movements, migrations, feeding, and dispersal of young redfish that are vital to our recreational and charter fishing industries? How will this planned rail affect fish like the Shortnose Sturgeon, American Eel, Green Moray, Spotted Moray, Thread Eel, Goldspotted Eel, Shrimp Eel, Mangrove Rivulus, Reef Silverside, Brook Silverside, Rough Silverside, Tidewater Silverside, Penninsula Silverside, Atlantic Needlefish, Redfin Needlefish, Houndfish, Sheepshead Minnow, Goldspotted Killifish, Golden Topminnow, Marsh Killifish, Gulf Killifish, Mummichog, Longnose Killifish, Flagfish, Bluefin Killifish, Rainwater Killifish, Atlantic Flyingfish, Northern Halfbeak, Halfbeak, Mosquitofish, Least Killifish, Sailfin Molly, Guppy, Swordtail, Platy, Sunset Platy, Inshore Lizardfish, Snakefish, Oyster Toadfish, Yellowfin Menhaden, Atlantic Menhaden, False Pilchard, Redear Sardine, Scaled Sardine, Dwarf Herring, Atlantic Thread Herring, Spanish Sardine, Cuban Anchovy, Striped Anchovy, Bigeye Anchovy, Dusky Anchovy, Bay Anchovy, Bonefish, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Marginate Cusk-Eel, Bluespotted Cornetfish, Pugnose Pipefish, Lined Seahorse, Longsnout Seahorse, Dwarf Seahorse, Opossum Pipefish, Dusky Pipefish, Northern Pipefish, Chain Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Skilletfish, Longnose Gar, Florida Gar, Dwarf Frogfish, Splitlure Frogfish, Sargassumfish, Ocean Surgeon, Doctorfish, Barred Cardinalfish, Flamefish, Twospot Cardinalfish, Blackfin Cardinalfish, Conchfish, Striped Blenny, Florida Blenny, Pearl Blenny, Oyster Blenny, Barred Blenny, Crested Blenny, Highfin Blenny, Seaweed Blenny, Molly Miller, Spotted Dragonet, African Pompano, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Crevalle Jack, Horse-Eye Jack, Bar Jack, Atlantic Bumper, Leatherjacket, Bigeye Scad, Atlantic Moonfish, Lookdown, Florida Pompano, Permit, Bluespotted Sunfish, Swordspine Snook, Fat Snook, Tarpon Snook, Common Snook, Foureye Butterflyfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish, Bigeye Stargazer, Sand Stargazer, Arrow Stargazer, Masked Stargazer, Saddle Stargazer, Sharksucker, Atlantic Spadefish, Irish Pompano, Striped Mojarra, Rhomboid Mojarra, Spotfin Mojarra, Silver Jenny, Bigeye Mojarra, Slender Mojarra, Mottled Mojarra, Yellowfin Mojarra, River Goby, Nothchtongue Goby, Frillfin Goby, Bridled Goby, Lyre Goby, Goldspot Goby, Darter Goby, Blackbar Goby, Highfin Goby, Slashcheek Goby, Seaboard Goby, Code Goby, Tiger Goby, Smallmouth Grunt, French Grunt, Spanish Grunt, Cottonwick, Sailors Choice,White Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Pigfish, Burro Grunt, Spotfin Wrasse, Dwarf Wrasse, Slippery Dick, Pearly Razorfish, Bluehead, Palehead Blenny, Hairy Blenny, Blenny, Blackfin Blenny, Saddle Blenny, Checkered Blenny, Tripletail, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Cubera Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mohogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Pugjaw Wormfish, Striped Mullet, White Mullet, Redeye Mullet, Fantail Mullet, Spotted Goatfish, Spotfin Jawfish, Ocellated Jawfish, Swamp Darter, Atlantic Threadfin, Little Scale Threadfin, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, Night Sergeant, Dusky Damselfish, Bicolor Damselfish, Cocoa Damselfish, Bluefish, Princess Parrotfish, Redtail Parrotfish, brown shrimp, grass shrimp, fiddler crab, blue crab, Bucktooth Parrotfish, Redfin Parrotfish, Silver Perch, Striped Croaker, Spotted Seatrout, Silver Seatrout, Weakfish, High Hat, Spot fish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish, Northern Kingfish, Atlantic Croaker, Black Drum, Star Drum, Sand Drum, Little T unny, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cero Mackerel, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Humpback Grouper, Dwarf Sand Perch, Sand Perch, Coney, Jewfish/Goliath grouper, Red Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Barred Hamlet, Butter Hamlet, Black Grouper, Gag; Gray Grouper, Scamp, Whitespotted Soapfish, Greater Soapfish, Lantern Bass, Belted Sandfish, Sheepshead, Sea Bream, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Silver Porgy, Spottail Pinfish, Pinfish, Scup, Great Barracuda, Northern Sennet, Man-of-war Fish, Northern Harvestfish, Butterfish, Atlantic Cutlassfish, Southern Stargazer, Eyed Flounder, Twospot Flounder, Gulf Stream Flounder, Sand Whiff, Spotted Whiff, Bay Whiff, Fringed Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Summer Flounder, Southern Flounder, Flounder, Channel Flounder, Blackcheek Tonguefish, Hogchoker, Red Lionfish, Barbfish, Scorpionfish, Plumed Scorpionfish, Spotted Scorpionfish, Shortfin Searobin, Striped Searobin, Blackwing Searobin, Leopard Searobin, Bighead Searobin, Hardhead (Sea) Catfish, Gafftopsail Catfish, Brown Hoplo, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Tadpole Madtom, Dotterel Filefish, Orange Filefish, Filefish, Gray Triggerfish, Ocean Triggerfish, Fringed Filefish, Planehead Filefish, Ocean Sunfish, Honeycomb Cowfish, Scrawled Trunkfish, Trunkfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Bridled Burrfish, Striped Burrfish, Porcupinefish, Balloonfish, Smooth Puffer, Northern Puffer, Southern Puffer, Bandtail Puffer, or Checkerd Puffer as they breed, visit, and move around our waters? We want you to take into consideration even the smallest fishes as they are all vital to the web of life in our lagoons. Along with the boney fishes of the lagoon we also have many other creatures. How will this current rail plan affect sharks and rays like the Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Sandbar