FD 36284
Docket Yard · docketyard.org/d/FD-36284 · entries shown: all, newest first
SEVEN COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE COALITION--RAIL CONSTRUCTION & OPERATION EXEMPTION--IN UTAH, CARBON, DUCHESNE, AND UINTAH COUNTIES, UTAH
Caption from the Board’s record.
57 filings, 15 decisions and 1,718 environmental comments observed here; last checked 10 Oct 2026, 23:36 UTC; last new entry 31 Aug 2026, 20:44 UTC.
Entries
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(printed as 4/13/2026)Reply311122Reply CommentsSeven County Infrastructure Coalition, Uinta Basin Railway LLC
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(printed as 4/9/2026)SupplementCenter for Biological Diversity, Living Rivers, Sierra Club, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, WildEarth Guardians
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(printed as 3/17/2026)Letter311040LetterGrand County Board of Commissioners Colorado
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(printed as 3/17/2026)Motion311018Motion/Petition/RequestBoard of Commissioners
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(printed as 3/10/2026)Reply310965ReplySeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 3/5/2026)Letter310945LetterCenter for Biological Diversity, Living Rivers, Sierra Club, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, and WildEarth Guardians
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(printed as 2/4/2026)Reply310827ReplySeven County Infrastructure Coalition, Uinta Basin Railway LLC
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(printed as 1/26/2026)Letter310783LetterChairman Patrick J. Fuchs
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(printed as 1/13/2026)Comments310725CommentsHonorable Cathy Kipp
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(printed as 1/12/2026)Comments310717CommentsSenator Michael Bennet, Congressman Joe Neguse
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(printed as 1/12/2026)Reply310714ReplyCenter for Biological Diversity, Living Rivers, Sierra Club, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, and WildEarth Guardians , Sierra Club, WildEarth Guardians, Living Rivers, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment
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(printed as 1/12/2026)Comments310708CommentsColorado Department of Natural Resources
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(printed as 1/12/2026)Reply310705ReplyEagle County, Colorado
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(printed as 1/9/2026)Letter310688LetterHonorable Judy Amabile
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(printed as 1/8/2026)Letter310684LetterHonorable Phil Weiser
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(printed as 12/30/2025)CommentChristopher Lamson · Salida, CO
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(printed as 12/26/2025)CommentEI-34216Megan WilderThe Board should engage in a thorough evaluation of the Railway project’s risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, and air by preparing a supplemental environmental impact statement that also revisits the economic basis for the Railway. The Board must critically evaluate the very real eventuality of accidents and spill risks - it is not a matter of IF, but WHEN. The Board’s 2021 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concluded that the Uinta Basin Railway would cause up to 4.6 billion gallons of crude oil per year to be shipped from Utah through Colorado to the Gulf Coast on as many as five two-mile-long trains per day. These trains would run for more than 200 miles alongside the Colorado River headwaters. This is an unacceptable amount of risk - Colorado is a dry tinderbox. We can not afford ANY additional risk of wildfires which would devastate our communities, wildlife, agriculture or tourism industry. The risk of this project is simply not worth it - simply to line the pockets of O&G industry millionaires. The Board must address the Railway’s lack of financial support. The Board should require an updated economic analysis to ensure that the Uinta Basin Railway is financially viable, and so can follow through on mandated and promised mitigation measures. Public funding and taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize this project.Boulder, CO
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served (printed as 11/26/2025)DecisionGRANTED A JOINT MOTION FILED BY EAGLE COUNTY AND THE CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND ORDERED THE REPLY TO THE MOTION DUE ON JANUARY 12, 2026.
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(printed as 11/21/2025)RequestEagle County, Colorado, Center for Biological Diversity
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(printed as 11/13/2025)Motion310167Motion/Petition/RequestSeven County Infrastructure Coalition, Uinta Basin Railway, LLC
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(printed as 6/28/2024)Notice308434NoticeKaplan Kirsch LLP
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(printed as 2/20/2024)NoticeEagle County, Colorado
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(printed as 7/28/2023)CommentEI-33028VenableJay Johnson · Washington, DC
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(printed as 4/28/2023)CommentQuarterly Progress Report 1-1-23 through 3-31-23Kathryn Floyd · Washington, DC
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(printed as 1/31/2023)CommentEI-32773Venable LLPWashington, DC
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(printed as 10/13/2022)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 8/12/2022)Letter305130LetterBoulder County Board of County Commissioners
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(printed as 8/12/2022)Letter305129LetterGilpin County and the Board of County Commissioners
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(printed as 7/28/2022)Comment
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(printed as 7/28/2022)Comment
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(printed as 7/14/2022)Letter304990LetterHonorable Michael F. Bennet, Honorable Joe Neguse
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(printed as 6/1/2022)Comment
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served (printed as 3/4/2022)Decision51153--PROVIDED NOTICE THAT ON FEBRUARY 11, 2022, A COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT.
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served (printed as 3/4/2022)Decision51152--PROVIDED NOTICE THAT ON FEBRUARY 10, 2022, A COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT.
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(printed as 2/18/2022)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 1/28/2022)CommentVenable LLP
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served (printed as 12/15/2021)Decision51032Entire BoardGRANTED FINAL APPROVAL FOR AN EXEMPTION SOUGHT BY THE SEVEN COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE COALITION TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A NEW LINE OF RAILROAD IN UTAH, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION CONDITIONS.
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(printed as 12/15/2021)Section303361Section 5 SummarySurface Transportation Board
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(printed as 12/13/2021)CommentPhilip Strobel
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(printed as 11/8/2021)SupplementCenter for Biological Diversity
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(printed as 10/22/2021)Reply303114ReplySeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 10/18/2021)Motion303098Motion/Petition/RequestCenter for Biological Diversity
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(printed as 10/1/2021)Statement303060Support StatementUte Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation
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served (printed as 9/30/2021)Decision50728Entire BoardDENIED REQUESTS TO RECONSIDER THE BOARD’S JANUARY 5, 2021 DECISION, WHICH PRELIMINARILY CONCLUDED, SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, THAT THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF APPROXIMATELY 85 MILES OF RAIL LINE IN UTAH MEETS THE STATUTORY EXEMPTION STANDARD.
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(printed as 9/30/2021)SubstitutionEagle County, Colo.
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(printed as 9/28/2021)CommentGreater Sage-Grouse Mitigation Approach and AgreementRedge Johnson · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 9/23/2021)CommentEdred Secakuku · Fort Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 9/21/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 9/20/2021)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 9/20/2021)Comment
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(printed as 9/17/2021)Comment
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(printed as 9/17/2021)Comment
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(printed as 9/15/2021)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 9/10/2021)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 9/2/2021)CommentEI-31242U.S. Department of the InteriorStephen Tryon · Washington, DC
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(printed as 9/2/2021)CommentEI-31241Environmental Protection AgencyPhilip Strobel · Denver, CO
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(printed as 9/1/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 8/31/2021)CommentDeeda Seed
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(printed as 8/30/2021)Letter302947LetterHonorable Brad Wilson, Honorable J. Stuart Adams, Honorable Spencer J. Cox, Honorable Deidre M. Henderson
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(printed as 8/26/2021)CommentEI-31891Center for Biological DiversityDeeda Seed · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/25/2021)CommentRedge Johnson · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/19/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 8/11/2021)CommentEO-3652Lionel Trepanier
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served (printed as 8/6/2021)DecisionISSUED A FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE PROPOSED UINTA BASIN RAILWAY.
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(printed as 7/27/2021)CommentEI-31239U.S. Forest ServiceAshley National Forest · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/1/2021)Letter302668LetterSurface Transportation Board
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(printed as 6/28/2021)Comments302609CommentHonorable Mike Lee, Honorable Mitt Romney, Honorable Blake Moore, Honorable Chris Stewart, Honorable John Curtis, Honorable Burgess Owens
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(printed as 4/23/2021)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 4/2/2021)CommentEI-31923Eagle County, ColoradoWashington, DC
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(printed as 4/2/2021)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 3/29/2021)CommentEI-31265Utah Division of State HistorySavanna Agardy · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 3/26/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 3/26/2021)CommentChristopher Merritt
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(printed as 3/18/2021)CommentYvette Converse
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(printed as 3/8/2021)CommentEI-31257Ute Indian TribeLuke Duncan · Fort Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 3/4/2021)CommentEO-3554Karen Hedlund
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(printed as 2/26/2021)CommentHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 2/26/2021)CommentHDR, Inc.
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(printed as 2/22/2021)CommentHDR, Inc.
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(printed as 2/16/2021)CommentEI-31924Eagle County, ColoradoWashington, DC
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(printed as 2/15/2021)CommentEI-31889Center for Biological DiversityWendy Park · Oakland, CA
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(printed as 2/13/2021)CommentEI-31152Carrie WeightRe: Docket No. FD 36284 I am responding to voice my support of the Uinta Basin Railway as it would stabilize our economy & open the way for growth, development & endless opportunities. As a resident of the Uintah Basin I see more advantages than disadvantages. I would hope all affected landowners would be well compensated for any loss or encroachment.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/13/2021)CommentEI-30998Tamra RatietaI'm against the railway for many reasons, but here are some of the specific ones, it will negatively affect the natural area that it will go through, the funding it is using is illegal and it will contribute to Climate change.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/13/2021)CommentEI-30782William KingSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/13/2021)CommentEI-30602Greg FoleyThis rail way will bring economic stability to the entire Uintah Basin. It not only will create jobs for construction but will diversify our economy for endless opportunities for expanded and new business in our area. The people of Uintah and Duchesne counties need this rail way. It will be a lifeline for our economy.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/13/2021)CommentEI-30412Lorien BeltonLogan, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)Reply301624ReplySeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31188Wild Idaho Rising TideHelen Yost · Moscow, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31187Wild Idaho Rising TideHelen Yost · Moscow, ID
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31173Utah State LegislatureSenator Ron Winterton · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31153James Lee WeightIn reference to Docket No. FD 36284 I respectfully submit the following Comments. I am a Uintah Basin resident, born, raised and worked in this area the majority of my life. I fully support the Uintah Basin Railway project. I understand and realize the diversification this Railway can provide for this area. The Railway would create more jobs and better economic stability advantages for the Uintah Basin. This project stands to benefit Oil & Gas along with Agriculture and Commerce opportunities. I understand and feel empathetic towards those property owners that may be effected through surface use agreements etc. I would hope that those effected are fairly compensated accordingly. Respectfully, James L. Weight.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31125Trey TrawickThis would be a stain on a beautiful state for the sake of a dying industry.Midvale, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31121Carolyn TothMy family has owned a family cabin on a 10-acre lot in the Argyle Canyon area for over 50 years. Among other and real impact issues of the Uinta Basin Railway, if allowed to move forward, would be the severe impact on the peace, quality and serenity of this pristine area, and will result in a permanent scar that cannot be hidden and, even with the best designs, will result in permanent unsightly damage. Lastly, for me, a major and unacceptable impact will be the air quality and climate change issues as well. Please do not allow the Uintah Basin Railway to come through this area.Thanks for your consideration, Carolyn TothOro Valley, AZ
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31089Friends of Browns CanyonJoe Stone · Salida, CO
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31079Allen StecklerVernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31054Sherolyn SchowWe are siblings of a property owner in Argyle Canyon who have invited seven siblings including us up to their property every summer for a week each year. My sister and her husband who own this property have a cabin built on it, and an outdoor kitchen facility attached to the cabin with long tables to eat on or to play games on. There is a round fire pit above the ground that we enjoy an evening fire by that we enjoy sharing conversation with each other while we are there. They have also built two nice bunk houses, and a nice outhouse and shower room facility for all of us, their children and their grandchildren to enjoy. They have also landscaped the whole property with beautiful furnishings. Part of the beauty of this property are the wild animals that can be seen around their camping areas. They have owned and worked on this property for years and years, as a quiet beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature. This railway project is planned to be built so close to this site that it will take all of this away. We are very much against this project that would destroy this property and many others around this whole area.American Fork, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31053Ken SchowI am related to a family who owns property in Argyle Canyon, in the midst of this railway project land. I see with the plans taking place in that area that there will be immense impact on their private property, and also moreover to the private properties of land owners in that entire region. I believe that this project and its construction and operation will have a serious negative impact on those properties, which the landowners have occupied, developed and maintained for many years. They use these private properties for the benefit and recreation of many family members, friends and associates, all who find great value in these resources. Other serious negative impacts of this project include natural resources and wildlife. There are also concerns with vegetation and forestation impacts. Beyond that are traffic and rail operation safety, construction and operation noise and pollution. There are many negative impacts that cannot be avoided in this process. I am completely against this railway project and development.American Fork, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31042Sheri SandbeckMy family and I have owned property in Argyle Canyon for over 30 years! We do not agree with the railroad! The environmental impact is too great! This would impact forest and ground water. Could cause more fires in the area and impact wildlife!North Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31021Uintah Valley Shoshone TribeMichael Rock · Berkley, MI
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-31013Philip RichardsonI am greatly opposed to the construction of this railway. As a property owner along the corridor, I have great concerns about the water quality and disturbance. The EIS identifies that it there is potential to affect the water quality both on the surface and underground. We depend on both of these sources for our water. The surface and underground construction can and will have adverse effects on the way the waters flow. The railway is also proposed to pass through areas of forest and grasslands that are already stressed by the limited amounts of moisture. This potential disturbance will have further effect on the landscape not only by altering the flows but increasing the risk of fire and damages caused by these fires. storm events occurring in burn scar areas have proven to have serious impacts on the landscape. we have seen valleys carved out of mountains and large boulders moved great distances. All of these will be impacted greatly by the construction of this railway. There is already a highway built to transfer materials out of the Basin. Spend money to improve the highway. The Presidential administration has already limited or restricted new production on federal grounds, and we know the wells in place will not flow forever. With government pushes to limit greenhouse gasses by eliminating gas and diesel vehicles in the next 20 years, does it really make sense to destroy more of the beautiful landscape and install this railway for the short time it may be considered beneficial? Does it make sense to alter and pollute more of our waterways? From the beginning, this project has been a land-grab scheme designed and pushed by a few who stand to benefit from it for a short time while the general public will bear the burden and pay for the disastrous consequences for many years to come.Helper, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30982Sam Pettingill? Air Quality ?- Air pollution in the Uinta Basin already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development in the region -- by increasing oil and gas development, this project would make it worse. ? Wildlife? ?-? The proposed route of the Uinta Basin Railway traverses roadless areas, steep canyons, and rugged terrain. Over 10,000 acres of big game habitat will be affected by the railroad. Some of this area has been designated as crucial big game habitat by the U.S. Forest Service. The route also impacts the 1600 acres of Greater sage grouse habitat, and areas inhabited by the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. ? Water - ?The preferred project alignment would run almost the entire length of Indian Canyon Creek, affecting the entire area with 443 stream crossings, impacting over 61 miles of streams and 26 acres of floodplains. All the alternative routes connect to the existing railroad at the same spot: directly adjacent to important wetlands along the Price River. These are unacceptable impacts to the precious perennial waterways in our semi-arid state. ? Community -? The Uinta Basin Railway would change the way of life for those who live and recreate in the area. Landowners in Argyle Canyon and other off-grid canyon communities along the proposed railway route fear the disruption and disfigurement of the stunning landscapes they love. Each locomotive would disturb beloved wildlife, bringing noise and clouds of diesel smoke. Mile-long trains would create traffic delays and the real potential for accidents, derailments, spills and sparks, which could ignite disastrous wildfires. This is an unacceptable threat to community health, safety and wellbeing.South Jordan, TX
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30980Susie PetersonWe have owned this property for many years,we pay taxes and deserve to choose what happens to our property.please find another route to put your railroad.we worry about the eviramental aspects of air pollution and spills. The forest would not be fit for animals or humans to be there..please find another route.sandy, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30971Missy PeckI'm in opposition to the Uinta Basin Railway for many reasons, First, I want to protect the sage grouse along Whitmore & Emma Park and the Forest Grouse in the higher elevations. Second, air quality by Train usage & upping the production of oil to make the railway worthwhile. The Basin as already operating at max air quality levels. Third, the transportation of Utah/US oil being taken to the coast to be shipped over seas, is a waste when we (the US) are buying oil from over seas. Fourth, the destruction of the Indian Canyon /Ashley Nat. Forest area in the name of progress. the type of construction it will take to construct this project will destroy this area, its water sheds & springs, it's animal population and the potential for fire would most certainly destroy human lives as well. Fifth, The SCIC board already has lawsuits against the board from environmental organizations. They also illegally used funds from the CIB board which they are supposed to pay back. I can certainly think of better uses to build up the Basins economy with 1.3 billion dollars, than a rail line that only the Oil Companies and a few select businesses will use. It WILL NOT Benefit the Citizens of the Basin. Finally, The Democratic administration will never let it see completion. Just like the Huge Pipeline case that's going on right now. What a waste of Tax Payers Money! Not to mention, The same people that are heading the Uinta Basin Railway Project are the same people who built the Highway to nowhere that to this day has never been completed. You can google it if you like. All around, this is a Poor Investment of Federal Funds! I would also hate to see the Basin hurt because of it!IVINS, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30970Karley PeckI am against this project, here are several of my reasons why. 1) The cost for this project has been severely underestimated. They will run out of money before they can finish it. 2) There is a fault line in the area that causes frequent falling rocks. Adding a massive train that will cause immense vibrations multiple times a day will make that so much worse! 3) The wildlife in the area will be hardly impacted! Many animals will be forced to relocate. Causing a drastic shift in the ecology of the area. 4) the railroad will will make the surrounding area less safe sure to the risk of, fire from sparks caused by the train, risk of being run over, and the risk of the tunnels and bridges collapsing. 5) it will negatively impact the air quality 6) there are better location options for the train that don't cut through hundreds of private property and would be more cost efficient.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30947Ingrid NygaardI am opposed to the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. When even GM has announced a firm decision to move away from fossil fueled vehicles, surely we should not support further expansion of the fossil fuel industry.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30943Dustin NielsonI vote no for this as we have a cabin in the proposed area and would not appreciate an train coming through it.Hayden, ID
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentBrian Moench · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30890CK MillerI am against the proposed Uinta Basin Railway, restoring and maintaining these lands for the future should be a priority of the public, lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and increasing public spending on education, and living infrastructure would create more jobs. Invest in research and science education that would provide a sustainable Earth for future generations. These lands are are the only rural outposts for many of the charismatic megafauna that we are driving into urban spaces. Further development of these areas would significantly impact the migratory patterns of these animals! Haven't we learned anything from history about following the dollar to it's most extreme conclusion? While this project may be profitable as a public investment, it will hurt the land, the future prospects for independence from fossil fuels and emphasize the government's alignment with profits over people. The "jobs" created are short term and the profits generated will be negligible compared to structural unemployment sure to follow.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentMike McKee · Price, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30846Paul MartinUsing this very old and in disrepair Railway is very foolish and dangerous to the Arkansas river and surrounding communities on it's path. It has not been used in many many years and has not been kept up in maintenance whatsoever. Many heavy trucks have crossed this railway without permission or authorization because it has not been monitored and maintained by anyone. Using it for any reason would be very foolhardy and very dangerous in every way. Any Official approving this would be open to a tremendous liability because it unhas proposed this surely does not know anything about the zero maintenance it has received in many many year. It is truly a Dangerous Proposition to the Arkansas River and to anyone along its pathway to be used at all! It would take a tremendous amount of resources to bring it back to a viable Railway.-Paul Martin, Salida, ColoradoSalida, CO
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30824Dan LoveI think we’ve seen enough manipulation of laws and regulations being bent to satisfy power. We are better than this and need to invest in clean energy and sustainability. Is there simply no point to accept science until it’s too late. I think we are experiencing what that strategy bought us. Time for bold and honest leadership. Do the right thing.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30817Ronald LittonI am from Uintah County, Utah. I am in favor of the Uintah Railway project and would like to see it go forward responsibly as planned. The positive impacts to the local economy, both to businesses and the citizenry far outweigh some of the impacts that will become invisible after a short time.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentRedge Johnson · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30731Cathy HummelI am writing to tell you that I am not in favor of trains running through Salida, CO as I live right across the street from the railroad tracks and it will be environmentally unsafe to have these trains running multiple times a day and night because of noise pollution, unsafe cargo of waxy crude oil which could spill out over our beautiful public land and also cause forest fires since it is very dry around here. Not to mention the Arkansas river is also right next to the railroad tracks which is also unsafe if it spills into the river. There is nothing good about this situation and it should be rerouted through different towns or not done at all. We do not want the noise, pollution, or possible fires to be started from these trains it will ruin our environment for sure. So please help our community by voting against this happening. Thank you! Cathy HummelSalida, CO
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30730Ron HummelI am totally opposed to the Uinta Basin Railway. It would totally disrupt the rural community that I live in. The benefits could not possibly outweigh the possible environmental impacts that could occur. The railway runs along the Arkansas river and a spillage into the river would do incredible damage to the environment and the community. Not worth the risk.Salida, CO
