Comment EI-21775
Received or sent (printed as 4/4/2016)
Mr. Navecky, I need to add another major concern after a recent conversation with the renter who farms my field in southern Boone County impacted by the proposed Great Lakes Basin Rail Line. They are very concerned about how the field will be cut in two making it impossible to farm in straight rows as in the past. They also alerted me to their safety concerns in crossing the rail line proposed with farming equipment. Both renters are concerned with compaction of soil and changes in the way water runs on the property as well as construction damage to waterways and tiling on the land. They just contacted me with the fear of not having a crop the year of construction. Loss of a crop means loss of income and they fear they will need to find other properties to make up for a construction year loss. Should they construct the rail making it impossible to grow corn or soybeans I will also be out of a year's rent which should be paid by these railroad administrators. Buying the land does not cover this construction-related loss. Once I lose a renter will they be able to return to this property? That is an unknown for myself as landlord or the farmer in question. This railroad creates a very serious breech in our business relationship that I could always count on before. Please consider this dilemma fousted on the farming community up and down the line should construction occur. Agriculture may not bounce back should this rail be built. That would be a huge loss to this state. Sincerely, Lori Pepper
Submitted by: Lori Pepper · Sleepy Hollow, IL
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/FD-35952/comment/EI-21775 · back to the docket sheet