Shark, Tiger Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Lemon Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Nurse Shark, Southern Stingray, Atlantic Stingray, Bluntnose Stingray, Smooth Butterfly Ray, Atlantic Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Bullnose Ray, Sourthern Eagle Ray, Cownose Ray, Smalltooth Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, Atlantic Guitarfish, and Lesser Electric Ray as they move, breed, and utilize the waters ? We also have an amazing amount of turtles and marine mammals. How will the potential for less available seagrass and with that less food for the threatened Florida Manatee? How will that lack of seagrass affect the bait fish populations that bottlenose dolphins rely on? How will this rail line as planned affect the manatee/bottlenose dolphin migrations and daily movement patters? Will the increased noise, vibration, and other ecological issues affect manatee/bottlenose dolphin breeding? Do trains affect bottlenose dolphin’s echolocation? How will this planned rail line affect the Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Atlantic Ridley, Leatherback as they feed and move through the lagoon? Will the American alligators that live and breed in the path of this rail line be affected? I also ask that you look at the research of Dr. Grant Gilmore carefully as he has proven that the sounds of trains is the number one most destructive sound/type of pollution/danger to the breeding seatrout, which live and breed on the very flats you are currently proposing placing the rail. His research shows without a doubt that the sound of trains is highly disruptive to their breeding patterns, as the females often turn to the train rather than the male trout. This could have a severe impact on the health of the seatrout population in the north Banana River and No Motor Zone, a renowned spot for large breeder seatrout. As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouTammy Wilson · Cocoa, FL - Florida
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(printed as 11/28/2014)Comment
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(printed as 11/26/2014)CommentEI-20669No Fill No KillEnvironmental Filing, Docket No FD 35852 Hello Mr. Dave Navecky, I am writing the STB in concern over the Port Canaveral Cargo Rail Extension in its current proposed state. The issues I have with this plan are numerous, but I would appreciate if you address these specific concerns in your final draft of the EIS. Our non-tidal lagoons (banana and Indian River), Manatee Preserve, and Wildlife Refuge that will be affected by this plan are local economic engines and precious. These areas attract visitors and greatly improve the quality of life for our residents. Recreation: The waters around and in the path of the rail plan in its current state are commonly used for recreation by locals and visitors. How will this rail affect the islands popular for swimming, fishing, and boating? What will be the plan for returning these areas to a usable condition in case of spill? How will the schedule affect usage during construction and operations? How will this operation affect the passage of vessels to the Canaveral lock during construction and operation? Will this impede sail boat traffic to the No-Motor-Zone (NMZ)? Will this impede access of non-motorized vessels to the East Side launch of the NMZ? How will this plan affect passage on the West shore adjacent to the NMZ? Will Kayakers and canoers be forced to the middle (bridge) of a dangerous open river to get from one side to the other on both the west and east shores? Noise and Vibration: All of the land that the current rail plan will be building on and converting into industrial (RAIL) use is part of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. This ecological gem generates a large boost for our economy with (but not limited to) fishing, birding, hiking, biking, boating, eco-tour, kayaking, and wildlife drive activities. How will this noise from the projected plans affect visitors to the natural areas? Will prime wildlife viewing areas be affected by noise of this plan? Will the KARS Park area be severely affected by the noise and vibration of passing trains? How will neighborhoods on north Merritt Island and other towns down-rail be negatively affected buy new rail noise or increased rail traffic in already developed sections? I would also like to know what affects these vibrations and noise have on shore birds like Great Egret, osprey, bald eagle, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Least Bittern, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, Ibis, Belted Kingfisher? This includes feeding, breeding, nesting, and roosting pattern interruptions. How does the vibration affect breeding boney fishes like the Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, sea robin, and tripletail? How will reduced breeding affect tourism, recreational, charter, commercial fishing industries? Economic: Florida’s 2.7 million acres of seagrass supports both commercial and recreational fisheries that provide a wealth of benefits to the state’s economy. Adding the economic value of the nutrient cycling function of seagrasses, commercial harvests, eco-tourism, and the value of recreational/charter fisheries the FDEP has estimated that each acre of seagrass in Florida has an economic value of approximately $20,500 per year. Adding to that, the realization that the north Banana River is the last stronghold of healthy on the entirety of that lagoon; the $20,500 would certainly grow to an unknown