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30701Utah State LegislatureSenator David Hinkins · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30663Greg HardyI fully support and strongly advocate for the initiative to expand economical transportation options that will strengthen our local economy in the Uintah basin. I urge all decision makers or individuals who can influence decisions and/or resource allocation to fight to make a railway in the Uintah basin a future reality. I look forward to a day when more of my family have employment opportunities here and fewer of them are forced to relocate to get a job sufficient for their needs.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30653Delmer HamblinI’m an eighty-six year old lifelong Uintah Basin Resident and I’m opposed to the Uinta Basin Railway. The oil and gas industry is declining - so even if they used the railway for ten years it wouldn’t be worth the cost to build it. And it wouldn’t be worth the impacts it would cause to scenic areas. I’m also concerned about the impacts it would have on wildlife. My wife and I spent forty-four years as Boy Scout leaders here in the Uintah Basin, and for twenty of those years we were in charge of all Kings Peak District camps. We worry about areas we visited with Boy Scouts being damaged directly by the railway, and by the increased drilling that would occur here in the Basin. One of the proposed railway routes would cut through the Gate Canyon/Nine Mile Canyon area – the location of the historic Nine Mile Canyon Road. We visited that area every three years for a district-wide Historic Trails campout, with history-related educational activities. We would hate to see the irreparable damage the railway would cause to that historic area. Please stop all planning for the Uinta Basin Railway! Thank you, Delmer HamblinRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30652Chad HamblinI am a fifth-generation Uintah Basin Resident and I am opposed to this project. Please see my attached documents for the reason why.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30650Don HallI believe the railway will be a great benefit to the community. It will provide better access for goods and services to be both imported and ex ported from our area. In my career I have had to travel to many states to work and provide for my family. During those travels I have seen more than a few small towns that have basically withered away from the lack of ability to adjust to the times and diversify their area and economy to keep their community vibrant. I have noticed many comments with supposed environmental concerns, many from people out of state. I believe those concerns to be minimal. Every job I have been involved with for over 20 years has had absolute concern and oversight for the environment, often including features to benefit the area, (water catchment ponds for wildlife, erosion protection, reseeding and wildlife habitat enhancement). It seems like we get a lot of advice and second opinions from people out of the area nowadays. I believe the decisions for this project should be with the local people with more skin in the game.-----Thank youVernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30631RainDanceKeith Goodspeed · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentJosh – Attached for filing in OEA’s docket for the above-listed matter are the Comments of Eagle County, Colorado, on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Chaffee County, Lake County, the Town of Buena Vista, the City of Salida, and Eagle River Watershed Council adopt and join in Eagle County’s comments. Please let me know of any questions. Best regards, AllisonAllison Fultz · Washington, DC
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30594Todd FeldI strongly protest the building of the railroad thru Argyle Canyon.We own property in the area and don't want the disruption of the serenity and environmental impact this will cause.South Jordan, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30593Judy FeldI absolutely disagree with the railroad coming into Argyle Canyon. I am very concerned about the environmental impact. The cutting out of land and drilling into the mountains will possibly release gases as well as change the current landscape. the greater chance for forest fire due to sparks. Plus we have land nearby and don't want to have the noise and pollution. We have our family reunions and weekend getaways there and have done so for years. Please, there are other routes that will not impact so many personal property owners.South Jordan, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30565Duchesne County School DistrictDavid Brotherson · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30509Russell CluffI want to go on record to state that I am very much opposed to the Uintah Basin Railway proposal.Provo, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30508Connie CluffProvo, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30500Bonnie ClarkI do not the Uinta Basin Railroad to go thru Argyle Canyon. We have had a cabin their for over 50 years. It has been so peaceful and quite. You are trying to destroy the land, wildlife, water supply, and cause undue pollution to an area that was pristine. We will no longer have a quiet place to go with trains running up and down the line numerous times a day. It is so wrong.North Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30489Jacob ChamberlainI have some objections to the train traveling on the proposed route. 1. We have a National Monument in the same area as the rails in the proposed route. This national monument (Browns canyon) is placed at risk with train accidents, and leakage from the shipment. 2. The area has changed since trains we last allowed through this area. This area has an increased population, large amount of travel in the spring, summer, and fall. This impacts the tourism of our area, without leaving potential benefit to having the train. 3. This area has become a quiet area since the train has left, and having the train would bring large amounts of noise along the route. 4. This area does not receive any compensation for these problems, we are not receiving any goods, or services. So for this area having a train will have an negative impact, with the possibility of having a disastrous impact in our community.Salida, CO
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentDear Mr. Wayland: Please find attached comments on the draft EIS for the Uinta Basin Railway project, submitted by Center for Biological Diversity, Grand Canyon Trust, Western Resource Advocates, Living Rivers, Utah Native Plant Society, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, Mountain Lion Foundation, Conserve Southwest Utah, Friends of Browns Canyon, American Whitewater, Argyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance, Utah Tar Sands Resistance, Sierra Club, No Coal in Oakland, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Utah Rail Passengers Association, WildEarth Guardians, Elders Rising for Intergenerational Justice, Utah Audubon Council, and The Sunflower Alliance. Also attached are Attachments A-C to the comment letter. A flash drive of all references cited in this letter will be delivered to your office shortly via FedEx. Thank you for considering our comments. Best, Wendy Park [Reference materials available upon request]Wendy Park · Oakland, CA
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30475Brittany CarlsonMy dad owns a cabin in Argyle Canyon and that is a special place to us. I do not want to see a railroad tear up the natural beauty and have to listen to it when we go there for peace and solitude. I vote no for the railroad.Hayden, ID
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30474Allan CarlsonIf the railway goes through it will ruin our ecosystem for the canyon the beautiful and quality peaceful areas we worked together for will be gone forever please don’t let this happen ??Kearns, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)Comment
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30422Douglass BillsThe Uintah Basin Railway should not be approved using any route across Argyle Canyon. My wife and I are trustees for The Bills Family Trust with properties we lease for cattle grazing in Argyle. We oppose the railway route through Argyle for the following reasons: 1. The railway would ruin our natural environment. Including deer, elk, ruffed grouse, and all native plants, etc. 2. The railway would interfere with the rock art and historical ruins. 3. The railway will not be needed when the oil industry ebbs and more eco-friendly power sources dominate. 4. We like the way Argyle Canyon is presently structured. We don't need additional noise to break up our peace and quiet. Doug & Jean BillsSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30421Alesha BijolleThe railroad shouldn't go in because it will be noisy, take away from the peaceful and quiet that we go to our cabin to enjoy and get away from the noise, we go to see the wildlife and enjoy the area away from the city,it could have an impact on the environment and wildlife in the area, could potentially put the area at greater risk of fire.Heber City, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30420BHIDerek Ulm · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30419BHIBrett Haslem · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30405Marcus BattyI am excited for the railway. Our community will be blessed by this safer, more efficient, and economical form of transporting goods into and out of the basin. This will bring added growth and stability to many industries including farming and ranching, construction, recycling, and others. This is not just for oil. Please do all you can to help this happen.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30404Mandi BattyDEIS Public Comment for Uinta Basin Railway Project TO: Joshua Wayland, PhD Surface Transportation Board c/o ICF 9300 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031 Subject: Uinta Basin Railway Draft Environmental Impact Statement RE: Docket No. FD 36284 RDCC Project No. 76724 Mandi Batty 1785 N 750 E Vernal, UT 84078 Any project that could bring work to Vernal and that would stay in Vernal would be incredibly important to our economy. Vernal is a great place to live and raise a family, but recent economic conditions have made it all but impossible for families to remain in the area. If the railway could create long term jobs for the people of Vernal and the surrounding areas, I wholeheartedly support it. Comments also Submitted through: Uinta Basin Railway Environmental Impact Statement | Home (uintabasinrailwayeis.com)Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30399Janine BarnesWe have been going to this property of my sisters for so many years. we have helped with improvments and enjoyed the peace and quiet of this beautiful canyon for years. we have made friends with other property owners too who have put so many years of work in their properties so family and friends could come and have somewhere to enjoy camping and spending time in the outdoors. these are hard working people who have made a beautiful place to stay. please reconsider putting this railroad somewhere else so these good people can continue to enjoy this canyon in prace.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 2/12/2021)CommentEI-30358American WhitewaterPlease see the attached comment letter. Thank you for considering American Whitewater's comments on the Uinta Basin Railway EIS and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.Kestrel Kunz · Crested Butte, CO
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentDave Ure · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31888Center for Biological DiversityWendy Park · Oakland, CA
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31253Venable LLPWashington, DC
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31227Utah State LegislatureSenator David Buxton · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31221Roosevelt CityMayor JR Bird · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31175Eileen WoffindenLet me start by saying we purchased property in Argyle canyon over 20 years ago, so I could have something to show for the inheritance I received when I lost my parents within seven weeks of each other. So I am sure you can understand how much our little piece of heaven means to us. We lost a lot of it in the Church camp fire over 8 years ago and the thought of trains going through and the possibility of more fires being sparked makes me sad and angry. We also worked and saved so we could have a cabin which we got occupancy on from Duchesne county about 3 years ago. I have no problem with the basin having the means to get ahead and improve their situation. My problem is that too much of it has been politically motivated for more counties gain. Why is money being put to send the commodities/oil further southwest when the refineries the oil will be refined in are southeast of the basin? It makes no logical sense to destroy our canyon when there is a route with less mountainous area going in an eastern direction to those eastern refineries, which would have less impact on the environment, than the 85 miles of destruction to our lands. What it does reflect is a political move to increase political pockets at the expense of the taxpayers that will be hit with the bill. I am one of those taxpayers who will be hit twice; first, with the destruction of our area and second, with the waste in taxpayers money to send it 85 miles in the wrong direction. Sadly common sense doesn’t seem to be as common as it used to be. Please use our taxpayer money wisely, that’s all we can ask. Thank you for letting us voice our concerns. Sincerely, Eileen K. WoffindenWest Jordan, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31166James WillisSir, My name is James Willis I am a local resident and local business man. I am writing to voice my support of the long needed rail way. As you know Duchense & Uintah has two industries Oil & Gas, and farming with little opportunity for anything else. I have believed for many years with out a decent airport and rail head we would be forever limited. We have reopened the airport and now we need progress the rail head. The opportunities such an event would bring are limitless in my mind. Where there are those who believe the risk are too great, need to understand that risk can be mitigated as a former 43 year Oil & Gas man I have seen it many times all over the world, we can do it. We (the Basin) need this opportunity to grow and prosper. Please count myself and my family as supports and believers in the need for this project approval and development. Thank you for your time, James D Willis Willis & Son's LLCNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31160Cameron Westergardi would love to see this railroad come into the basin i think it would serve our struggling economy well bringing hundreds of jobs to the area and stabilizing our economy. also helping cut down on the truck traffic through town and over the mountainsVernal, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31101Virgil TaylorI think that the railroad would be a great economic boost to uintah county .Jensen, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-31098Emma TaylorAs a Resident of Uintah County I agree 100% with going forward with this project. I believe it will bring jobs to our area as well as enhance our economic growth. Thank you.Jensen, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)Comment
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(printed as 2/11/2021)Comment
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30992Barry PritchettWe purchased our land in Argyle Canyon in 1979. It was to be our "Retirement Get A Way." Some place remote, but not too far out there. My family is STRONGLY OPPOSED to this railway coming through our beautiful canyon.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30981Shelley PetrikI believe the railroad would benefit the communities of the Uintah Basin and I hope that it will be built.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30978Joel PetersonWe own property right where they want to put this Railway. This will greatly affect our family and pretty much ruin our land and investment. Terrible terrible idea.Saratoga Springs, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30977Greg PerryI support the Uinta Railway Project. It will bring much needed jobs, opportunities & economical support to the basin. With a rail system that links to other rails, we have a better option of import & export opportunities. The Uintah Basin is "DYING" economically because it costs to much to bring in freight and export goods.Jensen, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)Comment
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30884Lutisha MerrillI am very much against this railway. It will negatively impact the quality that My family has enjoyed in Argyle Canyon as a land owner for 30+ years.Park City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30850Lorie MayI believe that allowing a train to pass through the proposed area would be and detriment to the wild wife that exists in this area. I have seen endangered species, such as sage and grouse hens living in the proposed area. It is also the homes and property of many families who have enjoyed the peace and quiet of nature for generations. I believe there are other areas that could be used I stead of destroying years of effort by the property owners to live amongst the wild life without disturbing them. What you are proposing is WRONG!Murtaugh, ID
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30849Jeffery MayThis is not right to ruin so many people’s and families life’s and property, to take the easy route! When there is an alternative route that doesn’t affect so many people!Murtaugh, ID
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30825Jodi LovelessI am in opposition to the Uintah Basin railway. My parents worked hard for several years to have the funds able to invest in a property for our family to enjoy. There are other options for the railway to use including federal lands or less drastic routes that will not impact individuals private property and structures. It is in the states best interest to set a precedents that they respect individuals rights to own property without fear of government interference.Richland, WA
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30801Karli LaMarTo whom it may concern: As a resident of the state of Utah I am wholeheartedly opposed to this project. Our state is currently battling increased air pollution and pressure from climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The last thing we need is a project that will continue to contribute and exacerbate these issues. The economic and environmental danger of continued reliance on fossil fuels far outweighs any short lived dollars this project will bring in. We must find new ways of fueling the economy and meeting our energy needs. Please do not allow this project to continue. Best, Karli LaMarSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30761Debbie JonesPlease, please, please can you just listen to the property owners for once and not think about lining your pockets with money. This whole project is being pushed by a small group of men who are eager to ruin a beautiful mountain and the people that live there just to get money in their pockets. We are getting mowed over and buried. Please DO NOT let this project continue!!!!!! AGAINST THIS PROJECT!!!! Let my vote count!!!Lehi, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30753Julye JexWest Valley City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30751Jordan JexI am opposed to the Uinta Basin Railway. There are several reasons but I will only list a couple. They have completely ignored common sense in that there was a shorter, less expensive route that they could have used to tie into an ALREADY EXISTING RAIL LINE! From their point of origin and going due south would tie into the existing rail line in a fraction of mileage than the current proposal. Additionally, those mountains are mostly shale. What do you think digging a tunnel through those mountains is going to do?! It is dangerous not only during the construction process, but would weaken the immediately surrounding areas. Do not allow this project to go through!West Valley City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30750Jonathan JexI’m opposed to the units basin railway project. No only will it devalue surrounding areas but disrupt the wildlife and their seasonal migrationsWest Jordan, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30740Mark IvinsI strongly oppose the Uinta Basin Railway Project as it currently stands. It is my opinion that natural resources will be ruined which does not need to happen. I believe the coalition has worked behind close doors and only shared with the public bit of information and not the whole story. I also believe members of the coalition will financially benefit from this project which is wrong. Thank you, Mark IvinsAmerican Fork, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30729Denise HudsonI would like to let you know I am against the Uintah Basin Railway. It will ruin the environment and waste tax payers money. I have owned property in the area for over 50 years, I dont want the area ruined for me or my neighbors. Please stop this useless project before you ruin our canyons. It is totally unnecessary for this to go forward. Denise HudsonSandy, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30702Capitol Hill Action GroupStanley Holmes · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30688Lance HemmertIt’s February 11th, and it’s 55 degrees today in Salt Lake City. Do any of you feel any alarm over that? I look at the air and it’s brown. We’re breathing brown air. Don’t take my word for it. Just look at it. It’s brown. At what point do you feel responsibility for breathing brown air? It’s said that no one rain drop blames itself for the flood. At some point you’ll have to stop turning off your conscience, and be accountable to yourself, to our state, to our country, and to our planet. You have the opportunity to do that now. No more fossil fuel investments. It’s the only way.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30646Janice GuymonI am fully against building a railroad across pristine mountain land and down Indian canyon. It will ruin the migration paths of the elk and deer. What limited springs there are will be disturbed. It will be a fire hazard. I feel that the expense will be far beyond what has been estimated and once the project reaches a ridiculous cost it will be abandoned and the land left destroyed. Please do not authorize any further progress on this project.Cleveland, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30639Eric GreenI believe the EIS for this project is severely understating the short and long-term impacts on the local environment. My opinion, as a Biologist, is that this project will cause irreparable harm to the environment of Utah. I felt that the description of mitigation strategies for wildlife was insufficient given the large scale of this project. In particular, the effects on riparian habitats would be irreparable, in my opinion. I think that permits for this project should not be granted. Thank you for taking my comments, Eric Green, Ph.D.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30609Nikki FrisbyOur Frisby Family owns a total of almost 30 acres in Argyle Canyon for decades. We have planned for years to retire and be full time residents there beginning in 2022. We have scrimped, saved and worked hard to make our future home as environmentally friendly as possible. The air in the Uinta Basin already EXCEEDS federal standards. Bringing more oil & gas development would make it much worse! The proposed routes traverse over 10,000 acres of this beautiful unspoiled area. The wildlife here is diverse & lovely. The project would kill Indian Creek Canyons ecosystem. Including areas of endangered species. The noise & pollution from diesel trains would forever mar our beloved area. We love our future home. We love watching the wildlife, enjoying the peace, serenity and the fresher air. Please, DO NOT DESTROY OUR CANYON.Phoenix, AZ
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30608David FrisbyPlease do NOT ruin our mountain home. My family owns a total of 30 + acres in Argyle Canyon. We love our land. We have worked hard for it. We have planned for 25 plus years to retire and move to our land in 2022. The mountains and wildlife are beautiful and natural. A noisy polluting railway is NOT what we need. There is already too much pollution in the Uintah basin. The wildlife in the area is abundant and delicate. Our waterways are important in this semi-arid state. Our lives would be forever changed and disturbed by this railway. DO NOT DO IT.Phoenix, AZ
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30578EP Energy E&P Company, L.P.Chad England · Houston, TX
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30562Duchesne CityMayor Rodney Rowley · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30499CKC Operations LLCWe at CKC Operations LLC are in full support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway Project. It is rare when an area like the basin has the opportunity to connect with the rest of the country more economically than through trucking. What is great about this project is that it is inclusive in regards to all that will benefit from the project. We at CKC Operations LLC have found the value in employing a diversified base of employees including several Ute Native Americans. The fact that the tribe is in support of the project and an active participant is exciting and ensures its sustainability. Having worked on several projects with the Forest Service we understand the importance of minimizing environmental disturbance. In the this case the 10,000+ acres that will be impacted should be minimal. The fact that it is linear will help, and if proper methods are implemented there will be less environmental impacts than what the trucking causes daily between the basin and Salt Lake City. In conclusion lets make this great project happen.Charles Hamilton · Altamont, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30486Center for Biological DiversityAttached please find 35 comments from supporters of the Center for Biological Diversity about the Uinta Basin Railway. Thank you for your consideration.Griselda Olvera · Tucson, AZ
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30473Matt CarlsonI am very concerned about the overall impact this project will have on the proposed route and In particular the effect this will have on the natural water distribution and springs in the area that will potentially stop the flow of area springs leaving the land owners no water resources from our existing water rights and springs There are many other issues this can and most likely will affect that are very well detailed out in the Argyle Wilderness letter written and submitted by Darrell Fordham I and many other land owners are not in support of the current selected route. Please read his letter in detail that out lines the many factual concerns we have as a community in the Argyle canyon area. Thank you for your time and consideration in your review and final decision that will impact many.Heber City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30471Capitol Hill Action GroupStanley Holmes · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30428Trevor BoneThe proposed Uinta Basin Railway would be a train wreck for our air, wildlands, climate and communities. This multi-billion-dollar mistake would destroy more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and endangered species while worsening the climate crisis. Our world matters and we need to start caring about it in our actions and not just words.South Jordan, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30398Tonya BarnesI strongly oppose the Uinta Basin Railway project. The impact this would have on the animals, land, air quality, and property owners is absolutely devastating. My family has spent nearly every weekend in the summers at this mountain property for 4 generations. We love the land, take care of it, and would be crushed to see it ruined by the construction and use of a railway. I plead you to consider the preservation of this area. Thank you for your time!Provo, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentDarrell Fordham · Lehi, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentEI-30354Brian AllridgeI am in support of bringing the rail to the Uintah Basin. I feel it is critical to our local economy for economic growth.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/11/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 2/10/2021)CommentEI-31218Austin AbbottI think the railway will be a great thing! Boosting the local economy and making highway 40 safer!Arcadia, UT