number! Many of our lagoon seagrass beds have vanished or are vanishing at an alarming rate! What is the economic impact of the seagrass beds that will be covered or filled over by the construction of this railway? What are the projected economic loses from a spill of the expected cargo (and future potential cargo) due to seagrass loss? What will the lack of flow from any earthen causeway do to this vital link in the lagoons chain? What impact will loss of seagrass in the north banana river lagoon have on the lagoon in its entirety? What impacts will the loss of this habitat so close to port Canaveral have on offshore species of fish like cobia, triple tail, mangrove snapper, black grouper, gag grouper, scamp grouper, bull sharks, lemon sharks, bonnethead sharks, greater hammerhead sharks, endangered Goliath grouper, and endangered American Red snapper’s life cycles; including breeding, refuge, and migratory patterns? What are some of the commercial and recreational fishing economic impacts associated with a decline of those offshore species that utilize with the lagoon at some point in their life cycle? How will this plan affect other lagoon residents vital to recreational, charter, and commercial fishing industries like the Spotted Seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bullshark, blackdrum, sheepshead, pinfish, stripped mullet, silver/white mullet, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, spadefish, goby’s, pipefish, Menhaden, bull minnows, southern kingfish, weakfish, sandperch, sand trout, and tripletail? As a concerned citizen I ask that the STB is diligent in investigating these and the many other issues that a project of this scope can unearth. This should also include the projected growth and increased rail traffic the Port Authority will adopt! I believe a well-rounded EIS is necessary to determine if the true cost of this current plan is far too high. The areas will play host to this railway long after we have gone, and will still be in the eyesight of our children. The 528 corridor seems to be the best and only option available that would not have drastic impacts on our already fragile lagoon and refuge. A less desirable version, but still better than earthen berms; would be elevated truss for the entire length and not one scoop of fill dirt used. Is the 3.7 Billon our lagoons and refuge bring this economy worth risking for a few cargo rail jobs? Thank YouCapt. Alex Gorichky · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 11/26/2014)CommentEI-20668Lois LacosteDear Mr. Navecky, I attended BOTH Public Scoping Meetings regarding the Port Canavarel Rail Extension. And, I remind you, that the MAJORITY of those who spoke gave you many, many reasons this rail will NEGATIVELY IMPACT the Banana River Lagoon. I am writing to emplore you to consider the IMPACT this rail extension will have on Banana River lagoon"!! This rail WILL "negatively" IMPACT the Banana River lagoon; the wildlife; the Manatee Preserve; the wildlife preserve; and the pristine water at the northern tip of the Banana River. This area is the "one and only" and LAST preserve of fish, wildlife, and pristine water. The Banana River is NOT a river at all, it is a lagoon, it does not flow (there is NO tidal affect to the river - only WIND moves the water in the lagoon). If this project moves forward with yet another birmed causeway, you are CHOKING OFF the natural ability of this lagoon to survive. We already do NOT have any sea grass south of the 528 and all the thriving oyster beds are GONE. The red fish that spawn in the northern tip of the lagoon will also die off and there will be nothing for the manatees; wildlife or fish to survive either! PLEASE PERSONALLY VISIT THE LAGOON (MANY OF THOSE PRESENT OFFERED TO ESCORT YOU INTO THE LAGOON) AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT WE ARE TELLING YOU!!! Looking at the river/land on a map on a piece of paper DOES NOT JUSTIFY WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN! PLEASE PERSONALLY DO A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE LAGOON "before" submitting your impact report. This plan should NOT move forward. The only alternative to your plan rail is to use the existing rail from the Port through the Port Canaveral Air Force Station, and then north to connect with the FEC over the Jay Jay Bridge. There is ALREADY AN EXISTING RAIL THERE!!! USE IT!!! Thank you for your time and "thoughtful" consideration. We can NOT jeopardize our beautiful lagoon for "future cargo growth at Port Canaveral". Respectfully submitted, Lois Lacoste Concerned Citizen"
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(printed as 11/26/2014)CommentEI-20667Robert DavisI submit the attached comment sheet to the Port Canaveral Rail Extension.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 11/26/2014)CommentEI-20666John King PorterThe Indian and Banana Rivers (estuaries) are under a lot of environmental stress and public support to do something about it is very high. New rail line for port cargo train will not go through easily without mitigating project negatives and augmenting the project benefits to the community. Here is an idea that might help make things happen in a good way for all. “Solar Powered Train Service from Port Canaveral to Titusville Inland Port” “Muck Islands provide solar power for train, safe home for river polluting muck, while providing bio cleansing services for the river and wildlife habitat” 1. Train is electric and very quiet. Nothing new here, this technology is used all over the USA in big cities and between big cities. 