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(printed as 2/10/2021)CommentEI-31077Clark StaceyAs a citizen of Utah and frequent recreational user of the lands in question, I implore you to reject any permutation of the railway proposal. The OEA draft EIS should make this decision obvious and emphatic. The grave and persistent impacts on waterways, ecosystems, and wildlife the OEA foresees are, if anything, understated. And this we would sacrifice for what? Fewer jobs than the burgeoning green energy sector generates in a year? The extraction of fuels we need to proactively eschew if we're to leave our children a habitable planet? Fuels that already shorten our lives and whose market value is on an irreversible downhill slide? Please add my name to those of Utah citizens who strenuously oppose this project. Thank you for your kind attention to these words.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/10/2021)CommentEI-30854Kris MaylettI am writing in support of the railway coming into the II tag basin! I appreciate all of the hard work and careful consideration of our environment by all of those involved. This is very important for us who live, work, recreate an enjoy the UNITA Basin. Please make sure and allow this for the well-being of all of us here who are trying to support our families Thank you Kris Maylett Kris.maylett@parker.com 801-870-3378Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/10/2021)CommentEI-30342Austin AbbotI think the railway will be a great thing! Boosting the local economy and making highway 40 safer!Arcadia, UT
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(printed as 2/9/2021)CommentEI-31048Joshua SchmidtThe proposed Uinta Basin Railway would be a train wreck for our air, wildlands, climate and communities. This multi-billion-dollar boondoggle would ruin more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and endangered species while worsening the climate crisis.Sandy, UT
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(printed as 2/9/2021)CommentEI-30676Scott HartmanReutilization of the existing railroad tracks through Lake and Chaffee Counties does not take into consideration economic and recreational changes that have occurred since trains last ran through the valley. Climax Mine is not longer a major employer. Recreation is by far the biggest economic driver in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Focusing on just the traffic impact in Buena Vista with its three RR crossings, the impact would be immense. Traffic has increased just since the paving of the west side of Cottonwood Pass. With the added inconvenience of traffic backed up in virtually all directions while waiting for a train to pass, this is a situation that should not happen.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 2/9/2021)CommentEI-30564Duchesne County LibraryDaniel Mauchley · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/9/2021)CommentEI-30530Mark DanielsI have lived in the basin all my life (44)years and I love it here. I'm in full support to the rail system. We need this to better help our community.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/9/2021)CommentEI-30502Climate Health Now PhysiciansJeffrey Mann · Lafayette, CA
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(printed as 2/9/2021)CommentEI-30436Joseph BowdenThis Uintah Basin needs a dependable Transportation way other than Trucking. we have always had to depend on the Roads out of this valley no matter what the weather is and at times in the winter the roads can get very bad, also the truck traffic to Salt Lake or to Price with one of the Basins largest export products Crude Oil is upward of 100 trucks a day, with night a day routs. I am for the Railway for the safety factor on the roads. And to give the Uintah Basin more industrial competitive, Without the Oil and Gas Industry, The Uintah Basins only other industry is, Farming and Ranching which there is not a lot of good paying Jobs for young people we and the public needs more opportunity for Job and the Railway may give us the help we need.Ballard, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-31170Addy WilzTo whom this may concern, My name is Addy and my husband and moved to the basin 9 years ago seeking work in the oil field. My husband a mechanic and I came to help in the medical field. We have been here for the highs and are surviving the low time. We both want to express how much we want the railroad to come to our area. We believe it to be a positive in so many issues. We love this area and the fine people who we shatter this community with. We believe it will not only help the oil industry but so many more such as agriculture and new businesses to come. Please consider bringing in the much needed railway to our are.Addy and Wolf Wilz Roosevelt, UtahRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-31134Annie UreskThe oil and gas industry is the Main driving force of the Uintah Basin, without it our lively hood is in jeopardy. With the new outline that The President is wanting to put into place, The Uintah Basin is heading for endangerment. The Railroad will be a Great opportunity for the Uintah Basin to Transform its future. I am a Supporter of the Railroad project.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-31015Alec RimmaschI live in the basin and my job is directly connected to having the railway built. I am 100% for this project. It will improve our overall economy insurance rural area!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentAs a small business owner, I cannot tell you how important this rail project will be to our struggling economy. 2020 has been extremely hard year for us with Covid and oil trading in the negative. Business has been down 30%. We have been fortunate enough to keep all our employees at full time without a cut in pay. If things continue and we do not see any growth in our future, this will change. Employees may have wage cuts or job loss. The rail would be great for expansion and stability for the oil companies that is a fact. But I also would like to see other industry come to our area that could also utilize this less expensive mode of transportation. As a small business owner I see a lot of potential for manufacturing jobs in our area. There is a lot of unemployed skilled labor in our area that would love a job that had some type of stability. There are several aspects to this project that may be negative, but from my view, the positives greatly outweigh the negative.Chad Orme · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-30781Utah Petroleum AssociationJennette King · Cottonwood Heights, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-30774Craig KelseyI have been a businessman fir 40 years here in the Uintah Basin. I have watch our only refinery leave and watch the problems with transporting our oil to market. I believe the railway is needed to keep our local economy strong and healthy. It has my support Craig KelseyNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-30687Helper CityI firmly believe this project will serve as driver of economic diversity for Helper. The ESI process serves as a measure of confidence in proactively protecting the environment while simultaneously allowing for industry growth. As a struggling rural community, the impact of the rail project cannot be underestimated. This effort would be a win-win for the community, for industry and for the protection of the environment.Lenise Peterman · Helper, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentEI-30625Wayne GingellThis project is long over due. This will benefit all businesses of all in the Uintah Basin.Trindell, UT
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(printed as 2/8/2021)CommentAs a small business owner, I cannot tell you how important this rail project will be to our struggling economy. 2020 has been extremely hard year for us with Covid and oil trading in the negative. Business has been down 30%. We have been fortunate enough to keep all our employees at full time without a cut in pay. If things continue and we do not see any growth in our future, this will change. Employees may have wage cuts or job loss. The rail would be great for expansion and stability for the oil companies that is a fact. But I also would like to see other industry come to our area that could also utilize this less expensive mode of transportation. As a small business owner I see a lot of potential for manufacturing jobs in our area. There is a lot of unemployed skilled labor in our area that would love a job that had some type of stability. There are several aspects to this project that may be negative, but from my view, the positives greatly outweigh the negative.Chad Orme · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/6/2021)CommentEI-31138Michael ValentineI am writing in support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway proposed project as a visitor with friends and business relations to the area. This project has first and foremost a safety benefit by reducing the number of trucks hauling oil and supplies on route 191. This highway was not built for the capacity needs of hauling large quantities of crude oil, thereby posing a safety threat to those that use it. As an example here is a video of a crude-oil truck that spilled on Rt. 191: https://kutv.com/news/local/crude-oil-covering-highway-191-in-carbon-county-road-closed There is a known environmental improvement building the railroad by hauling the oil by rail which will aid carbon reduction goals of the new Biden Administration as rail transport uses less energy to transport. This will literally reduce thousands of truck hauls off the road annually, saving millions of gallons of fuel and carbon emissions. Lastly, there is a significant economic benefit to the region and tribal members by providing high wage jobs, as the railroad would increase economic activity and opportunities because products would more efficiently get to market. Not only does this create jobs, but also increases the area's tax base which would help improve schools and provide educational opportunities, and creating skills for now locally available jobs, should the railroad be built. In summary, the proposed Unita Basin Railway Project would significantly improve highway safety, would be better for the environment and improve the local economy.Sincerely, Michael ValentinePleasant Ridge, MI
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(printed as 2/6/2021)CommentEI-30518CosNet Realty, LLCI have been following the railroad project from the beginning of inception. I find it very disturbing that there are a large group of people that are from outside the area that feel that they need to determine should be allowed to go forward or not. I can only imagine how they would feel if their job was on the line based on those decisions In discussing this project with the people that live here in the basin I have receiving over whelming for the project. As a resident of Duchesne County I feel that as long as every effort is made to protect the environment, that this project should be allowed. Our American rights to be free to choose should be respected. With the millions of acres of land in the Uinta Mountains, maybe the few people that issues the rail passing through or near their property could trade with the Federal Government with like property. The lively hood of tens of thousands should take precedence over a few. Especially when most of those complaining don't live full time on their property and only use it as a recreation property. Please vote to allow us to have the railroad.James Costello · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/5/2021)CommentEI-31193Justin ZufeltI want the railroad to come through here so we can have a stable economy. I want the railroad so my kids will have better opportunities The railroad will not hurt our environment.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/5/2021)CommentEI-31073John and Monica SpehlerSandy, UT
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(printed as 2/5/2021)CommentEI-30768Common Sense InspectionI have a local business that provides from 10 to 50 jobs depending on the economy. I think that the rail road would be great for the uintah basin. It will not only create hundreds of jobs, but will open this area to other sectors. from improving our oil and gas to manufacturing and so on. It will help the farming and ranching to reach out to other areas. The price for shipping will drop helping us in many ways. Railroad tracks have crossed america for hundreds of years. It will also lower the amounts of trucks on our high ways. This will reduce accidents and amount of game killed on our roads. In my opinion the rail will be the best thing that could happen to our area. As it will give us a more secure economy than we have ever had in our history of boom and bust cycles. when you have a more sustainable economy you have better schools and stores and oportunities.Robert Karren · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/5/2021)CommentEI-30766Jake KarrenThe Uintah Basin has been struggling economically for a long time. We need some stability and growth here to sustain all of our people and more people that will come with the railroad moving forward bringing some new life and hope into our economy. Failure to move forward with this would be a mistake hurting the people in the basin and further extending our drought for a a sustainable economy.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/5/2021)CommentEI-30571Nicholas EatonI think the railway will make an excellent pillar in supporting a healthy economy in the Uintah basin. It is also going to improve logistics on the areas highways by providing a more efficient way to move commodities out & into this unique area.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/5/2021)CommentEI-30402Annette BastianI support the local railroad being put in. Our economy needs the revenue and also the jobs it will create. Please put in the railroad.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/4/2021)CommentEI-30606Alison FratesPlease choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The damage done to our air, water, land and wildlife is not worth the construction of this railway. The pollution in the Uinta Basin is already deplorable, and negatively impacts the health of its residents. This railway would exacerbate the problem, and will affect people in Colorado as well. It seems to me that the last thing we want to do in the Southwest is defile some of our last remaining healthy waterways. This railway would cross and pollute more than 400 streams and wetland areas. Browns Canyon would also be impacted, which is a national monument and should be protected! There will inevitably be spills and sparks that cause wildfires. This is a terrible idea and quite frankly unacceptable.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 2/4/2021)CommentEI-30343David AbelesTo Whom it may Concern: This comment is in support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. Currently, tens of thousands of truck trips are used to move freight through this region, making for congested and dangerous roads. Trucks are a very dirty and inefficient form of transportation. I see that this new company has done its homework to create the most viable new way to move this freight by railroad. The railroad is the safest, most environmentally sensitive way to move these commodities. The Whitmore Park Alternative would deviate from the Indian Canyon Alternative in areas to the north and south of Indian Canyon in order to avoid or minimize impacts identified during scoping, including impacts on residences and impacts on greater sage-grouse leks in the Carbon Sage-Grouse Management Area - this shows the proper work has been done to move this project in the right direction. The economic impact is huge and will help provide good jobs for area residents, including those on the railroads throughout Utah moving freight cars beyond the proposed new railroad. Please allow this project to advance - this is a win-win for all parties involved. Thank you for your consideration.Lebanon, NJ
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentEI-31892Center for Biological DiversityDeeda Seed · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentDeborah Burney-Sigman · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentEI-31065Sean SlackThis project should not proceed and as a state resident I express my strong opposition. This project will create unrepairable long term changes to the open lands including uninterrupted wilderness area. There may be some short term gain for few but as many local residents oppose the project, the idea that this will stimulate local jobs is a farce. Transporting oil through small towns and wilderness poses massive environmental risk that does nothing to benefit the tax paying citizens of Utah. Please oppose this project from ever starting.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentEI-30975Jane PerkinsA disaster in the making is the new proposed Uinta Basin Railway! I have lived in Utah for over 45 years, and the state of Utah has unparalleled beauty and promise for a future of restoration and protection of its natural resources and treasures. And, in a time of a global crisis of unprecedented proportion, and an enormous need and requirement that fossil fuel extraction and development BE PHASED OUT for the good and health of our planet, and all life, including human beings, therein -- Utah proposes this inane plan for an 88-mile railroad through these rural counties and significantly increasing fossil-fuel extraction in the Uinta Basin?!! What is Utah thinking? Besides this being an insane and disastrous plan for the nature and ecological nature of the Uinta Basin, we must address the misuse of state funds to build the Uinta Basin Railway - funding that is supposed to be used to support projects for Utah communities, including fire trucks, flood control, road construction projects, and community centers! While Utah’s Permanent Community Impact Board has dedicated public funds to support these much-needed projects, in recent years, the board has taken a wrong and frankly, ignorant and misguided turn by handing over nearly $28 million in public money to the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition in hopes of ramming this 88-mile railroad through these rural counties and significantly increasing fossil-fuel extraction in the Uinta Basin. This is unequivocally WRONG and absolutely unnecessary at this time in our history. There is no doubt that this would negatively impact the surrounding communities and the ecological and environmental nature of this area. I AM DEEPLY OPPOSED TO THE UINTA BASIN RAILWAY!Loveland, CO
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentEI-30689Stephen HendersonTo whom it may concern: I have owned a hotel in the Uintah Basin since 1997. We have endured many ups and downs. I want to add my name to the list of supporters for the Uinta Basin Railway. Our economy depends of the energy sector. The railroad will be a monumental addition to oil and gas, as well as many other businesses. I believe the railroad will help stabilize the economy and provide many needed jobs. Sincerely, Stephen A. Henderson Owner, Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, Ballard, UtahBallard, UT
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentEI-30651Elise HamannI support the Railroad! I think it will help Vernal a great deal, and I believe that it can be done in a way that will be low impact on the environment and beneficial to is all. Build the Railroad!!!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/3/2021)CommentEI-30632Paul GorboldBringing back rail road transportation in the Eagle Valley does not seem to make any sense. The impact to the communities with noise and pollution does not offset the financial benefits to the community. Why bring back an antiquated transportation technology? The for profit companies that operate the rail line look to be leaning on the communities to fund this project through grants with little benefit for the communities. So really funding this project would be on the tax payers of the regions it will be running through with little benefit. Trains are loud and dirty, We do not want them back in our community.Eagle, CO
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(printed as 2/2/2021)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 2/2/2021)CommentEI-30755Yankton JohnaonJoshua Wayland, PhD Surface Transportation Board c/o ICF 9300 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031 Attention: Environmental filing, Docket No. FD 36284 February 2, 2021 Dear Mr. Wayland, I am writing in support of the Uinta Basin Railway project. I moved from Southeast Arizona to the Uintah Basin 20 years ago. In 2001, the Basin was just coming out of a pressed economy, as a result of a down turn in the oil industry. It was very challenging to find a job during this time. I often heard the locals talking about the “ups and downs” of the oil patch. After working for the Uintah Basin Association of Government for 7 years, a local oil company for 3 years and now the local cooperative. I have realized the need for diversity in our community. I believe that this project “Uinta Basin Railway” would bring just that…to a majority of the citizens living in the Basin. This project will create stability and diversification that has been discussed for decades. The ability to export and import goods on a Class 1 railroad, will not only create new jobs, but also safeguard our existing economic base and stimulate the economy through taxes and future jobs. I look forward to the day that this project will be complete and the future of the Basin becomes much more stable for generations to come. Sincerely, Yankton JohnsonNeola, UT
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(printed as 2/2/2021)CommentEI-30704Uintah County CommissionersBrad Horrocks · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/2/2021)CommentEI-30613Barb GardnerSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 2/2/2021)CommentDeeda Seed
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-31137Michael ValentineI am writing in support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway proposed project as a visitor with friends and business relations to the area. This project has first and foremost a safety benefit by reducing the number of trucks hauling oil and supplies on route 191. This highway was not built for the capacity needs of hauling large quantities of crude oil, thereby posing a safety threat to those that use it. As an example here is a video of a crude-oil truck that spilled on Rt. 191: https://kutv.com/news/local/crude-oil-covering-highway-191-in-carbon-county-road-closed There is a known environmental improvement building the railroad by hauling the oil by rail which will aid carbon reduction goals of the new Biden Administration as rail transport uses less energy to transport. This will literally reduce thousands of truck hauls off the road annually, saving millions of gallons of fuel and carbon emissions. Lastly, there is a significant economic benefit to the region and tribal members by providing high wage jobs, as the railroad would increase economic activity and opportunities because products would more efficiently get to market. Not only does this create jobs, but also increases the area's tax base which would help improve schools and provide educational opportunities, and creating skills for now locally available jobs, should the railroad be built. In summary, the proposed Unita Basin Railway Project would significantly improve highway safety, would be better for the environment and improve the local economy. Sincerely, Michael ValentinePleasant Ridge, MI
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-31135Brandon UreskI believe that the railway would greatly benefit our area. It would bring stability to our up and down economy.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-31061Charmian SiddowayI am in favor of the railway into the Uintah Basin. It will be such a big benefit to all the communities in this area. I believe it will help improve the safety of our highways and support and prosper industry in our area. The Uintah Basin has needed an alternate source of transportation for business to help business be more cost effective. This will improve business and industry in the eastern corner of the state of Utah.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-31060Lance SiddowayThis railway is a vital part of the long-term economic stability and growth of the Uintah Basin. Lance Siddoway Vernal, UtahVernal, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30960Jim PallowI am for the building of the Uintah Basin railway. It will open up jobs for a sparsely populated area of the country. It will also help pay the maintenance of the ex-Rio Grande Railroad which is currently underused. The USA will always run on oil so please be pro! Thank you. Retired engineer Jim PallowGuernsey, WY
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30876Rhonda McKennaAfter listening to the Podcast I am very concerned about the environmental impact this will have on the Uintah Basin. During the height of the last boom around 2012-2015 our air quality was the worst in the state and rivaled places like Los Angeles, California. We had low birth weights and higher miscarriage levels. We also have the highest rate of lung cancer in the State. With increased oil and natural gas production I am very concerned about returning to a state of very poor air quality. Also what about water use for fracking. We live in the arid West and Utah does not have water to spare. What about the water that is being tainted with carcinogenic fracturing chemicals that now is being put in the ground and not viable for daily use such as drinking water. Frack water use also competes with agricultural water use. What are your solutions for these issues. There must be a cap on what can be produced that balances the health of the local community as well VS. profit.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30834Ion MadanI think railroad is necessary in order to grow our economy and improve living of our citizens here in Vernal and surroundings. Thanks.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30827Jacob LymanI support the Uinta Basin Railway project for its ability to increase rail traffic in the state, remove oil trucks from the roads, and improve shipping into and out of the basin. The route will provide an alternate from the highway and open up more economic opportunity into the region. The removal of oil trucks from the road will affect everyone in the state, including those in Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front where many of the trucks currently terminate. Increased road congestion along the highways in the Wasatch Front is a growing issue, and with more and more of the rail crossing grades now separated in the valley, it means that trains that came off the Uinta to terminate in SLC would be less disruptive than the trucks. Increased train traffic leaving the Uinta Basin down eastbound through Helper too would increase local tourism via attracting the railfan crowd to the region which would be a boon for Helper's historic downtown and the Western Mining and Railroad Museum, as railfans will want to watch train traffic off the Uinta Basin then head down the canyon to visit Helper's historic areas for food and rest.Tooele, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30813Paul LiddiardI feel that more items transported by rail, the better off Utah and the US will be. This project is important for the state of Utah and it's residents. Please approve, and let this project go forward.Spanish Fork, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30672David HarmerPlease approve the railroad. The more traffic we can get off the roads and onto the rails, the better for all of us.Bountiful, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30595Scott FennAnyone that has a business in the Uintah Basin will benefit from the railway by shipping and receiving products cheaper than ever before. I work in the Oil and Gas which supports the large majority of the income and tax paid dollars within the Uintah basin. Our industry now more than ever needs every avenue to reduce cost, and increase returns on our products, this railway does just that. I and most others within oil and gas support and know our jobs rely on this railway being completed.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30581Joan EntwistleAs a resident of Utah, I urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The climate is at a tipping point, there is no need for further development to support fossil fuels. This development will add to the air pollution in the area, which already exceeds federal standards. It will permanently damage the area. In this time of climate change, we need to look at how every development can mitigate against the on-going damage from droughts and extreme weather events. This railway will make these impact far worse. Every species contributes to the web of defense against climate change, protecting the habitat and every species protects humanity. The proposed railway would do irreparable harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and should not be built. This project will cost permanent jobs in our region's outdoor tourism economy, which infuses money to our local businesses. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30426Dan BolyardCount me as in favor of this project. Rail is the safest and most efficient way of transportation in the US, and the railroads are no-where near capacity. The area in question is in need of this transportation service and the footprint of the railroad in the landscape is such a small amount, there really isn't any way that natural resources will be harmed in any way for it's construction. The project is important to this rural part of Utah, as it will provide needed jobs.Coulee City, WA
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30418Will BiedermannCoaldale, CO
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(printed as 2/1/2021)CommentEI-30414Joshua BernhardSpringville, UT