2. Train is powered by solar electricity generated all along the tracks and “spoil islands” that can be used to: 3. Dredge vast amounts of the “worst” black muck areas in the Brevard Indian and Banana River and barge or pump to be “sequestered” muck islands along the river route of the train. 4. Muck islands serve as bird sanctuaries, and islands are surrounded by stone shoreline that provides habitat for mangroves and all the sea life that will soon follow. Muck is sequestered like a landfill with a “cap” on top of contaminated muck covered with clean fill to allow for wildlife and small plants to take hold. 5. In addition, the “hundreds” of acres of new muck islands will also be solar fields that will power the train and extra electricity will get sold into the grid. 6. The economics – 7. already millions of $ being collected for de-mucking river etc. (see Posey’s work at fed level) 8. Use these moneys to make hundreds of new acres of usable islands. 9. The “customers” or “users” of these new islands will be; 10. wildlife, water cleaning sea life like oysters and clams, 11. solar energy – Independent power producers like Clean Footprint can rent land with a 50 year lease from Port or whomever “owns” islands, electricity production from the “project” will be sold to train operator. 12. the train operator or owner will pay for electricity to run train and solar producer will get paid and be able to pay the rent on land for 50 years. 13. The solar energy company leasing the land will pay for 50 years and this money will help retire bonds taken out to help “cap” the muck and “create” habitat for wildlife. 14. The cargo coming into the port and being transported by rail will also pay fees per ton. These fees will help support the creation of new elevated track and muck islands. Islands will support rail operations and maintenance as dry land access points to track and for energy production to drive the “zero emission solar cargo train” to Titusville. 15. In addition the use of Federal and State economic development and transportation money will help build rail system and supporting infrastructure. 16. Politics – moving the train path closer to the air force side of river (east side) away from Merritt Island, but far enough away from AFB for security purposes. This will add a lot of cost to building most of rail over water until it can turn West much closer to where it will be able to meet up with existing rail on NASA property. By avoiding North Merritt island areas you will have more support for project, along with recruiting all of the folks that would like to clean up rivers and return them to a healthier state. I share this idea with you in the hopes it will help you get rail built in a very positive way for everyoneCape Canaveral, Florida
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(printed as 11/26/2014)CommentEO-2429IndividualTerry Skaggs
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(printed as 11/24/2014)CommentEI-20665Damon AlbersMr. Dave Navecky Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423-0001 Attn: Environmental Filing, Docket No. FD 35852 Dear Mr. Navecky, The Canaveral Port Authority wants to expand its operations and believes it needs a new rail line. An obvious first question is, is an expanded cargo operation at the Port in the best interests of the citizens of Brevard County and the state of Florida? Will Port expansion improve our quality of life in any way besides adding a few jobs? The Banana River Lagoon has been horribly abused over the past 100 years or so. Numerous dredge and fill projects (including the original creation of the Port), “reclamation” of marsh lands, used as a dumping area for storm drains and drainage canals, docks, seawalls, etc., all have taken a toll on the water quality of the lagoon and the wild things that live there. Will the proposed project improve the health of the Banana River Lagoon in any way? Or will the dredge and fill construction of yet another causeway and a trestle bridge increase the sediment load, decrease the flow of water, and cause yet more loss of biodiversity? The water problems in the lagoon the past several summers have been well documented. Algae blooms have caused massive die-off of seagrass beds. Pelican, fish, dolphin, and manatee deaths have all spiked because of this. Again, will the proposed project help the water quality of the lagoon in any way? The Port Authority seems to think more is better. More in this case seems to be more noise, more pollution, more people, more congestion, more traffic, more crime, more problems. Wildlife loses out (it doesn’t vote or make campaign contributions). Those of us who fish, hike, paddle, and bird watch at wild places keep getting more and more crowded together. No one is building any more wild places! The lagoon in the area of the proposed rail causeway is a Federal manatee refuge. Building a causeway here would seem to be an incompatible use. The west shoreline of the lagoon, near which eight noisy, smelly trains a week would pass, is heavily used by both wildlife and paddlers. Wildlife loses yet another place to live, and paddlers lose one of the few magnificent semi-wilderness experiences left in Florida. I do not like the idea of expanded Port cargo operations. But if a rail line must be built, couldn’t the already present causeway used by SR 528 be utilized? It would certainly lessen the environmental impact of the project. I am a Native Floridian who has watched the decline of Florida's environment. I am 50 years old and what we have done to this state is truly sad. Thank you for your consideration. I will be watching with keen interest as the process unfolds.Clermont, FL