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(printed as 1/31/2021)CommentEI-30407Whit BealIm currently out of work due to the downturn in the oil and gas industry. My family has ridden a couple of the up and downs while living here, but this one definitely is different than the others. So many of my friends and family have expressed concern about our future as a community...I for one do not want my kids to face the same ups and downs, wondering if they’ll have a job in a week, month, the following year, or every single election! We are currently looking for work in and out of state, and if the railroad doesn’t come to fruition, we’re leaning heavily towards leaving the area. My great grandparents dealt with the same exact scenarios as well as my grandad, whom ultimately left the basin to go work at Geneva Steel...and here we are, still fighting for the diversity that we desperately need to help the basin thrive. Hell yes I support the rail road!Bluebell, UT
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(printed as 1/30/2021)CommentEI-30784Jennifer KiousI am very much against this railway. The devastating environmental impacts are NOT worth it. Please reconsider throwing away this beautiful land for our children. It is our job to preserve it.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/30/2021)CommentEI-30669Jack HarlanNot Provided, CO
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(printed as 1/30/2021)CommentEI-30614Ron GardnerI am so in favor of this rail road comin to the basin ,it seems to me we need it for our economy we need it for our kids !! We need it !!!! The possibilities are in known to what it may bring here !! You build it they will come !! We need it !!! Don’t screw this up !! Have I said it we need it yes build it !! Yes yes yes !!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/30/2021)CommentEI-30435Virginia BottorffThere are enormous consequences, both short-term and long-term when it comes to destruction of the environment, especially when it comes things that are not required for our survival. Knowing that doing this will result in such destruction, this project should be shelved for good. We need to protect and defend our precious places, nature, water resources, animal habitats, etc. Now and in the future, this should be foremost on our minds and wallets, both!Syracuse, NY
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(printed as 1/30/2021)CommentEI-30433Stephen BortonFrom everything I've read and after talking to a number of oil/gas people, I see no way that the railroad can pay for itself. Oil and natural gas from the Permian Basin is far cheaper. The big companies are pulling out of the Uintah Basin. Like the Seep Ridge Road to nowhere and the Conference Center that was going to pay for itself, the railroad looks like a loser. Further I am concerned about the affect it will have on wildlife. How many deer and elk will die or be injured in wildlife train accidents? Wouldn't a pipeline be far more cost effective? What happened to the pipeline that was proposed several years ago?Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-31126Heidi TribeI am in favor of the railway. I have experienced first hand the ups and downs of the economy in my industry and the industry of my husband due to the oil and gas industry. This railway will help to bring other industry to the area in addition to the oil and gas industry and I support the railway coming to the Uintah Basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-31039Ella RuthIt's very disheartening to see projects like these continuing to be pushed forward. I understand that it's going to take generations of cultural and ideological change before "we" start prioritizing the health of the Earth over the wealth of the few. But still. It makes me sad. I wanted to write to say that I recognize that thousands of comments in disagreement with this project will make no difference, but I'm writing one any way as an offering to the Earth. She knows what's up and I want Her to know I see Her. We are literally in an environmental crisis which is threatening to cause the extinction of the human species. Like...what is the point of these projects when we have no future? Who gets all the money from this project when there is no functioning society because everything is fucked? Yikes. I'm just trying to live my life by adding love and hope to the world because it feels like there is so little of that at the moment. Does this project bring love and hope to the world? Do YOU bring love and hope to the world?Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-31035Tracy RossI am for the railroad coming to our area because I feel it will make a huge positive empact on our economy here in the basin. We are dependant on oil to keep our economy a float and the railroad will help in making the oil industry a bit more stable by giving more options to sell and export our oil out of the basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30912Taylor MonneyThe Uinta Basin Railway would result in immeasurable damage to an already fragile landscape, further deteriorate the climate, and degrade precious waterways. For the sake of the land, our future, and our water, I urge the Surface Transportation Board to reject the Railway proposal. An adequate environmental impact study should account for the impact of increased fossil fuel emissions and their impact on global climate. Additional oil projects, such as this railway, would increase oil development and emissions, at a time when most scientists agree that humanity only has until 2030 to cut our emissions by half to maintain the livability of this planet. The Uinta Basin Railway ignores this scientific consensus in favor of short term economic expediency, and this will contribute to the devastation wrought on our climate by fossil fuels. In addition to global effects, the local effects from the Railway will be acute and destructive. The air quality in the Uinta Basin already suffers due to fossil fuel projects, and this railway will only lead to more mining and drilling, and a further deterioration of air quality. The Board should also reject the Railway because of its impacts on the non-human residents of the basin. The proposed route crosses through roadless areas, streams, wetlands and through the habitat of endangered and threatened species such as the Sage Grouse. The impact on water is severe, and in an arid place like the Uintah Basin, protecting water resources should be a top priority of any environmental impact analysis. Contrary to the goal of riparian protection however, this proposed route of the train will impact over 61 miles of streams and 26 acres of floodplains, in addition to requiring approximately 433 stream crossings. The impacts of the railway on the climate, land, water, and local species disqualify the Uinta Basin Railway as environmentally sound, and I urge the board to reject the proposal.Orem, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30897Tyson MitchellI am a resident of the Uintah Basin, I was born here and have lived here my whole life. I believe the benefits this railway would give us would be tremendous. This is something that has needed to happen for a very long time. I am in full support of this railroad.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30879Lonnie MechamHaving lived in the Uintah Basin for many years and knowing the traffic situations on the highways I can only see that this railway will improve the situation by taking many trucks off the roadways. This will also bring good jobs to the area.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30853Kris MaylettRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30783Jennifer KiousI am very much against this railway. The devastating environmental impacts are NOT worth it. Please reconsider throwing away this beautiful land for our children. It is our job to preserve it.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30722Barch HuberAnything that can help the Uintah Basin with transportation, getting goods into and out of the basin is a very good idea. We need job growth, hopefully the railroad will help in that area also.Ballard, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30699Duane HillPutting a railroad up and over Indian Canyon is totally absurd. There has to be an easier route like down through nine mile. To go up over that steep canyon will take more energy than it saves.Salem, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30531Dans TireI strongly support the railroad coming to the Basin!! It will be a great asset to our economy.Shannon Karren · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30524Crown Compliance Advisors, LLCWhile there are legitimate concerns over the routes, construction, and operation of the railway, I believe it is in our best interest to move forward with this project. This may not be the end-all solution for the Basin, but it is a step in the right direction. The regulations and mitigation measures in place will help to lessen the possibilities and impacts of incidents. Thank you, John BruchJohn Bruch · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/29/2021)CommentEI-30403Stephanie BatemanMy family has lived in the Uintah Basin for 39 years and we love our community. The main source of income here is the oilfield and at this time the oilfield is dying. Many families need the railway to come here so they can continue to raise their families here. The railway would create jobs and income, which we need greatly. The railway would only help improve our community in many way and bring more opportunities.Talmage, UT
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served (printed as 1/28/2021)DecisionEXTENDED THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT UNTIL FEBRUARY 12, 2021.
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31926Eagle County, ColoradoWashington, DC
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31223Mountain Lion FoundationDiana Boyle · Sacramento, CA
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEdward Arnett · Loveland, CO
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31194Ute Indian TribeUte Indian Tribe Business Committee · Fort Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31178Elaine WolffThe threat posed by the transportation of heavy crude through this irreplaceable scenic area far outweighs any economic benefit. Public use of this area for fishing, rafting, hiking and more has grown exponentially over the past ten years and now supports a vibrant sustainable economy in several scenic small towns in the area (this past summer use spiked because of Covid-19 travel restrictions; many of those visitors have now "discovered" the area and will be back). The area has largely recovered from the mining pollution and scars of a century ago, and is now a timeless resource for future generations. Oil, on the other hand, is in its sunset phase. A focus on present value and future generations requires a rejection of this commercial rail use. Thank you.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31171Devan WintertonI am happy to endorse the building of a railway into the Uintah Basin. I feel it would be great for our economy, and could possibly bring more jobs and businesses to our area. Please push to have this happen!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31167Nine Mile Canyon CoalitionDennis Willis · Price, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31140Matt VukinI am concerned about the impact of this railway on surrounding habitats for wildlife but am just as concerned about the implications for air quality which would impact local communities that theoretically would benefit economically from this project. Also it seems convincing that this use of funds is not congruent with their intent and would instead subsidize corporations and not benefit directly local communities, as intended.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31131Pamela UnderwoodI believe in light of the new administration in the White House and termination of drilling oil and gas wells this railroad is useless and a waste of money. If allowed to continue it would forever destroy an entire mountain, landscape, wildlife and water for nothing. Even if a future administration allowed for the drilling, this railway would lay in rust for years to come. With a Country trying to convert to other means of energy we do not know what the future of gas and oil will be like in 4+ years so why allow for something that will very possibly cost millions more then its worth just to lie and rust? Please say NO to the Uinta Basin Railway and especially no to their Petition for Exemption.Price, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31129Bethany TroubermanDear Mr. Wayland, I am writing to express my hopes that you will approve the EIS concerning the Uintah Basin Railway project. This project is vital towards stimulating and continuing growth in the Uintah Basin. It will play a vital role in community growth and development and open up many more job opportunities. With the face of America rapidly changing, and as we are an oil and gas community, we need options that will open up trade in other areas. We fully support this project and hope that you will too. Sincerely, Bethany Trouberman Century 21 Parker Real Estate Professionals 941 W. Hwy 40, Ste A, Vernal, UT 84078 BethsCozyHuts@gmail.com 435-621-1072 (c) 435-789-2606 (o)Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentThe Uintah Basin Railway project is a necessary means to encourage growth and stimulus for the Uintah Basin. We hope that you will approve the project and move forward as soon as possibleBethany Trouberman · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31117Douglas TolmanHello, My name is Douglas Tolman, a descendent of settlers who filled the Uinta Basin with cattle ranches and oil rigs. I now live 80 miles downstream from the Uinta Basin on the Green River, and fear that increased oil extraction will further disturb the delicate ecology of the Green River drainage. Despite the fact that my family heritage is built on oil and coal extraction in Eastern Utah, I have learned the science behind climate change, and how fossil fuel dependence has a very real impact on that. Knowing that the energy production market is moving towards renewables, it is also a financially unwise decision to use our tax dollars in a dying industry. Though Utah is long overdue for a railway, that should be a high-speed passenger train which connects underserved rural areas with jobs and education in urban areas.Green River, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31104Baylee ThompsonSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-31019L. Carl RobinsonRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30964Western Energy AllianceTripp Parks · Denver, CO
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30865Dan McCurdyI am concerned about the potential for significant environmental impacts from this project.Springfield, IL
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30836Florian MaderspacherTo whom it may concern. I vehemently oppose the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. It's costs for our natural environment, our natural resources and wildlife in the area stand in no relation to the proposed benefits for a few greedy extractive industries. Wilderness is a rare and precious resource whose protection must be our foremost priority in a time of planetary scale environmental crisis whose impacts are felts especially harshly in Utah. End this insane project now. Focus on renewable energies, keep fossil fuels in the ground. For us, for life on Earth and for our children!PS. the EIS website is classed as non-safe and hard to reach. That's embarrassing! Please use state of the art internet safety, providing maximum accessibility. Sincerely, Florian MaderspacherSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30808Sage LazarI am adamantly opposed to this misguided project. It’s tremendously unsound in terms of the environment, both the Utah environment as well as globally, it’s catering to a dying industry, and it’s a waste of taxpayers money. Do not proceed!Bothell, WA
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30798Susan KuehnToledo, OH
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30764Dennis JuddThe proposed Uintah Basin railroad is a critically needed transportation link for the Uintah Basin. It will provide a more efficient and economical means of transporting goods and products to and from the Uintah Basin and will reduce significantly the heavy truck traffic on US Highway 40. That truck traffic adds a more dangerous element to the highways leading to and from the Uintah Basin and damages Highway infrastructure and creates additional pollution. Until the railroad is constructed it is impossible to get goods and products to and from Uintah Basin area other than through use of heavy trucks. The railroad will provide a safer more environmentally friendly transportation link for the Uintah Basin. The highway relied upon for transportation to and from the Uintah basin are narrow and dangerous and are often rendered impassable by winter weather or accidents. A safer more efficient transportation link will greatly benefit local communities and improve the health, safety and welfare of thousands of citizens.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30763Uintah Valley Shoshone TribeMichael Rock · Berkley, MI
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30754Sarah JohnI'm against the railroad. Here's why: 1. Democrats are against us using our natural resources. The government in Washington, D.C. needs to change before Utah will have enough control over its own land to make this happen. 2. What businesses will this really benefit? The list you give on the website looks like only speculation. Which farmers, livestock owners, oil & gas businesses have said they will actually use it? 3. From your website: "Pipelines can only transport oil & gas and because the waxy crude oil extracted in the Uinta Basin has to be heated, increasing costs." This doesn't make any sense. If it's hard to go through pipelines, how are you going to get it on & off the train? It's got to be contained and therefore by riding on the train, it will be hard to get in and out of containers on a train because of the "waxy crude." 4. Who's paying for it? I don't believe this won't hurt our local taxes. Businesses are already hurting in Vernal. They aren't signing up for more expenses when they are already hurting. That just means to me that it will come back to hurt the small people who pay taxes. No thank you. 5. Around here we spell it Uintah Basin. It's annoying that you leave off the 'h' at the end. I've said enough. I am against it. Sarah John Resident for 31 years RealtorNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30721Barch HuberAnything that can help the Uintah Basin with transportation, getting goods into and out of the basin is a very good idea. We need job growth, hopefully the railroad will help in that area also.Ballard, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30682Brian HawksThe Uinta Basin needs economic diversity. Oil is something that will continue to come under attack by politicians and environmental groups, and the price is so volatile there can never be true stability relying on it as the primary income source for a population as large as spans from Fruitland to Jensen. A railway will benefit those in the most need of economic benefit in Utah: Rural Utah. As more items are shipped both ways, the economic benefits will continue to compound. On top of this, none of the highways in or out of the Basin are really well designed for large vehicle traffic, and every double trailer semi driving through a mountain pass increases risk for all of those around them, no matter how competent our fantastic truck drivers are. This is good for the Basin. This is good for Utah. Support the railway, we need it!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30677Ann HarveyThe proposed Uinta Basin Railway's purpose is to make profitable the exploitation of a vast amount of currently unprofitable shale oil reserves. Thus, approval of the railway would be a direct decision to accelerate global warming. Global warming is already causing huge suffering and economic harm throughout much of the world through increased droughts, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, invasion of disease vectors into new regions, and direct heat related diseases and deaths. Global warming will inflict much worse consequences on us all if we don't take bold action now to massively decrease our greenhouse gas emissions. Approval of the railway would also be a decision to subject people, plants, and animals in Utah (and Colorado) to worse air and water pollution and destruction of wildlife habitat. The shale oil must be left underground, for the sake of all of us living beings on earth. I urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30660William HansenDear Sir, I am so pleased to submit this letter to support that Uinta rail project as you take comments for the EIS. I am fortunate to live in Roosevelt Utah after having a 50 year career. I worked 30 years was in retail management and 20 years working for companies that supported energy production. I sincerely hope others can also retire from careers that they enjoyed and be able to stay in the community where they have the support of families and friends. Diversity of Transportation options is the key to that becoming reality. I believe the merits of the purpose in need are at simplified by the fact that increased production of Uintah Basin oil with increase US energy security. Recent global events demonstrates decades long trend of instability and unpredictability in foreign supplies. Basin waxy crude is highly sought after in global markets further securing the market is the ability to use waxy crude in a variety of blended crude and lubricants. On a sidenote this crude is low sulfur and has a high pour point which makes it much safer to transport by rail. Thank you for your consideration. William V Hansen 324-12 Roosevelt Utah 84066Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30626Jay GinrichBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30592Kerry FarrerRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30559Bobby DrakeI am very much in support of the railroad. As I've advocated to the public I have found that nearly all of the objections are from misinformation. I'm sure that will be a major consideration when looking at the comments. Even with the coalition's hard effort, people are still receiving a lot of false information. The railroad is an amazing opportunity for our area and having a private partner step in to shoulder the costs upfront seems to be nothing short of a miracle. I am a very strong "for!" Thank you.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)Comment
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30497Taylor ChristensenTo Whom it May Concern: I am writing in regards to the railroad coming to the Uintah Basin. I am against it coming here. My parents own the Canyon Fork Ranch; my dad is the fourth generation in his family to have owned it. I feel as though the negative effects of the railroad outweigh the positive ones. Indian Canyon has a delicate system of springs that provides water to, not only cows, but also wildlife. If the railroad disrupts these, it will impact all the many different types of wild animals. The railroad also poses a risk of starting wildfires l, this would, obviously, affect wildlife, the landscape, and even the city of Duchesne. I also believe the economic benefits have been exaggerated. The days of the oilfield booming in the basin are over; there are too many places where oil is so much cheaper to produce. With a new administration focusing on shifting away from oil all together, the prognosis is not looking good. As far as other manufacturing goes-there really are not a lot of other commodities that come out of the basin. Every meeting that representatives from the railroad have attended have been very vague and evasive when asked to give specifics on how the local economy will be improved by said railroad. Frankly, I would like to see a break down of how the approved funds will be allocated-I’d be interested to see who’s pockets are getting lined by the approval and building of the railroad. It breaks my heart that my children will no longer be able to enjoy the cabin and barn that their great-grandfather built. They will not be able move cows down the canyon while their grandpa tells them stories of his own childhood, and stories of their ancestors. While I realize that my small voice means nothing to whom ever is reading this, I would just like it on the record that I strongly oppose the railroad being built, and believe a different route should be chosen. Thank you for your time, Taylor Christensen tatorbug11@hotmail.comAltamont, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30479Jill CaseWithout interstate or railway the Uintah Basin is landlocked. This puts our residents at a disadvantage in higher prices for food, fuel, materials, and causes a hindrance on attracting manufacturers, agriculture, and other industries. Locals should have the greatest say in how we as a community intend to grow for our benefit and not be subject to outsiders opinions. I support the Uinta Basin Railway project.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30472Carbon County CommissionersTodd Thorne · Price, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30437Richard BoyerA railroad through Uinta County is the last thing they need. Elevated levels of Ozone and other toxins in the air should be quite obvious. Just look at your records of increased health care in the area, miscarriages, and cancer rates. Please set your sights on a sustainable future commodity not some archaic old school fossil fuel energy. Richard BoyerSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30431Carolyn BorgI appreciate the work that went into preparing this DEIS. However, I vigorously oppose this proposed "fossil foolish" railroad line, regardless of which route may be chosen. The No Action Alternative is the only appropriate course of action. At a time when climate change impacts are worsening, and we need to speed the transition away from fossil fuels, this project would be a huge step backwards. It would encourage the expansion of fossil fuel extraction, transportation, and burning. The health of the public, along with the health of public lands and resources, would all suffer over the long-term to increase the short-term profits of fossil fuel interests. I am sick and tired of the corrupt companies and their Republican politicians that always put private profits over the public interest. Indeed, Utah politicians may have illegally diverted community impact funds (meant to mitigate harm) to promote this project (to increase that harm) and its associated NEPA. This is outrageous!The federal decisions during the Trump administration to proceed with this project and to prepare the DEIS should be thoroughly investigated under new Executive Order 13990. And because BLM approvals would be needed, this project may also fall under the new Interior Secretarial Orders 3394 and 3395. It is imperative that new Biden administration officials take a "fresh look" at this project and the adequacy of the DEIS. In my view, the best outcome to save further staff time and public expense would be to simply deny this application. Public funds should be spent to advance clean alternative energy sources, not to promote regressive projects that would harm the public. We must not waste more time or money on repeating past mistakes. Thanks for considering my comments. Carolyn Borg St George UtahSaint George, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30391Lee BadgerWe don't need to abet fossil fuel extraction by building another railroad. And an 85 mile railroad is sure to impact habitat for the local species. I oppose permitting the railroad construction.Ogden, UT
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentEI-30347Kathryn AlburyI strongly oppose the Uinta Basin Railway. The purpose is primarily to facilitate the transport of extracted gas and oil products from the Uinta Basin to production facilities and markets around the country. The Uinta Basin is already suffering tremendously from the environmental impacts of this extraction and the railway would only make it worse for local residents while increasing the emission of greenhouse gases and worsening climate change for all of us. It is clear that we can only avoid disastrous climate change by eliminating the use of fossil fuels and there are already regulations being put into effect which will accomplish this. To expend the funds for this infrastructure is a waste as we begin to wind down our dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the expenditure of Community Impact Board funds on this railway is a travesty. These funds were meant to help communities deal with the already extensive damage the fossil fuel industry has inflicted on them. This railway would only increase the damage. Please stop any further expenditures on this wasteful and damaging project. Thank you for considering my concerns.Forestville, CA
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(printed as 1/28/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31925Eagle County, ColoradoWashington, DC
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31180Armin WrightOakland, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31164Robert WilliamsNederland, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31162Sylvia WilcoxI took a trip to Dinosaur National Monument about 5 years ago. In that 3 or so hour drive, I counted 60 trucks going the opposite direction carrying oil and gas. When I went home, I counted about 60 trucks also returning to the basin. This is in only 3 or 4 yours time, so you can imagine how many trucks per day are travelling this road, polluting the air. You might say then that a train carrying all that oil and gas instead of hundreds of trucks might result in fewer emissions and better air quality. You might say that if the railway isn't built, then eventually the road will need to be widened which would also damage plant and animal habitat. I don't know the true answers to any of these questions. But I do know that we should not be pursuing more and more drilling in the Basin. I oppose the development of the Uinta Basin Railway, and I also oppose any other road developments on that corridor.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31161Lezlee Whiting*Note: This is the first time we have submitted any comment for an EIS - or anything really. So hopefully this submission is within the scope of what is needed to show our support. RE: Environmental Filing, DOCKET No. FD 36284 We moved to the Uintah Basin in 1984. We have riden out each boom and bust. Neither my husband or I work in the oil industry, nor do any of our 4 married children who have been able to return to the area after college and medical school for one. They have lived all over the United States but returned to this area to raise their families. I came here as a city girl (from Denver) kicking and screaming. Now I would not want to live anywhere else. Well, okay, almost. For decades we have known how important a rail line would be for our area but never imagined it could be feasible. Until now. The proposed railroad is the only way the Uintah Basin can become competitive is to have a rail line in order to transport not only our crude, but agricultural products and limber, as well as import. As regular, rank and file residents we are aware of the tremendous value this proposed project holds for our area. This is a win-win-WIN for our economic development and survival. We have the utmost faith and confidence in the local leadership supporting this and working towards this and thank them for their efforts. We urge the Powers That Be to move forward in approving the Uinta Basin Railroad. Sincerely, Dr. Blaine and Lezlee Whiting Roosevelt, UtahRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31157Nancy WeiserMidvale, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31156Craig WeirSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31150Carol WeedWalnut Creek, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31147Uintah CountyUintah County Commissioners · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31146Robert WatersWellsville, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31145Jane WashingtonPlease STOP the Uinta Basin Railroad! We already cannot breathe in Utah. We only go to SLC once a month for a very few hours to avoid the air. I have asthma and SLC is like death for me now...you’re trying to make it worse!! We need less extraction and to be a progressive state with solar, wind. Please stop this mess.Park City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31139Elizabeth VanDenzenSanta Fe, NM
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31130Carla TukeSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31127Tom TrippFort Collins, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31123Elisa TownshendDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31122ELKE TOUCHETTEPark City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31119Robert TorresColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31118Steffany ToppinI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. I have lived in Colorado for 20 yrs. My family relishes spending time in the outdoors. We have raised our boys doing the activities in Colorado's parks and open spaces that we have so enjoyed ourselves. Our backpack trips take us deep into the wilderness that we so love. We moved to Colorado those many years ago because of its unique opportunities to explore these untouched areas- to see and hear wildlife and to get away from the highways, cars, ATVs, trains, etc. that are present in states that don't place such a high value on open spaces. We don't want further development (for roads or trains) to disturb the wilderness that we prize so highly. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Littleton, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31111Miles TiffanyMy parents are property owners that will be effected by this project. This place has been in my family for five generations. My kids are the 6th generation to spend time there and work cattle there. That may not mean much to some, but I think it is pretty sad that our family has had to sacrifice land and livelihood, not only for this, but for the highway that went thru there already. Figure out a different way that does not effect the land owners at the bottom that do not want to sale!! My parents haven't even been made an offer, and I guarantee the amount they are given will not be even enough to replace the place that they have, besides the fact that no amount of money is enough to see a place that has been built by the hands of your ancestors stolen from you!! This will directly effect the way that we are able to run our cattle operation and they do not want to sale! Yet county commissioners and radio ads are running around town making it sound as though all the property owners are on board and happy with their price. Lets be real here, the only property owners that have even been given an ounce of say and thought in any of this is the Ute Tribe!! I cant wait to see the effect that this sham railway has on our economy when the current presidential administration halts the oil we can haul out of here and that ridiculously expensive train is just more collateral damage that I'm sure will be deferred to the tax payers. Not enough information about HOW this will diversify our economy has been given to make me trust that is even on the agenda at all! The whole thing is just a sham to line a few peoples pockets and I strongly oppose it!Talmage, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31109Nadja ThompsonSandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31107Linda ThompsonMontrose, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31095Sheila TarbetEl Cerrito, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31094j tDurango, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31092Sheri SvobodaLongmont, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31091Holly StuartSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31090Jerry StraleyI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. STOP RUINING THE LIVES OF OTHER ANIMALS for the convenience of the humans! We are NOT God's only creature!!!!!Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31085Terri StewartDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31082Mitchell StevensI am writing because of my concerns over the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. Please consider the irreparable environmental impact that such a railway would cause (air pollution, damaged habitats, and disrupted migratory patterns). We do not need to destroy any more of our natural areas to continue our consumption of fossil fuels. Please do what is right by residents of Utah and all our beautiful wildlife. Thank you for your time.Moab, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31075Richard SpottsSaint George, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31066Ceil SlausonThe draft environmental impact statement does not assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. The production resulting from this new railway expansion - potentially four times the current amount - will contribute irreversibly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. We need to sharply reduce fossil fuel use instead of expanding it. The railway's emissions will also further pollute the air in the Uinta Basin in Utah, which already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development. This railway will degrade more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and will harm important habitat needed by the rare greater sage grouse and the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. It will run almost the entire length of Utah's Indian Canyon Creek, crossing and degrading more than 400 streams and important wetlands along the Price River - harming the semi-arid state's precious perennial waterways. In Colorado, mile-long oil trains could rip through sensitive areas like Browns Canyon, a rugged 22,000-acre national monument designated in 2015 to protect one of the wildest stretches of the Arkansas River. The Uinta Basin Railway would harm people who live and recreate in both Utah and Colorado. Landowners in Utah's Argyle Canyon and nearby off-grid canyon communities fear the disruptive noise, traffic delays, and clouds of diesel smoke oil trains will bring along the proposed routes - not to mention the significant potential for accidents, derailments, spills and even sparks that could ignite disastrous wildfires. People in Colorado won't escape the air pollution drifting downwind from Uinta Basin, even as the railway rips through a national monument and other scenic areas supporting outdoorsy tourism many locals rely on for their livelihood.Please choose the no-action alternative.Middlesex, NJ
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31058Yvonne ShortNederland, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31057Amy SherwoodLittleton, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31056Linda SerioAurora, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31055Paul SchuttBreckenridge, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31049Elaine SchochAvon, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31047Alex SchmidtSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31046John SchellengerDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31045Robert ScarboroughI am strongly opposed to the Uinta Basin Railway. Its benefits are far outweighed by the costs to 400 streams that would be damaged, and to the air, water and wildlife-which always cause harm to humans. I am opposed to supporting the fossil fuel industries. There are far better ways to support local communities, such as pivoting to renewable resource alternatives that can provide jobs and help our environment and health.Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31044South Valley UU SocietyI am strongly opposed to the Uinta Basin Railway. Its benefits are far outweighed by the costs to 400 streams that would be damaged, and to the air, water and wildlife-which always cause harm to humans. I am opposed to supporting the fossil fuel industries. There are far better ways to support local communities, such as pivoting to renewable resource alternatives that can provide jobs and help our environment and health.Ann Scarborough · Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31041Jimmy San PedroDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31040Virgil SalzmanDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31037David RudinColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31032Kathryn RoseDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31028Peg RooneyI support the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The draft EIS does NOT assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife, wildlife watching, angling, rafting, & enjoying the values of wild places. Traversing roadless areas, steep canyons and rugged terrain, the railway will degrade more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and will harm important habitat needed by the threatened Greater Sage Grouse. In Colorado, the project could mean reopening a rail line through Tennessee Pass, despoiling scenic lands and wildlife habitat to get oil trains to the Gulf Coast. These trains would pass through Browns Canyon National Monument with the Gold Medal waters and rafting expeditions on the Arkansas River put at risk from oil spills due to derailments. This stretch of the Arkansas River is visited by threatened Bighorn Sheep, Peregrine Falcon, Mexican Spotted Owl, and other unique and imperiled birds. The idea of an oil spill in their habitat is appalling. New oil production resulting from the railway expansion will contribute irreversibly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The Uinta Basin in Utah, already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development. Why would we want to further contribute to devastating climate change? The preferred project route would run almost the entire length of Utah's Indian Canyon Creek, crossing and degrading more than 400 streams and important wetlands along the Price River. How can that be an acceptable alternative? The No Action alternative is the only sensible course of action.Penrose, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31022Nancy RoenI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. Climate change requires all agencies and individuals do their part to mitigate the effects on our environment. This project appears to be primarily to faciitate the transportation of oil and gas train loads to the coast. Oil and gas extraction contribute heavily to climate change. n addition ,the proposed railway would do irreparable harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and should not be built. The new production resulting from the railway expansion - potentially four times the current amount - will contribute irreversibly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Our climate is already at a tipping point, so we need to sharply reduce fossil fuel use instead of expanding it. The railway's emissions will also further pollute the air in the Uinta Basin in Utah, which already exceeds federal standards. Traversing roadless areas, steep canyons and rugged terrain, the railway will degrade more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and will harm important habitat needed by the rare greater sage grouse and the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. The preferred project route would run almost the entire length of Utah's Indian Canyon Creek, crossing and degrading more than 400 streams and important wetlands along the Price River - harming the semi-arid state's precious perennial water sources. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Woodacre, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31017Alan RobinsonI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. My comments will focus on the potential for impacts to Colorado and the Arkansas River Valley, but it is obvious that not approving the Uinta Basin proposal is key to avoiding the whole issue of impacts in Colorado. In Colorado, the project could mean reopening a rail line through scenic Tennessee Pass, and more than 100 miles adjacent to the Arkansas River through multiple rural counties. The direct environmental impacts of accidental train cargo entering the river could be disastrous, and the secondary impacts on the economy of those counties which are heavily dependent on river recreation would be huge. A busy reactivated RR would effectively interrupt and delay connectivity from the center of the valley both east and west into extremely popular and heavily used public lands. Estimated visitation to the valley and those public lands was 4 million in 2020 expected to double by 2026. Reactivation of the TPL with any type of freight transported in slow long trains would have severe negative consequences on traffic patterns up and down the valley. Dozens of grade crossing would have to be upgraded and even when upgraded would cause serious potentially severe delays in access of children to school, citizens to medical and food services and, extremely important, emergency access by wild fire and medical vehicles to thousands of homes and hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands. The public does not have a reliable answer to the question whether or not Uinta Basin heavy shale-derived oil would be the primary product to be transported. It seems obvious that the Tennessee Pass Line would have to be used for this purpose to make economic sense, yet the Colorado Midland Pacific and Rio Grande Pacific companies have denied this is their intention. Until this future plan is honestly portrayed I cannot muster any support for the upstream Uinta Basin RR.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31014Adele RiffeHesperus, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31011susan reppColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31010Reba ReiserSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31009Melissa ReinstadtlerDr Wayland and the Surface Transportation Board, We are at a crucial time in history where we must implement procedures to help tackle the climate crisis. For this reason I, along with many others, are begging you to take the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. This railway would do irreparable damage to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and is- to be frank- an absolutely idiotic approach considering all that needs to be accomplished in our ongoing battle with changing climate and increasing CO2 levels. I do not think this draft encompasses all that it needs to when it comes it's impact on the environment, both in the Uinta and Great Basin area as well as the world as a whole. We're not only looking at the direct damage it would do to the ecosystems, migration patterns of wildlife, and countless other physical factors, but also the moral implications that it would cause with encouraging continuation of digging for oil. Not only in Utah, but all over. Physical repercussions we're looking at include over 10,000 ACRES of habitat for wildlife and their migration paths as well as rare species like the sage grouse. In addition we're talking crossing and degrading over 400 streams and precious perennial waterways. While these reasons should be enough in or of themselves we're talking about a major increase in greenhouse gas emissions, as much as four times! This seems like a no brainer, but we are at a point in time where adding to the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is just unacceptable and potentially irreversible. Lastly, these negative effects reach far past Utah animals and habitats, but also is a threat to human life and well-being, as well all of the above in surrounding states like Colorado. Across the board this project is heinous and unacceptably harmful to wildlife, humans, habitats, and atmospheric carbon levels. I beg you to chose the no-action alternative.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31008D. RehmelLongmont, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31007Peggy ReevesFort Collins, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31005Pauline ReetzDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31004Nancy ReedPlease say NO to the Uinta Basin Railway. The proposed railway would do irreparable harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and should not be built. This draft environmental impact statement does not assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife and nearby communities and exacerbate climate change and decrease air quality. We must protect what is left of the wildlands of Utah and Colorado for the wildlife and for all of us - our health, safety and well-being. Please take the no-action alternative.Cotopaxi, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31003Leah RedwoodBerkeley, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31001David and Linda ReaDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-31000Linda RaySan Francisco, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30990John PrehnSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30989Marv PoulsonSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30986John PopeI believe this is the First thing I have seen to start diversification in the Uintah Basin. Not only can we get our oil out safely to the Texas refineries but other industries can come here to manufacture products, they can ship raw materials in and ship finished products out economically. We have a very good workforce here but have been stuck in the boom and bust cycle of oil. Jobs will be created in the beginning with the construction of the RR then jobs working on the RR with great opportunities for new market to move here. I have been here for 62 years and very excited for this to happen.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30985Bruce PlenkI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The proposed railway would do serious harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and should not be built. It will encourage a destructive water wasting, climate damaging industry that should be shut down, not encouraged! The draft EIS totally fails at what it's supposed to do: assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. Instead it describes the damage and then encourages more!! We need to sharply reduce fossil fuel use instead of expanding it. Isn't the air quality in the Basin (and along the Wasatch Front) bad enough now? Ruining roadless areas, damaging steep canyons and degrading streams, the railway will wreck more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and will harm important habitat needed by the rare greater sage grouse and the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. In Colorado, the project could mean reopening a rail line through scenic Tennessee Pass, and wrecking Browns Canyon, a 22,000-acre national monument designated in 2015 to protect one of the wildest stretches of the Arkansas River. Finally the Uinta Basin Railway would make life difficult for those living in Utah's Argyle Canyon and nearby off-grid canyon communities due to the disruptive noise, traffic delays, and clouds of diesel smoke oil trains will bring along the proposed routes - not to mention the significant potential for accidents, derailments, spills and even sparks that could ignite disastrous wildfires. This project is a mess!!!. Please choose the no-action alternative.Tucson, AZ
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30979Nancy PetersonCarbondale, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30976Cody PerryThe Uinta Basin Railway's analysis does not adequately consider impacts to more than 400 streams and thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, including crucial areas that pronghorn and mule deer migration and seasonal habitat. Mitigation plans for greater sage-grouse and other wildlife must be further anayalized . The study fails to acknowledge the devastation the Uinta Basin Railway will inflict on air, water and wildlife by the cumulative impacts of the associated extraction process. The plan lacks adequate recognition and meaningful mitigation measures. Local communities are already impacted by seasonal air quality and Ozone non-attainment, the basin routinely violates federal clean air standards. Ozone pollution can cause reduced lung function and asthma attacks, causing visits to emergency rooms and even premature death. The study fails to address the cumulative impacts the railway will have contributing to air quality issues and the disproportionate impacts suffered by area residents.Grand Junction, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30974Jane PerkinsLoveland, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30973Marcus PegasusI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. You know the maxim: 'first do no harm.' Undoubtedly the ~current~ plan for the project would cause oodles of harm. Everyone agrees that the proposed railway would do irreparable harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and, under the current plans, your moral conscience dictates to YOU that it should not be built. This draft environmental impact statement totally fails at what it's supposed to do: assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. Traversing roadless areas, steep canyons and rugged terrain, the railway will degrade more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and will harm important habitat needed by the rare greater sage grouse and the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. The preferred project route would run almost the entire length of Utah's Indian Canyon Creek, crossing and degrading more than 400 streams and important wetlands along the Price River - harming the semi-arid state's precious perennial waterways. In Colorado, the project could mean reopening a rail line through scenic Tennessee Pass, despoiling scenic lands and wildlife habitat to get oil trains to the Gulf Coast. Mile-long oil trains could rip through sensitive areas like Browns Canyon, a rugged 22,000-acre national monument designated in 2015 to protect one of the wildest stretches of the Arkansas River. Finally the Uinta Basin Railway would harm people who live and recreate in both states. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30969Mary PaulSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30959Ralph and Kay PackardSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30958James OttSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30957Brett O'SullivanLafayette, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30953Kathy OlsenSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30951Todd OlkLittleton, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30950Dustin O'DellHello, Just wanted to say I support the proposed railroad. I believe that if something isn't done to change the transportation for commodities to and from the area vernal will stay dependent on a very unstable oil and gas market which has devastated families over the past years especially recently, this new biden administration is detrimental to our families because we depend on the field to bring new money to the area.... We need a way to bring new business to the area, a railroad would give new businesses the opportunity to established a footprint here in the area and it would be able to safely export goods including during the winter. We need better opportunities for jobs in Vernal, the railroad just might give big business the resources needed to bring that here so we can break that dependency with oil and gas, granted it'll always be here but it's not the sole source of good paying jobs as it has been, also break the need for government assistance by developing new jobs with better pay, no longer would the people have to worry about a sudden collapse in the energy market knowing they are about to be hungry and homeless. I've seen to many families have to combined households to try and survive because one family's income is not enough. The last interview that I went to I was told that there was over 2700 applicants for this one job... That's insane, typically the good jobs go to friends and family of current workers because they are struggling too, we need manufacturing jobs or some better source of employment. As a bonus this will not only help provide more options for work it'll bring in revenue from taxes for the city/county. The railroad could open these options up for us. So I say build it now and if you need help in any way I'm ready and willing to start immediately! Dustin O'Dell 208-310-1174Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)Comment
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30948Edith OBrienSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30942Canyon Fork RanchWe own the Canyon Fork Ranch in Indian Canyon which consists of almost 400 acres we also have a forest grazing permit. If this railroad goes thru it will ruin our whole ranching operation which is part of our livelihood. It will take out our ponds that run the water to our wheel lines that water out hayfields. It will go thru the middle of our barn and cabin where we stay all summer to run the place. It will reduce the number of cows we can run on our permit plus we have to worry about cows getting hit by trains or worse then that forest fires getting started by the trains. Our ranch will be no good to us of this goes thru. It’s been in our family for four generations. You can’t replace that. The wildlife that hangs out on our place is unbelievable! We have herds of elk and deer. Rocky Mountain sheep, mountain lion, bear, skunk, raccoon, eagles and there are ducks that will be displaced when the ponds are drained . They nest there every year. Please find another route.Geri Nielsen · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30938Karen NewtonPlease chose no-action on this railway expansion. It is a waste of tax payer funds and is absolutely unnecessary. It is time to start focusing on alternative energy and stop allowing the oil industry to hold on to a dying industry while ignoring the impacts on the environment. Instead lets offer an alternative to people to travel by train from our major Western cities and famous destinations. Upgrade our rail to reach small rural counties to major cities.Grand Junction, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30936William NewmarkSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30930erica neislerMidvale, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30928Margaret NakagiriI am opposed to the funding of the railway. This amount of money should not be used to continue investment and development of fossil fuels. Clean energy funding and development is a better use of the funds. Thank you.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30927Karen NaimanDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30924Multiple Individual CommentersBerkley, MI