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(printed as 11/23/2014)CommentEI-20663Matt CiceroPlease don't construct a new rail way in our lagoon. I have been fishing here my whole life and it's one of the last few great places Florida has left in terms of accessibility to wilderness, one of the last few places that isn't littered with noise or lights. The amount of pollution a railway would bring to the river would be unbearable, more than what you expect it will be and more than you would report. We have all seen a decline in this area and every one here that loves it wants to improve the water not just for their own enjoyment but for the wildlife as well. We have such an amazing diverse ecosystem in this state and little by little we keep taking it away, soon there will be nothing left. I beg you please, don't construct anything in the sensitive areas of the lagoon. Don't construct anything that will not be for the betterment of the already suffering wildlife. Please don't construct anything that will lessen the flow of water even more than it already is. Our rivers are dying and the people of this great state want to help revive them, not put them out of their misery. We want our rivers healthy, the wildlife needs them healthy, so please don't construct anything in our lagoons. Please don't ruin one of Florida's greatest treasures.Casselbery, FL
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(printed as 11/23/2014)Comment
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(printed as 11/22/2014)CommentEI-20661JustinMr. Dave Navecky Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423-0001 Attn: Environmental Filing, Docket No. FD 35852 Dear Mr. Navecky, The Canaveral Port Authority wants to expand its operations and believes it needs a new rail line. An obvious first question is, is an expanded cargo operation at the Port in the best interests of the citizens of Brevard County and the state of Florida? Will Port expansion improve our quality of life in any way besides adding a few jobs? The Banana River Lagoon has been horribly abused over the past 100 years or so. Numerous dredge and fill projects (including the original creation of the Port), “reclamation” of marsh lands, used as a dumping area for storm drains and drainage canals, docks, seawalls, etc., all have taken a toll on the water quality of the lagoon and the wild things that live there. Will the proposed project improve the health of the Banana River Lagoon in any way? Or will the dredge and fill construction of yet another causeway and a trestle bridge increase the sediment load, decrease the flow of water, and cause yet more loss of biodiversity? The water problems in the lagoon the past several summers have been well documented. Algae blooms have caused massive die-off of seagrass beds. Pelican, fish, dolphin, and manatee deaths have all spiked because of this. Again, will the proposed project help the water quality of the lagoon in any way? The Port Authority seems to think more is better. More in this case seems to be more noise, more pollution, more people, more congestion, more traffic, more crime, more problems. Wildlife loses out (it doesn’t vote or make campaign contributions). Those of us who fish, hike, paddle, and bird watch at wild places keep getting more and more crowded together. No one is building any more wild places! The lagoon in the area of the proposed rail causeway is a Federal manatee refuge. Building a causeway here would seem to be an incompatible use. The west shoreline of the lagoon, near which eight noisy, smelly trains a week would pass, is heavily used by both wildlife and paddlers. Wildlife loses yet another place to live, and paddlers lose one of the few magnificent semi-wilderness experiences left in Florida. Someone makes a bunch of money, though, so it’s OK. I do not like the idea of expanded Port cargo operations. But if a rail line must be built, couldn’t the already present causeway used by SR 528 be utilized? It would certainly lessen the environmental impact of the project. Thank you for your consideration. I will be watching with keen interest as the process unfolds.Edgewater, FL
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(printed as 11/22/2014)CommentEI-20660Ron GardnerI am a resident of The Savannahs, a neighborhood within 1 mile of the proposed route of the proposed rail line. I am also an employee of Kennedy Space Center, and a strong advocate of the US Space Program. Because of these two factors, I have logical and emotional leanings for and against the proposal, but in balance I cannot support it. While the impact of the installation and use of the rail line would probably have a limited personal impact, I am also a very strong advocate of environmental protection and the harm this project would wreak throughout its life is incalculable. It is the cumulative effect of the noise, physical disruption of a nature preserve, loss of freedom of movement, pollution of every description, destruction of precious remaining wildlife habitat and waterways, and disregard for the qualities of this community (Merritt Island) that we residents treasure that makes this project so unacceptable. I grant that in an effort to increase its position in port operations the PCA feels this is a natural, responsible action to take. But the price to be paid is NOT justified by the few who would benefit. If port operations are not able to expand within the infrastructure available today, then local residents and environment should not be sacrificed so that outside commercial interests are served.