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30922Kristen MuenchParker, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30914Danielle Montague-JuddCoalville, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30894James MiskaSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30893Amanda MillsteinEl Cerrito, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30882Catherine MendozaAurora, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30881Kirk MendenhallMagna, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30873Sue McHenrySilverthorne, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30872Melissa McHargWhen will we stop railroading through short-sighted plans that benefit corporations only, endanger our climate, and put our long-term health at unacceptable risk? The science is more than clear --we no longer have the luxury of delay. We are at a tipping point with climate change. Continuing to proceed with these types of projects is nothing less than insanity. In CO specifically, the Uinta Basin Railway project puts some of our most precious land --which supports our economy more than oil --at unacceptable risk. In short, this plan represents the same predatory decision-making as Exxon, who knew the devastating harm they would cause, and discounted all human, environmental, wildlife and climate repercussions, soley for the sake of a dollar. Decades later, how are we still making decisions based on the good of the oil industry? Let's be sane. Ignoring the reality of climate change is now nothing less than a death wish. Scientists tell us we have a very short window to change the trajectory of our current climate path. In no possible sane world does the Uinta Basin Railway contribute to health, or long term prosperity. Please act accordingly and stop this project, now.Denver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30868Lori McDonaldPark City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30863Victoria McCoyGlen Haven, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30861Karen McCormickSandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30860Marilyn McCordBayfield, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30859James McClureDelores, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30848Angela MastaloudisSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30847Ronald MartinFresno, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30840Michael MarquardtWhitewater, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30838Barbara MagnusonCotopaxi, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30835Thomas MaderMoab, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30832Bruce MacBrydeDrake, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30831Suzanne MacAulayColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30829Barbara MacalpineEstes Park, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30828Danny LyonBernalillo, NM
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30823michael lottI implore you to choose a no-action alternative stand on the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The drafted environmental impact statement falls short by failing to frame the primary drivers behind the initiative: oil shale and oil sands development in the region. The failure to establish the drivers behind the initiative obscure the hidden environmental costs beyond the railway. These drivers can be traced back to and industry that has proven to decimate both environment and community also resulting in irreparable damage to our region's air, water, land and wildlife. Investing in infrastructure in an effort to serve petroleum based energy development is an added level of irresponsible commitment. As a dying industry and a major contributor to climate change, the application of resources and funds to this initiative when alternatives abound is an unacceptable commitment. Failure to cover the aforementioned impacts that are driving the demand for the railway has resulted in a failure to provide clarity and transparency in the true cost of this development. Thank you for your consideration and I sincerely hope you join me in opposition to the proposal. Thank you,Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30822Lance LongThis is a backward-looking rather than a forward-looking project. The environment, the economics, and the ethics will not support construction of this railway. Please do not cater to special interests of the fossil fuel industry. Let's put America's might into building our new energy economy--one that will not include fossil fuels. This is a waste of money and time.Provo, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30818Ben LobrotSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30816pam littigSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30815Robert LippmanMoab, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30811Sandy LehrFrisco, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30809Virginia LeeSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30805Miki LawsBoulder, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30804Julia LawrenceColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30803Julie LawlessFrisco, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30800Peggy La PointI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. This DEIS totally fails to assess the harm to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. The railway will degrade more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife, harm important habitat, degrade more than 400 streams and important wetlands along the Price River and through Tennessee Pass, Browns Canyon and one of the wildest stretches of the Arkansas River. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Fort Collins, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30795Thomas KuehlerDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30793Pamela KrchGrand Junction, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30786Cybele KnowlesTucson, AZ
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30785Marion KlausPark City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30780Rebecca KindredRidgway, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30779Larry KimballCotopaxi, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30777Karissa KillianGrantsville, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30776diana KEYSERCarbondale, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30771Katharine KaulbachGolden, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30770Sam KarthanSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30762Rick JonesRidgway, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30758Margaret JohnsonGolden, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30757Catherine JohnsonBoulder, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30756Carmen JohnsonLittleton, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30746Mana Jennings-FaderAurora, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30745Nalani JayI ask you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. Why? Because the railway's emissions will further pollute the air in the Uinta Basin in Utah, which already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development. (I live in Utah, and my throat already burns regularly during the winter due to our poor air quality.) Because the railway will degrade more than 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and will harm important habitat needed by the rare greater sage grouse and the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. Because the preferred project route would run almost the entire length of Utah's Indian Canyon Creek, crossing and degrading more than 400 streams and important wetlands along the Price River - harming the semi-arid state's precious perennial waterways. Because the project could mean reopening a rail line through the scenic Tennessee Pass in Colorado, despoiling lands and wildlife habitat to get oil trains to the Gulf Coast. Mile-long oil trains could rip through sensitive areas like Browns Canyon, a rugged 22,000-acre national monument designated in 2015 to protect one of the wildest stretches of the Arkansas River. Because there is significant potential for accidents, derailments, spills and even sparks that could ignite disastrous wildfires. (We've seen the terrifying wildfires on the West Coast....we don't need even more wildfire devastation.) Just because some people may want to build and get money for contracts is not a reason to forever damage ecosystems. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30744Gordon JamesPlease do not act on the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. It would have bad environmental impacts. Thank you. .Denver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30736David InouyeHotchkiss, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30719Janet HoutzSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30708Michael HouseSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30707Mark HoudasheltFort Collins, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30706Carole HossanFort Collins, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30703Janice HornbeckSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30698Kristina Hicks-HamblinWe need to develop other industries in our area, such as tourism, not more oil development that will wreck the land and keep polluting our air and water. The railroad is misappropriation of funds that should be used to improve our lives and make up for the damage the oil industry causes. My family, with multi-generation ancestry in this area, does not support the railway.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30696Courtney HenleyUinta basin crude is already slated to be an artifact of history much like Pacific ocean whale oil. Some industries just aren't meant to last forever because technology and innovation provide more efficient, higher quality products that are safe for the environment and the public health. Alternative energy sources are to crude oil what crude oil was to whale oil -- the future. And take a page from whale oil history, the economic prosperity associated with valuing the natural environment outproduces and outlasts extracting industries that destroy the landscape and the life that inhabits it. The Uinta Basin Railway is another lesson in Bad Ideas That Lead To Economic Ruin. I strongly encourage OEA to put a rubber stamp of FAIL on this project for the irreversible damage it will do to the environment and everything Americans hold dear.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30675Nancy HartmanLouisville, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30674George HartmanLouisville, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30673Anne HarrisonBroomfield, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30664Mary HardySalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30661Larry HardebeckIn my opinion the Uinta Basin Railroad is a total boondoggle. The funds are not intended to increase coal mining and distribution. This project totally defeats what they were intended for. These funds could be far better used by helping the people in these areas develop better jobs that will be around in the future. Fossil fuels are really a dying energy and to extend them any longer is bad for the environment and for the people of these counties. Let's use these funds to help the people that were impacted by the loss of these jobs due to their replacement by superior renewable energy sources. Please choose the no-action alternative.Park City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30647Gwendy HaasBoulder, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30645Catherine GrimesCastle Rock, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30644Jean GrieveDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30643Brian GrellaSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30640Jack GreeneSmithfield, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30638Dale GrayVernal, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30637Samantha GrantSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30636David GraingerSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30634steve GrabowskiGolden, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentJason Gipson · Sacramento, CA
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30623Terri GilfillanI am quite concerned that money that should go to local communities and their specific needs is being funneled into a single regional project only for the purpose of propping up fossil fuel extraction. This is ludicrous. Following the bleak result of the environmental impact of such a project, we all know that fossil fuel extraction is no longer economical, let alone damaging to our environment and to the health of the people in these communities. We need different priorities that put the community of people ahead of businesses who cling to expensive and polluting sources of energy. I strongly oppose any funds being submitted to such a arcane project that will literally go to waste in a few years. Let's move to more sustainable projects that provide healthy environmental impacts for future generations. Thank you.Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30618Bradley GibsonSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30616Madelyn GarrettSouth Jordan, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30615Dolly GarloSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30612Candace GalenColumbia, MO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30604Barbara FrameColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30600Susan F FlemingSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30598Gertrud FirmageSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30597Jacob FillionDurango, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30589Linda FarleyFort Collins, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30588Sandra FarkasBoulder, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30586Kate FalconerBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30584Chris EvansBroomfield, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30580Kathleen EnglishSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30579Diane EnglesColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30573Stacey EichnerColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30572Vickie EberleTo All It May Concern at Surface Transportation Board: Please support what little the West has left of quality habitat by NOT approving the UNITA Basin Railway proposal. I don't need to bother you with all the reasoning because you know it all ready. Thank you. Vickie Eberle. Buena Vista COBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30569William Preston DurantVernal, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30566Dan DuganSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30563Duchesne County CommissionersMike Hyde · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30560Mary Ann DresherBountiful, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30558Kathleen DoyleGolden, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30556Cynthia dos SantosBoulder, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30549Amy DoebeleI am writing to express my full support for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway project through Uintah, Duchesne & Carbon Counties in northeastern Utah. As a resident of the area, the economic benefits that the railroad would have to our local and regional communities would be significant. Oil & gas producers would have a stable & consistent transportation system to regional and national markets, increasing the value of natural resources in the Basin. It would also allow for freight optionality and commercial, industrial and agricultural imports and exports to the area, which is often difficult due to the proximity to the interstate system. I believe that the proposed railway project would have a substantial benefit to the economic development and diversification for our community, and can be constructed & operated in an environmentally safe manner.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30538Edward DeFranciaMoab, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30532Herb DaughertyBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30529Mark DanfordGrand Junction, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30527Glenn DalyLittleton, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30525Anne Dal VeraBayfield, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30523Cody CurtisSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30522Hal Crimmel1. Utah's Wasatch Front already has a significant winter particulate pollution problem and serious summer ozone problem. Allowing Diesel trains to carry crude oil for refining in Salt Lake's refineries is a very bad idea. The last thing we need are more hydrocarbon-related emissions in the valley. I am therefore opposed to the construction and operation of this proposed rail line. 2. The rail line with further fragment wildlife habitat and degrade the landscape. 3. Utah should be pushing for clean energy not more fossil-fuel energy-related development. This rail line with only facilitate more oil and gas operations in the Uinta Basin. Again, I am therefore opposed to the construction and operation of this proposed rail line.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30521Tom CraddockI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The proposed railway would do irreparable harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and should not be built. Projects of this scale should be focused toward the future of energy production (wind & solar), not the past (fossil fuels & trains). This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative. Thank you for your consideration TomTelluride, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30519Sara CoulterRidgeway, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30516Susan CorthThe Uinta Basin Railway is and will continue to be a grave misuse of public funds Investing Money that was intended to support rural Utah projects in a dead end industry is not how to help these communities thrive. Destroying streams and other habitat, and increasing harmful air pollution for short term economic systems doesn't make long term sense. Using these funds to create and finance sustainable energy will help these communities thrive into the future.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30515Laura CordovaDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30513Karen CollettBountiful, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30512MARC COLES-RITCHIESalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30501JD ClevelandBoulder, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30498Barbara ChristophersonPortland, OR
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30496Kathryn ChouinardI urge you to choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The proposed railway would do irreparable harm to our region's air, water, land and wildlife and should not be built. This draft environmental impact statement totally fails at what it's supposed to do: assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife, and humans. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. It is bad for Colorado and bad for Utah. Please choose the no-action alternative.Littleton, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30493Rose ChilcoatDurango, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30485Center for Biological DiversityGriselda Olvera · Tucson, AZ
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30482Larry CaswellRed Feather Lakes, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30477Richard CarrLoveland, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30469Canyon Fork RanchWe own the Canyon Fork Ranch in Indian Canyon which consists of almost 400 acres we also have a forest grazing permit. If this railroad goes thru it will ruin our whole ranching operation which is part of our livelihood. It will take out our ponds that run the water to our wheel lines that water out hayfields. It will go thru the middle of our barn and cabin where we stay all summer to run the place. It will reduce the number of cows we can run on our permit plus we have to worry about cows getting hit by trains or worse then that forest fires getting started by the trains. Our ranch will be no good to us of this goes thru. It’s been in our family for four generations. You can’t replace that. The wildlife that hangs out on our place is unbelievable! We have herds of elk and deer. Rocky Mountain sheep, mountain lion, bear, skunk, raccoon, eagles and there are ducks that will be displaced when the ponds are drained . They nest there every year. Please find another route.Geri Nielsen · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30468James CampbellGrand Junction, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30467Alan CammackSalida, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30462Molly ButlerDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30460john burnettSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30459Meghann BurkeOrderville, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30457Cindy BurSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30453Marc BubarWashington, ME
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30452Diane BrownNederland, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30447Mitchell BroadbentDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30446Bob BristerPlease choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. I've lived in Utah for 20 years and I highly value the Tavaputs Plateau's natural areas and wildlife. The railway project will surely degrade this special area of Utah. I am also concerned about the project's contribution to the atmosphere's CO2 burden. It is way past time to take climate disruption seriously. Please choose the no-action alternative.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30442Elizabeth BraymenSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30441angie branchPlease choose the no-action alternative for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The outdoors, wildlife, air quality, and water quality are important to me. I would prefer to move Utahs energy needs AWAY from destructive items like oil.This draft environmental impact statement totally fails at what it's supposed to do: assess the harm this oil railway could have on the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. This project is an unacceptable threat to the health, safety and well-being of wildlife, humans and the planet. Please choose the no-action alternative.Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30440Doug BradyBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30434Andy BottagaroLongmont, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30432Kent BorgesColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30430Carolyn BorgSaint George, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30423Karen BlakneySandy, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30415Berry Petroleum Company, LLCStephen Burke · Dallas, TX
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30413Pamela BentonCastle Rock, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30411David BellWhiterocks, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30406Bonnie BeachMontrose, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30401Jeff BartlesonBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30397Michele BarnardLafayette, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30395James BarberEvergreen, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30393Julia BallardBroomfield, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30392Connie BallKanab, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30390FRITZ BACHMANMoab, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30386Robin AyersSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30383Alex ArtioDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30366Rick AndrewsWestminster, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30359Glenn AndersenPlacerville, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30357Susan AmblerDenver, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30356Marissa AlvarezIvins, UT
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30355Jose C. AlvaradoColorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30349Jacqueline AllenBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/27/2021)CommentEI-30346Lezlie AdlerSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)MotionCenter for Biological Diversity
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-31163Nate WilkinsI learned about the rail when I moved back to Vernal in October of 2020. I had grown up in Vernal but left after graduating. After moving back I heard of the rail I was interested to see this come through because I have constantly heard conversations about how the rail could be a huge benefit to our community in many ways. From the people I have spoken to, the rail brings them hope in having a more stable economy as it would be a vital resource to bringing in different industries other than gas and oil.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-31144Craig WallentineSummit County, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-31143Craig WallentineSummit County, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-31142Craig WallentineSummit County, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentJake Pressett · Castle Dale, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30972David PedersenSaanichton, British Columbia
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30946Sonja NortonI served on the Vernal City Council for eight years and as Mayor of Vernal City from 2014-2017. I was born in Vernal and have lived here my entire life. I serve on many boards and committees, trying to stay involved in my community. I believe the rail coming to our area would greatly benefit the majority of citizens living in the Uinta Basin. As you well know, we have been mostly reliant on the oil and gas industry for a very long time. I think the rail will help this area to finally diversify our economy and bring light manufacturing, along with other industries to help all to prosper. I also think it will bring positive economic impacts here. I am in full support of the process that has been initiated and the rail coming to our area!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30812Joseph LeonhardPlease do NOT authorize the railroad line along the Arkansas River to go back into operation. I frequently visit the Arkansas valley to raft, bike and camp. I seek out the natural beauty and peacefulness that this area offers. By allowing trains to travel through these sensitive habitats, the qualities I mentioned above will be tarnished. I also fear that any kind of derailment or spill would jeopardize the environment and the recreational opportunities. It’s not worth it. Please don’t operate trains along the Arkansas River.Grand Junction, CO
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30807Elders RisingI am adamantly opposed to this misguided project. It’s tremendously unsound in terms of the environment, both the Utah environment as well as globally, it’s catering to a dying industry, and it’s a waste of taxpayers money. Do not proceed!Elise Lazar · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30727Environmental Protection AgencyMatt Hubner · Denver, CO
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30610Eagle County, ColoradoJosh – Attached please find the Motion for Extension of Time and Petition for Reconsideration of Eagle County, filed on January 25, 2021, in the Board’s main docket. Eagle County seeks a 30 day extension, to February 27, 2021, of the comment period on the DEIS. Eagle County and other Colorado communities potentially affected by the Seven County Coalition’s proposal received constructive notice of Colorado, Midland, and Pacific Railway’s Notice of Exemption for its lease of the Tennessee Pass Line from UP on December 31, 2020, and accordingly have had very limited time to understand the implications of both proposals. Please let me know of any questions. Best regards, AllisonAllison Fultz · Washington, DC
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentDear Josh, Please find attached the Seven County Infrastructure’s response to recent requests to further extend the public comment period on the DEIS. For the reasons described therein, the Coalition does not believe an extension is warranted and asks that OEA end the comment period on January 28, 2021. In addition, I am attaching a verified statement from Mark Hemphill, Senior Vice President – Program Management of Rio Grande Pacific Corporation. Rio Grande Pacific’s counsel, Karl Morell (copied on this email), planned to submit this to you today in response to the extension requests. However, Mr. Morell is not able to do so due to internet connectivity problems and asked me to provide you with the verified statement. Please let me know if you have any questions. Kathryn K. Floyd, Esq. | Venable LLP t 202.344.4696 | f 202.344.8300 600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001Kathryn K. Floyd · Washington, DC
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30537Fred DeckerI'm a full supporter of the Uinta Basin Railway. This will help our local economy and help our residents survive in these tough times.we have the man power and resources here to make this a great success. Sincerely Fred DeckerNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30536Larry DeanI am opposed to the Uintah Basin Railway (UBR) due to the fact that fossil fuel demand is in decline. Investing taxpayer dollars into this railway cannot even be considered to be an investment as there will be no return except for a few opportunists who will profit. The railway will endanger water resources, wildlife, and historic/cultural resources. The railway will contribute to air pollution in an area already suffering from the effects of bad air. The railway would also contribute to the air pollution at it's destination along the Wasatch front, an area already plagues with pollution. I believe tax dollars would be better spent by investing in clean energy production not in a dying industry.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30528Walter DandyVail, CO
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentEI-30394Joel BanSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/26/2021)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 1/25/2021)Motion301530Motion/Petition/RequestEagle County, Colo.
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(printed as 1/25/2021)CommentEI-31230UELS, LLCAmy Doebele · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/25/2021)CommentEI-31074Richard SpottsSaint George, UT
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(printed as 1/25/2021)CommentEI-31027Lisa RomeroI am in support of the railway. I believe it will be beneficial for the economy of the Uintah Basin.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/25/2021)CommentEI-30988Marv PoulsonSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/25/2021)CommentEI-30605Larry FrammeI oppose. How does the EIS account for the social costs of extracting hydrocarbons for combustible energy that releases greenhouse gas which are having dire effects on climate related disasters such as drought, wildfire, and air pollution. Economically, the benefactors of this project are a relatively small number of individuals in relation to the dire effects of contributing additional fuel to a dying industry that is destroying the global ecosystem.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/25/2021)CommentEI-30377AnonymousHello. I'm calling because I heard that you're accepting comments until January 28th. My name is and my number is 360-584-7083. As a resident of Utah, I feel strongly that the 10,000 acres of habitat for migratory wildlife and endangered species and the further endangerment of everyone due to climate change is pretty dire and the existence of this oil train is directly detrimental to that. So I just wanted to cast my vote and leave my comments with you saying that I don't support this and I would like to see it stopped.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 1/24/2021)CommentEI-30481Devin CastendykSalida, CO
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(printed as 1/23/2021)CommentEI-30855Tara MaylettRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/22/2021)CommentEI-31181MaryAnn WrightIn reading through the draft EIS, it notes large swaths of disturbance of previously undisturbed lands. It notes acres and acres of virgin territory of wildlife habitat. It denotes obliteration of some of the last remaining leks for sage grouse as well as impacts to waters and watersheds that are irreversible. This railway is not sustainable in the any terms, monetary or ecological. The NO Action alternative, is the only one to choose. This proposed project is an insult to our lands, our wildlife and our way of life in Utah in proposing to rip up vast tracts that will never be restored in our lifetime for some shortsighted, very questionable gain. There is already a way to get the crude to processing. This is a capitalistic ploy to bring pricing down that only benefits a few already wealthy promoters. Choose the NO ACTION alternative.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/22/2021)CommentEI-31158Eric WeldonThis railway will be a great addition to the infrastructure of Eastern Utah. It will have a great positive impact on our economy in the area for many people. I fully support this railway.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/22/2021)CommentEI-30923Chad MullinsI grew up in the Uinta Basin, have relatives there and return on a regular basis to hunt and fish. My Grandfather homesteaded in the Uinta Basin and my Father grew up there with Ute playmates and spoke Ute fluently. The Uinta Basin is a beautiful example of the best of Nature's gifts and one of the places that deserves our protection. Furthermore, we should be conserving the fossil fuel resources that are most difficult to develop. There are so many reasons from a climate change and environmental standpoint to slow down the development and extraction of fossil fuels. Perhaps most importantly, we should conserve a resource like this until it is proven that it's extraction is absolutely necessary. At that point we will be thankful that we protected and held some fossil fuels in reserve.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/22/2021)CommentEI-30870Red Rock Extended StaySharon McDowell · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/22/2021)CommentEI-30732Ken HuntThe Uinta Basin Railway is a pork barrel project that will take needed funds for local enhancements and add to severe air pollution in the Basin. This is poor public policy on a dated business model based on subsidies. Please do not move forward with this project.South Jordan, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-31177Anne WolferTo whom it may concern, I am against the development of the Unita basin railroad due to the environmental impact that the railroad would impose on the land and wildlife.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-31025Kristen Rogers-IversenHi, I have deep family ties to the Uinta Basin and I strongly oppose this railway, with the cumulative destructive effects on land and wildlife. It's time to bring Utah into the 21st century and into reality, one in which fossil fuel use and development will decline. I know the communities of the Uinta Basin need to have an economic base, and now is the time to re-imagine and create a new future. The huge amount of money that would be spent on this railroad could be used for much more productive endeavors to ensure the long-term health and welfare of the Uinta Basin and its residents.Millcreek, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-31016Douglas RobertsWe humans don't need another source of air pollution and carbon dioxide. The world climate is already at a tipping point. STOP THE RAILWAY!Bountiful, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-30945Rebecc Noonan HealeI am opposed to the Unitah Basin Railway Project and concerned at how the EIS has not considered the full impact that the UBR-caused exploration, drilling, production and eventual combustion of fossil fuels would have on air quality and the environment, both in communities close to the project and more broadly on the state. I have read proponents of the project say advocate that this project would bring more money to the Utah School System. However, it would also lead to air quality degradation. Studies show that kids miss more days of school when the air is bad, in addition to the negative affects on their health. And poor air quality limits kids ability to play outside and get exercise. As a mom, it's very important that we make choices that will benefit, not harm the health of our community.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-30910Meagin MoharI am writing to express my full support for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway project through Uintah, Duchesne & Carbon Counties in northeastern Utah. As a resident of the area, the economic benefits that the railroad would have to our local and regional communities would be significant. Oil & gas producers would have a stable & consistent transportation system to regional and national markets, increasing the value of natural resources in the Basin. It would also allow for freight optionality and commercial, industrial and agricultural imports and exports to the area, which is often difficult due to the proximity to the interstate system. I believe that the proposed railway project would have a substantial benefit to the economic development and diversification for our community, and can be constructed & operated in an environmentally safe manner.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-30778D.K. KilmerThe Uinta Basin does need a future economically, but big money, and a railroad costs big money, is not betting in fossil fuels now. Your efforts and tax payer funding would be better spent on education resources, perhaps a university extension, or training center, in this area. The Uinta Basin is also suffering from serious pollution from the current fossil fuel extractive industry- another reason to support a different economic activity. Abandon the Uinta Railway plan.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentEI-30396Cris BarberoI do not support this project. I believe it will cause unnecessary harm to the air and water of the Uinta basin. We don't need to further extract oil from this area.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 1/21/2021)CommentHDR, Inc.
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(printed as 1/20/2021)CommentHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 1/20/2021)CommentEI-30686Josiah HelblingTo the board members, Thank you for your time. I strongly recommend that we halt any future fossil fuel projects and only move forward when we have no other options. Fortunately we have plenty of renewable resources and have no reason not to use them. It is time to move forward. I urge you to stop the Uinta Basin Railway Project. Thank you again, Josiah HelblingSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-31064Sean SlackThis project should be halted without any further progression. Local and statewide constituent opposition is well documented for a multitude of reasons. Oil transport through these areas poses risk and the long term reward and financial viability is minimal. Please oppose this project. Thank YouSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-31062Sarah SiebachI'd like to express my opposition to the Uinta Basin Railway. The preferred project alignment would run almost the entire length of Indian Canyon Creek, affecting the area with 443 stream crossings, over 61 miles of streams and 26 acres of floodplains, as well ast wetlands along the Price River. These are unacceptable impacts to the precious perennial waterways in our semi-arid state. Finally the UBR would change the way of life for those who live and recreate in the area. Landowners in Argyle Canyon and other off-grid canyon communities along the proposed routes fear the disruption oil trains will bring with noise and clouds of diesel smoke. Mile-long trains will disrupt beloved wildlife, create traffic delays and significant potential for accidents, derailments, spills and sparks, which could ignite disastrous wildfires. This is an unacceptable threat to community health, safety and well being. Thank you, Sarah SiebachAmerican Fork, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-30995Chelsea QuallsPlease reconsider putting this railway in place. We can't afford further disruption to our environment in this state. Our winters are getting drier and we are facing serious consequences of industrialization. You may not believe that climate change is real, but the thing is, if it is, every action we take to save our environment helps save humankind as well, and if it isn't? The worst thing that happens is that we end up with a cleaner planet. Please put the health of our people and our state above money. Thank youWest Jordan, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-30963Angie ParkinTo whom it may concern, Please add my comment as an individual who strongly urges you NOT to proceed with the Uinta Basin Railway Project. The environmental impact would be tremendous. This is exactly the type of project that will contribute to the tipping point of our climate crisis. Oil and gas extraction is quickly becoming more and more unnecessary and some would argue obsolete. Look at the numbers, the demand for oil and gas is diminishing, the price of getting energy in other ways is also going down. There is no need to pursue this. Please look at the big picture, not only of the world you want to leave to your children/grand children, but also in terms of who would benefit in the short term? Very short term. Oil and gas representatives want you to believe the impact is minimal. This is not true. The environmental impact would be irreparable. The demand for this type of energy is diminishing... please let's change the focus to better ways to produce the energy (and jobs) we need in a sustainable way. It is possible.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-30844Susan MartellI think the idea of a railway through Utah is a bad idea. It is an extension of the Inland Port which will only bring more bad air days to the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. Do not build a railway system. I am against it because of the environment.Millcreek, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-30789Amy KopischkeMy family has been in Utah since 2012 and we’ve observed blatant disregard for the environment and the health of its citizens. We’ve lost OR due to our disregard for the environment losing millions of dollars a year to the states business. It’s time to prioritize people over the extractive industry. Stop the Wasatch rail.South Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-30408Kimberly BeckI am against the Uinta Basin Railway. It’s disruption to this pristine country should not be allowed. Please vote no.Centerfield, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentEI-30364LeRoy AndersonThis project is wasteful, regressive, and will contribute to pollution, decreased air quality, climate change, and harmful health impacts and premature deaths. It would be vastly preferable to spend the funds rebuilding the economies of impoverished rural Utah communities by having them be centers for the production of clean energy windmills and solar panels instead of mining centers. Healthier for the residents, safer, more profitable, and more sustainable. We can have healthy bodies, a healthy earth, and economic growth if we just make RATIONAL and sustainable decisions. The Uinta Railway is a giveaway to special interests that have no place in a truly healthy Utah.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/19/2021)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31222Save Not PaveThe draft EIS fails to consider the full impact that new UBR-caused exploration, drilling, production and eventual combustion of fossil fuels will have on the environment, wildlife, and nearby communities.This production, potentially four times the current amount, will contribute irreversibly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Our climate is already at a tipping point; we shouldn't expand fossil fuel development. It will also further pollute the air in the Uinta Basin, which already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development.It will harm wildlife as the proposed routes traverse roadless areas, steep canyons, and rugged terrain. Over 10,000 acres of big game habitat will be impacted. The route also impacts 1600 acres of Greater sage grouse habitat, and areas inhabited by the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. The preferred project alignment would run almost the entire length of Indian Canyon Creek, affecting the area with 443 stream crossings, over 61 miles of streams and 26 acres of floodplains, as well ast wetlands along the Price River. These are unacceptable impacts to the precious perennial waterways in our semi-arid state. Finally the UBR would change the way of life for those who live and recreate in the area. Landowners in Argyle Canyon and other off-grid canyon communities along the proposed routes fear the disruption oil trains will bring with noise and clouds of diesel smoke. Mile-long trains will disrupt beloved wildlife, create traffic delays and significant potential for accidents, derailments, spills and sparks, which could ignite disastrous wildfires. This is an unacceptable threat to community health, safety and well beingEllen Birrell · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31185Tyler YeatesThis project would be a disaster for the region's air, water, lands and wildlife. Oil and gas extraction are already poisoning the Uinta Basin's air and water, harming people and wildlife. The railway would make things worse and contribute to the climate crisis. We urge you to choose the no action alternative for the proposed UBR. It would do irreparable harm to the air, water, land and wildlife in the region and should not be built.Bountiful, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31184Angie YatesGood Afternoon! The Uinta Basil Railway will be a disaster for those of us who have family with asthma here in Utah. I have 3 family members who are currently significantly affected by Utah's air. My father even moved out of the state to get away from Utah's air. As someone who plans trips to see our wild places each year, I don't want more roads & disruption to the peaceful surroundings. This will also affect the peace & lives of our wildlife. Please do not approve the railway. Thanks for your time!Kaysville, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31106Red Rock Extended StayHello, I'm sending this email in regards to the Uinta Basin Railroad project I'm the manager for the Red Rock Extended Stay in Duchesne and I wanted to let you know how I feel about this. I support this project and am willing to help in any way. We are a small lodging property located in Main Street in Duchesne, and this project would greatly impact business, not only for us, but for of our neighboring businesses. Covid-19 really has impacted lodging not only in Duchesne, but statewide. This would be such a great opportunity for our business to grow, keep our doors open, and provide service. The Duchesne community is a strong, hard working group of individuals, and if this project is approved, it will give a new light and hope for everyone to grow.Thank you, Kori Thompson Red Rock Extended Stay ManagerKori Thompson · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31099Lauri TaylorSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31063Naomi SilverstoneWe urge you to choose the no action alternative for the proposed UBR. It would do irreparable harm to the air, water, land and wildlife in the region and should not be built. The draft EIS fails to consider the full impact that new UBR-caused exploration, drilling, production and eventual combustion of fossil fuels will have on the environment, wildlife, and nearby communities. This production, potentially four times the current amount, will contribute irreversibly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Our climate is already at a tipping point; we shouldn't expand fossil fuel development.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31059Steve ShuputThis railway would threaten wildlife, pollute the climate and is not needed. It is costly and disruptive.SALT LAKE CITY, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-31038Sam RushforthThis proposed railroad is not only a huge fiscal absurdity, it is also an ecological disaster. It will have a large impact on the Book Cliff ecosystems and will increase pollution in an area already burdened with fossil fuel emissions. No serious assessment could conclude this is a necessary project.Orem, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30954Daniel O'MalleyNorth Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30939William NichollsThis project will destroy thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, will do tremendous damage to the Indian Creek riparian habitat, will further degrade the air quality of the Uinta Basin, and is oblivious the world's urgent need to eliminate fossil fuel reliance.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30932Nicola NelsonThis project is not something Utah needs. Please do not approve or fund this railway project.North Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30931Chamaine NelsonIt’s bad enough we are fighting the inland port. We don’t need more air pollution. We need reduction.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30857Marcie McClearyI've spent time in Roosevelt and was dismayed at the air quality. I expected a small town like that to have clean clean air. Also, I believe the impact on the land and wildlife would be disastrous. I hope you can find a cleaner, less damaging alternative to the railway.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30856Kristin McBethPlease do not put profit above health and beauty. We live in a one of a kind, gorgeous area. The bad air is making people sick and also degrading the beauty around us. Do the right thing bMurray, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30802M LawPlease- No to the Uinta Basin Railway!! We have such an unhealthy and embarrassing problem with air quality already. Consider our air, water, climate, and wildlife! No UBR!!!Holladay, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30775Laura Kent-JensenI support the No Action Alternative for the Uinta Basin Railway (UBR). I live within the impact study zone, and I am very concerned about air quality because many of my family members have asthma or lung disease. The UBR project would facilitate oil and gas extraction-related activities, resulting in increased exploration, drilling, and overall production. Given the negative effect of these activities on our health and the environment, I believe we should be limiting rather than expanding fossil fuel development. While the trucks currently used for fossil fuel transportation are awful, a railway that makes it easier for developers to increase overall production may result in environmental impacts up to 4 times worse. I am not sure these risks and the cumulative effect of the UBR are adequately reflected in the Environmental Impact Statement. Although I detest the trucks, my hope is that the disadvantages of using trucks will help keep production low until there is less need for fossil fuels because better alternatives are readily available. Additionally, my understanding is that air pollution in the area already exceeds federal standards. If that is the case, we should be working to reduce production or to impose better pollution controls, rather than making it easier for developers to pollute more. It would be irresponsible to pursue a project like the UBR that takes us further from our goals for a clean environment. I am writing these comments because my family's health is at stake.Heber City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentI say "NO" to the the Uinta Basin Railway. The financial cost appears to be very high, possibly in the billions of dollars. The railway will decrease local air quality in a way that exacerbates not just my personal medical condition but also the health of children across the board. My extended neighborhood relies on ground water. The global warming that the railway will contribute to already appears to me to be associated with the dwindling surface water as manifested by a bone-dry main canyon creek for several of the last few years. Even with a small number of ground-water monitoring wells still available, the hydrology of our canyon is much debated. Subjectively though, the last 35 years of watching our canyon dry up leaves no doubt that our canyon is indeed drying up. It comes as no surprise then that our canyon is now at increased risk of large and intense forest fires according to the mayor (Joe Smolka) of Salt Lake County Emigration Township.Christopher Jones · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30747Alexandra JensenI am sincerely and firmly against the proposed Uinta Basin Railway (UBR). If we build this railway, it will allow more production and destruction by the industries that actively poison us and our beautiful state. As I read "shippers would use the proposed rail line primarily to transport crude oil from the Basin to markets across the United States" it simply reinforces my fears. As a professional skier and an avid climber, I truly believe in the preservation of our state's national forests and natural resources!! I believe we need to protect ourselves and our land from the devastation caused by refining and mining industries. Already, our air quality is unsafe for sensitive populations and forest fires are at an all-time high. I beg the OEA to reassess the potential harm that the UBR will inflict on everyone living here.