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 11/22/2014)CommentEI-20659Donna BaroodyPlease find the need to decline the canaveral port authority request for the banana river area for the rail extension proposal. Historically any obstructions/barriers placed within the rivers has had a major impact on the rivers flow and the eco balance needs of the wildlife that depended on it. The construction of the Max Brewer bridge has totally disturbed the distribution of aquatic wildlife balance. Talking to the old boys" about fishing before and after bridge construction and "economic" development is heartbreaking. Brevard County florida Port Commissioners with the support of the Governor are looking at immediate dollars in their pockets and not the immediate and extended impact of this request. Last year seagrass replanting projects were performed in the banana and indian rivers to attempt to correct the starvation of the manatees and aquatic life from major red algae blooms caused by chemical contaminations. Again your true attention to the ecological impact to the rivers and the wildlife will support the need to decline the CPA request. Thank you"
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(printed as 11/21/2014)CommentEI-20658Diane BeatriceI do not want the rail extension. The neighbor is a peaceful place and I want it to stay that way. That is why I moved here.Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 11/21/2014)CommentEI-20657William WillI just purchased property in the Savannahs subdivision on Merritt Island. I am opposed to the rail extension running through the natural preserve having an impact on the protected wildlife in that area. I am also concerned about the possibility of a derailment or spill from the cargo trains. This rail will also have a negative impact on my quality of life as well as the value and classification of my property. The rail running through the preserve that has been protected for decades will put wildlife and vegetation at risk. Please DO NOT build that rail line running through this area.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/20/2014)CommentEI-20656Resident, Merritt Island, FLWill the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) be involved in the process? Yesterday at the public meeting Dave Navecky identified the agencies involved with the project but there was no mention of the SCTPO. Was that an oversight or were there other reasons?John Plotnicky · Cocoa Beach, FL
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(printed as 11/20/2014)CommentEI-20655John EllsPort Canaveral rail. I understand this study is to address Environmental concerns. Mine is what will happen with the infrastructure when this venture fails and is abandoned in place. Summery. There must be a reclamation plan and funding identified to remove the 11 miles of track, and removing any causeway or trestle structures built to accommodate the project and restore the area to its original condition. The new rail will also be on a raised bed which will create a damming effect in an area prone to flooding. That must be addressed as well. I have not seen or heard of an economic analysis or a business plan that shows this venture can compete with Miami or Ft. Lauderdale to the South or Jacksonville, Savannah or Charleston to the North. These ports have container operation and most have multiple staging tracks and vacant land for storing containers. Port Canaveral has no such available property. Tampa Bay on the West coast of Florida is already a industrial port area that will not have an environmental impact like Port Canaveral. On the Southern end of Tampa Bay is Port Manatee that specializes in refrigerated products and produce and sand. Port Manatee has a rail head in place and does not need to build 11 miles of new track in environmentally sensitive lands. It's location in the State has the same advantages as Port Canaveral but with existing rail.Merritt Island, Fl
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(printed as 11/20/2014)CommentBrian Barnett
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentMeeting Participants
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20867Todd PankuchMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20866Sara T. TurnerMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20865Ruth NelliganMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20864Ruth NelliganMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20863Ron PritchardMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20862Savannahs HOARichard Loewenstein
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20861Richard Loewenstein
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20860Michael ReynoldsMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20859Jinger KnoxMelbourne, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20858Jinger KnoxMelbourne, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20857Doug RobertsonMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20856Doug RobertsonMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20855Anthony DuttonMelbourne, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20854Anonymous
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20853Anonymous
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20654Andrew GrossmannDave, please give consideration within the study to a more direct easterly alignment running along the State Road 528 corridor and/or along the northerly adjacent Barge Canal. Given already existing traffic noise and air pollution from SR 528, and given the barge and motor boat traffic, etc. This route from an enviro perspective seems like the most logical and direct choice (all other economic factors held constant). It is also a logical choice to connect to the existing cement/sand plant at the Northwest quadrant of the FEC Railroad and State Road 528, and the adjacent Grissom Parkway Industrial area, which already has a future land use designation for industrial uses within the jurisdiction of the City of Cocoa and vacant industrial ready and available for future development to intensive industrial pursuits. Secondly, please make sure to study what happens when you effectively create two man-made choke points in very close proximity (e.g. existing State Road 528 causeway plus the rail line just north) which may restrict critical habitat water flow, perhaps to an exponential degree compared to man made causeways that are normally much further spaced out. Regards.Satellite Beach, Florida
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20653Roger HicksFD 35852 I oppose the rail line crossing the Banana River due to environmental damage to the Indian River Eco system. I am a non Florida resident but fish this area every year and am concerned about the delicate balance of keeping this river healthy.N Canton, ohio
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20652Homeowner#1) I propose they look at running the tracks through the Air Force side of the KSC. There are tracks already in place through a large portion of the way. #2) Run the tracks diagonally across the Banana River, North of Kars Park. This route is first of all shorter than running due west then turning and running north to intercept previously installed NASA (KSC) tracks. 3.) Run the tracks due west in a tight line with the BEELine expressway, until you catch the FEC tracks in Cocoa.Dave S. Holmes · Merritt Island, Fl.
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20651Jared IngersollIn connection with the proposed 11 miles of new rail line to Port Canaveral (Port) in Brevard County, Florida, I do not see why they have to build new bridges or causeways (as proposed) at all. Why couldn't they simply use the existing roadbed proceeding north through the Canaveral AFB, turning NW near Peterson Point, then following the Industrial Bypass Rd. then crossing over NASA Parkway East to make connection with the existing line near the junction of the Pkwy and Kennedy Parkway? That would involve no new bridges or causeways.Titusville, FL
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(printed as 11/19/2014)CommentEI-20650Mary StepienWe live right near the tracks on US1 by the Pineda Crossing. I am very upset that a study would be done to check on the impact of the All Aboard Fla without any people consideration!!! I do consider myself part of the environment!! Issues as I see it are noise, volume of trains, speed, dirt, closeness of trains to homes, schools, crossing issues, traffic, sinkholes and much more!! Please Please take a drive to the locations and homes that will be impacted by this issue. I also think No to the Port, same reasons and the commercial trains now shake our houses what will more do???? DO NOT ALLOW> Thank you. all aboard 1Melbourne, Fl
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(printed as 11/18/2014)CommentMeeting Participants
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(printed as 11/18/2014)CommentEI-20852Robert RupeCocoa, FL
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(printed as 11/18/2014)CommentEI-20851Dan & Lorna HallMerritt Island, FL
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(printed as 11/18/2014)CommentFred Dayhoff
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(printed as 11/18/2014)CommentEI-20648Kim and Steve Smithre: Docket No. FD 35852 Dear Mr. Navecky and all - When we moved to Central FL we looked in Florida from the West to the East Coast, north and south of Orlando and finally settled on Brevard County. At one point our realtor showed us a property that was ideal - until we saw, and heard, it's proximity to a railroad track. Because of that we knew that it would not be suitable as a good future investment for our relatives nor a quiet home for us, We chose property on north Merritt Island for it's peace and serenity. We chose property far from train tracks. Now a handful of investors are trying to push this train through into the lives, backyards and property values of thousands of people along it's proposed route. There are truly thousands of people, not to mention the environment, that will be harmed by this track placement. When we carefully chose our property we never dreamed that there would one day be trains running near it, property that we purposely chose away from train tracks. How many of the investors will live next to these train tracks? We don't want to. This track development is not fair and should be terminated. Sincerely, Kim and Steve Smith, 5390 Judson Rd., Merritt Island, FL 32953MERRITT ISLAND, FL
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(printed as 11/18/2014)CommentEI-20647Donald Pittman
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(printed as 11/17/2014)CommentEI-20646Venable LLPKathryn K. Floyd
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(printed as 11/12/2014)CommentEI-20645National Park ServiceDavid Morgan
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(printed as 11/12/2014)CommentEO-2428Federal and State AgenciesFederal and State Agency Reps
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(printed as 11/12/2014)CommentEO-2427Federal and State AgenciesFederal and State Agency Reps
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(printed as 11/12/2014)CommentBrian Barnett
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(printed as 11/12/2014)CommentEO-2425Muscogee (Creek) NationEmman Spain
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(printed as 11/10/2014)CommentEI-20643Muscogee (Creek) NationEmman Spain · Okmulgee, OK
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(printed as 11/10/2014)CommentBrian Barnett · Vero Beach, FL
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(printed as 11/8/2014)CommentEI-20683Venable LLPKathryn K Floyd
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(printed as 11/6/2014)CommentEI-20641City of Cape CanaveralTodd Morley
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(printed as 11/6/2014)CommentEO-2424City of Cape Canaveral, FLTodd Morley
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(printed as 11/5/2014)CommentEO-2423Venable LLPKathryn K. Floyd
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(printed as 11/3/2014)CommentCharles Walter
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(printed as 11/3/2014)CommentCharles Walter
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(printed as 11/1/2014)CommentEI-20639Paul GreenwayI am very much in favor of the projected rail design for FD 35852. I live close to where the rail is projected to be (Chase Hammock Road) and I understand the impact to our area. We are close to a National Refuge on Merritt Island and this rail during construction will have a negative impact on wildlife, natural plants/greenery but after that construction life goes back to almost normal. The projected number of routes per day is far better than if the alternative was cars/trucks from the port to delivery locations. I also believe any growth to Port Canaveral will have a positive economic impact to all the outlying areas such as Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Cocoa, Rockledge, Titusville.Merritt Island, FL
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(printed as 10/31/2014)CommentPotentially Interested Parties
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(printed as 10/29/2014)CommentAnnie Dziergowski
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(printed as 10/28/2014)CommentEO-2420Federal and State AgenciesFederal and State Agency Reps
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served (printed as 10/27/2014)DecisionPROVIDED NOTICE THAT THE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS DETERMINED THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT IS APPROPRIATE IN THIS PROCEEDING.
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentEI-20644SLHOAThe proposed routes are costly and ineffective, aside from corrupting the overall visual appeal of the area. Items like this should go out of the North end of the port. It visually appealing, doesn't create an issue with boat traffic, and more so it makes sense, just like the tanker trucks should not be coming out onto 528, they also need a northern route out of the port. They screwed up the terminals, don't screw this one up also.Marc Costa · Merritt Island, Florida
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(printed as 10/27/2014)Comment
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentPotentially Interested Parties
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentPotentially Interested Parties
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentTribal Representatives
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentTribal Historic Preservation Officers
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentRobert Bendus
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(printed as 10/27/2014)CommentFederal, State and Local Agencies Reps
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(printed as 10/17/2014)CommentEI-20870TranSystemsNote from OEA: This Incoming Correspondence consists of two files from TranSystems, Applicant's (i.e., Canaveral Port Authority) engineering consultant. One file contains a one-page overview map of Applicant's preferred rail line route, and the second file contains detailed mapping of Applicant's preferred rail line route. The overview map can be viewed here on the OEA-sponsored project website: http://www.portcanaveralraileis.com/documents/overview_preferred_alignment.pdf The detailed mapping can be viewed here on the OEA-sponsored project website (note: this is a 174-page, 214 mb PDF): http://www.portcanaveralraileis.com/documents/maps_of_preferred_alignment.pdfRick Ferrin · Jacksonville, FL
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(printed as 10/17/2014)CommentEI-20673Venable LLPNote from OEA: The second attachment to this correspondence consists of a KMZ file of Applicant's proposed alignment and Applicant's two options for crossing the Banana River. Opening this KMZ file requires the use of Google Earth or Arc Explorer software.Jay Johnson
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(printed as 10/9/2014)CommentEO-2508Venable LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd, Jay Johnson
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(printed as 8/14/2014)CommentEI-20511Venable, LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 8/14/2014)CommentEI-20510Venable, LLPKathryn Kusske Floyd
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(printed as 8/8/2014)CommentEI-20502Venable LLPJay Johnson
Nothing of that kind in this docket.