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30641Roderick GregoryFacilitating the extraction of fossil fuel stocks is the height of foolishness. These materials need to remain in the ground until a future (hopefully smarter) generation creates a method and justification for extraction that does not result in the burning of these materials. It took billions of years to create these materials and their potential as chemicals rather than fuel is completely ignored in the rush to burn them. Think 18th century technology. Save it for the 22nd century or later.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30617Dianne GaschlerWe need to PROTECT Utah’s air, climate, wildlife. Not add to our already Climate Emergency.. We have lived in Utah for over 50 years and do vehemently oppose this railroad.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30599Susan F FlemingPlease do not allow the Uinta Basin Railway to continue. If it is allowed, it will seriously impact our air, water, and land. Already we have an air pollution problem and increasing congestion and pollution in the Salt Lake City area and the Wasatch corridor. Thinking about the future, we must utilize only clean renewable power--electric, wind, possibly geothermal. Transportation will have to be electric, powered by the sun. Railway access will exacerbate environmental impact. Future generations must be considered carefully.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30561Time for You CoachingI urge you to choose the no action alternative given harmful impacts to air, water, land and wildlife resources.The draft EIS failed in a number of ways to consider the full impact that new UBR-caused exploration, drilling, production and eventual combustion of fossil fuels will have on the environment, wildlife, and nearby communities. This production, potentially four times the current amount, will contribute irreversibly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Our climate is already at a tipping point. My primary concern is the cumulative impacts of the project on air quality in the Uinta basin where we already exceed federal standards because of existing oil and gas development. It will harm wildlife as the proposed routes traverse roadless areas, steep canyons, and rugged terrain. Over 10,000 acres of big game habitat will be impacted. The route also impacts 1600 acres of Greater sage grouse habitat, and areas inhabited by the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress. I am also concerned with how the preferred project alignment would run almost the entire length of Indian Canyon Creek, a precious perennial waterways in our semi-arid state.Danielle Droitsch · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30535T.C.G. Consulting, Inc.I am completely opposed to this project. I can not understand how politicians continue to put things like this which destroy the environment over protecting the environment for our children & grand children.Alberto De la Torre · Draper, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30526Amy DallI am against the proposed Uintah Basin Railway as the impacts will be far reaching and harm our air quality, wildlife, waterways, just to name a few things.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30511Stacey ColeI OPPOSE the proposed Uinta Basin Railway because of the devastating and destructive impact it would have on the air, water, land and wildlife.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30494Joshua ChilesSTOP this railway! We do NOT need this, it will only create more air pollution! Instead let's concentrate on solar and wind! thank you, JoshSouth Jordan, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30464Anissa CaiazzaThere is too much liability and risk. That paired with cost and length of time for this project outweighs any potential benefits. Derailments, spills, noise and air quality will all have negative environmental, recreational and subsequent economic impacts to our community citizens and wildlife. This is a matter of public safety, environmental preservation, and protecting our natural resources. The time and money would be much better spent making the rail line into a recreational path. More recreational opportunities will bring more tourism dollars to our communities.Salida, CO
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30443Sandra BriggsAll of us who are concerned about protecting Utah's air, climate and wildlife need to show our opposition to this project. Now is the time. Create stronger environmental and social protections. I advocate for environmental justice that benefits people & the planet and especially in my own backyard -------Utah needs protecting from Uinta Basin Railroad!!!Sandy, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30400Mark BaroneI am concerned about protecting Utah's air and climate. A Uinta Basin Railway would degrade the region's air, water, lands and wildlife. Oil and gas extraction are already poisoning the Uinta Basin's air and water, harming people and wildlife.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30376Patricia AnnoniI urge you to choose the no action alternative for the proposed UBR. It would do irreparable harm to the air, water, land and wildlife in the region and should not be built. Oil and gas extraction are already poisoning the Uinta Basin's air and water, harming people and wildlife. The railway would make things worse and contribute to the climate crisis.Midvale, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30363Dianne AndersonPLEASE do NOT construct the Uinta Basin Railway. We already have so many sources of pollution in our state, we surely don't need any more. Fossil fuels are the major source of pollution in Utah. Building this railroad to facilitate extraction and transportation of more fossil fuels will be a grave mistake. It will negatively impact wildlife, our air, our water, as well as our people. I've struggled for 19 years with an autoimmune disorder that has diminished my lung capacity by two thirds of normal. This has made even walking a challenge. There are others like me, plus many that suffer from asthma and other lung conditions that are aggravated by more pollution. PLEASE don't make our lives harder by building this railroad. Thank you for your time and consideration!Millcreek, UT
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(printed as 1/18/2021)CommentEI-30345Frederick AdlerI would like to express my strong opposition to this plan. It has not been properly evaluated, would destroy air and water quality, permanently damage the environmental value of the entire Uinta Basin, and is also an unnecessary waste of money. This is wrong time for a climate-destroying boondoggle. I support the No Action alternative as the wise choice.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/17/2021)CommentIrene Hansen · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/15/2021)CommentEI-30913Mark MonsenIt is very important that the Uintah Basin resources are moved to the market place. Railroads are a proven safe and efficient way to move those resources. In this time of uncertain economic conditions a rail road would give the Uintah Basin more opportunity to develop alternative economic development so our life style here in the basin can grow and flourish.Bluebell, UT
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(printed as 1/14/2021)CommentEI-30983Martin PierceI currently live in the Vernal area. I have recently been effected by the economic downturn and had to get a different job to be able to keep my home and property. I love living in this area and believe it is a great place to raise my children. I believe that the railroad project would improve the economy in this area and help to bring diversification possibilities for business of the Basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/14/2021)CommentEI-30896Jacie MitchellAs a born and raised resident of the Uintah Basin, I fully support the railroad and I hope to see it progress. This railroad will be a great cost effective way to import and export products, and our businesses can continue to thrive. It will also help decrease tax dollars for residence because heavy highway construction will be required less frequently. The railroad will help reduce energy consumption. Pollution and green house gas emissions will decrease. And our roads will be less congested. Our economy will grow, the job market will increase and it will be a very beneficial part of our community.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/14/2021)CommentEI-30596Gwen FillingimI grew up in the Uinta Basin, and live here. As a resident, I can see great value in the construction of the railway in our area. This would be a great boost to our weakened economy. Since the oilfields have drastically slowed down, and so many are unemployed. I can easily see the benefits of this venture and the future positive impact it would hold for our area and community. As a resident, I say yes to the Uinta Basin Railway.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 1/14/2021)CommentEI-30417Laurel BiedermannCoaldale, CO
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(printed as 1/13/2021)CommentEI-31103Natalie ThomasIn regards to Docket No. FD 36284. I think the railway will be a huge addition to the Unitah Basin for future jobs. Also for road safety, reducing long haul trucking on our highways. We moved our family out here 8 years ago and would like to retire here. If the railway doesn’t come out here and the oil industry falls, we will be one of many families that will have to leave the area. We have built our home and our future here, we wouldn’t want to have to move away.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/12/2021)CommentEI-30362Brandon AndersonThis project is very supported by me and my household. This project will provide opportunity to diversify our local economy and will provide economic stability for our community in the future. I fully recommend to send this project forward.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/11/2021)CommentEI-30520AvoAvaz.com, llcDear Uinta Basin Railway As a 45 year oil/gas geologist, i understand the need for a company to continuously find ways to be more economic, have higher returns. I also understand how important US energy independence is. I am still working in the industry. The proposed rail serves these business desires. If Uinta basin oil is currently being refined in Salt Lake city, why not continue refining there? If the supply of oil exceeds refining capacity, why not expand current facilities? if this railway goes thru, no matter how many times the company says they will not repair and access the Minturn to Leadville to Salida to Canon City segment of the line and on the the Gulf coast refineries, we all know better. It is always about money. An oil spill will devastate the Arkansas River based tourism and agricultural, including rafting, fly fishing, kayaking, ranching, farming, for 1000's of people. we all know that an oil spill on the river WILL HAPPEN. it is just a matter of when. Due to no fault of anyone's, be it rock slides, avalanches, flooding, earthquakes, the rails will always be in jeopardy of damage, the trains will always be in danger of derailment. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME!!!! Just read the paper. ONE tanker of oil would do irreparable damage to the Arkansas river and all of the people that depend on it for a living. And to send oil through this area makes absolutely no sense in terms of distance and time to get it to refining in Texas or Louisiana. Spend time here in Chaffee County. Look at the local economy and how integral the river is to this part of Colorado. Do NOT COME THIS WAY WITH YOUR OIL TANKERS. Please continue studying alternate solutions. Truly i wish you great fortune on your project, but please use common sinse and reasoning. Sincerely, Dan Cox Certified Professional GeophysicistDan Cox · Salida, CO
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(printed as 1/9/2021)CommentEI-30476Dick CarneyIt would be insane to transport crude oil or any other hazardous material on the railroad anywhere between Canon City and Leadville. Where there are railroads, there will be derailments. Guaranteed. Some don't have big consequences, others are catastrophic. With this railroad running right next to the Arkansas river, it isn't inconceivable at all that a derailed tank car could end up poisoning the river. The Arkansas River is a bigger driver of our economy than any other natural resource, bringing tourists from around the world to our area. If this crackpot idea is approved, it will be a matter of when, not if, a disaster occurs. When the resulting lawsuits are flying, I sure wouldn't want to be identified as someone who approved this idea. Think about it. Thank you.Coaldale, CO
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(printed as 1/8/2021)CommentEI-31026Maria RojasI have lived in Uintah area for 25 years. My family is still living there. We feel that a lot of development is required for this area and we are sure this new railway project can achieve this. The online discussions were helpful for us to get environmental knowledge, as result, we feel that Indian Canyon and Wells Draw lines are damaging. So we support the Whitemore Park line for this project.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/8/2021)CommentEI-30940Todd NicholsonWe do not wish to see this railroad be constructed as it is literally in our backyard. Myself and many other residents live in the Uinta Basin for the solitude it offers. Having a railroad, during the construction phase, and well into the daily operation of railroad is not wanted. Furthermore, we have an HOA in place which further prevents said railroad construction. No easments are allowed.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/8/2021)CommentEI-30547Karen DilsFirst the comment period should be extended. With the election and the pandemic and attempted coup in D.C., this issue has not been on the radar of very many citizens. People need to read, learn and comment intelligently.1-Because the goal of this is to increase profit to a company using a declining natural resource, AND a declining NEED for this resource, I am opposed at this point. 2 -It sounds like they think "making tribe a partner" will garner them the tribe's okay to go through their land. 3 - The Roadless Rules is present to PREVENT this type of development - no urgent need other than greed. 4 - Because ultimately this company wants to continue hauling this oil into MY community, along MY river, I am opposed because of several issues: a) potential devastating environmental damage to our Gold Medal Fishing river b) potential devastating damage to the quality of this water which is relied upon for drinking by municipalities. c) Disruption and delay at multiple crossings in our quiet town. We've had trains before and didn't like the impact and noise then and this could be MUCH worse. Safety issues at crossings. d) Loss of property values to adjacent property owners. e) Loss of wilderness values in Browns Canyon National Monument.5 - The dangerous mountain passes this train will have to negotiate year-round and potential for accidents, spills and fires. Previously sparks from trains ignited fires here and now the potential is even greater with the drought and increased development. The potential damage to our public lands, scenery, soundscape, waters, etc. is far greater than the need for more money for this company's owner who wants to more cheaply refine it in the Gulf to be shipped to other countries with less stringent pollution standards thus increasing climate impact. Please deny this.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/8/2021)CommentEI-30544Jeremy DickensWe are into the petroleum business and we think that Whitemore park has better advantages for businesses compared to other routes. All of my partners support this project via this route.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/7/2021)CommentEI-30748Uintah Engineering, LLCI would like to express my full support for the current progress and approval of the Uintah Basin Railway. I feel that it would be a huge asset to the Basin in regards to economic development within our small community. It would give a great bump economically, thus benefiting local businesses, restaurants and small entrepreneurs looking to branch out into bigger cities. Merchandise coming in and out would be extremely beneficial as well as being able to procure better supplies for our local restaurants. A boost like this will do wonders for our little town.Jill Jensen · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/7/2021)CommentEI-30642Susan GreinerBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/6/2021)CommentEI-31088Friends of Browns CanyonThe New Year's Eve announcement that Rio Grande Pacific, the company chosen to develop and operate the proposed Uinta Basin Railway (UBR), has leased the Tennessee Pass rail line from Union Pacific adds a new dimension to the UBR project. The Tennessee Pass rail line has been touted as a "shortcut" for Uinta Basin crude oil to be transported to Gulf Coast refineries; therefore, communities, public lands, Gold Medal fisheries and Browns Canyon National Monument in Colorado could all be impacted by the development of the UBR.Given the size and complexity of the project and the amount of information in the DEIS and supporting documents, Friends of Browns Canyon requests that the comment period be extended by 60 days. Thank youJoe Stone · Salida, CO
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(printed as 1/6/2021)CommentEI-30826Mckenzie LylePlease at least extend the comment time by 60 days as I don't think any of the communities this would effect have even heard about this project. I am certainly against the project!Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/6/2021)CommentEI-30655Dan HammeThis is a very serious topic that needs thorough research and discussion. Please extend the public comment period by 60 days to allow for fair and thorough discussion on this topic.Buena Vista, CO
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served (printed as 1/5/2021)Decision50412Entire BoardADDRESSED THE TRANPORTATION MERITS OF A PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND PRELIMINARILY CONCLUDES, SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OF THE ONGOING ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, THAT THE TRANSPORTATION ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION MEET THE STATUTORY EXEMPTION STANDARD.
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-31225Roosevelt Golf CourseThank you so much to all those involved in the process of bringing the railway to the Basin. This project will mean so much to this rural part of the State. It will bless and benefit so many people not only here in the Basin but everyone that the railroad services from its routes with supplies for centuries to come. Please keep up the great work and make it come to fruition. Don’t hesitate if Roosevelt Golf Course or the Brown family can be of any assistance. We are all in on the railway!Aaron Brown · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-31224Wasatch Energy ManagementRiley Brinkerhoff · Provo, UT
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-31176Erica WohldmannI am writing to express my deep opposition to the proposed rail line reopening through the Arkansas Valley. As a resident of Buena Vista, I am extremely concerned about the environmental impacts of this line, which is expected to carry crude oil through our beautiful valley. Oil tankers and coal cars would be very disruptive, dirty, and noisy. They would also completely change and degrade the river experience, which our rural county relies on heavily for revenue--rafters, kayakers, and fishermen travel here from all over the country to enjoy the wild landscape. Browns Canyon Monument has national protection for a reason--it's incredibly special and a train would diminish the natural beauty. Just one derailment could cause serious damage to the Gold Medal Trout Stream and impact wildlife for years to come. Derailments in our area were common throughout the railroad's history because of the rugged landscape in our Valley. In fact, one occurred in Browns Canyon as recently as 1995. Passenger service has been mentioned as an additional asset if the rail line is reopened and IF public funds are available, which basically means we're subsidizing this line in the hopes that we might get a passenger train. Do we really want to give another corporate handout, especially to dirty oil? While passenger trains look attractive in terms of creating automobile-free ways to get from the Arkansas Valley to Vail/Eagle area, no concrete plans for mass transit are actually in the works, and would require our cash-strapped county to assist with the cost. Please reject this proposal.Sincerely, Dr. Erica WohldmannBuena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-30841Willard MarriottFarmers and ranchers will benefit, the oil industry will benefit, regular businesses like ours will benefit. I and my family 100% support the Whitemore Route because of its various benefits.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-30621Christopher GiftI'm opposed to any upgrades to the rail lines running through the Arkansas River Valley that would allow freight to pass through. It does not benefit our communities creates undue risk to our local environment which puts the health of the Arkansas River Valley tourist economy at risk. We have a small town and a small community...no one wants freight trains full of crude oil going through it.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-30582Linda EricksonAfter looking at the Draft EIS, I continue to have questions about the negative impacts to the S. Ute Indians economically and culturally, as well as to fugitive dust/air quality concerns and to the wetlands. I understand that the Whitmore Park alternative might be a preferred alternative. However, I question "emissions not contributing significantly to global climate change." I question the 3 to 10 trains per day and its impacts on all wildlife, plant-life and people in the area.In addition, I feel like I need more information about how this will impact the potential expansion to the Tennessee Pass route and area in s. central Colorado. Thank you.Salidaq, CO
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-30388Daniel AstinHello! Let me begin by saying that I understand the need for a railway in this area. It would add a lot of economic opportunity in the Uinta basin area. I understand that the Whitmore park route is the preferred route. As long as the Whitmore Park route is the one that is ultimately chosen, I would support it. However, I recently purchased property along highway 191 and I would not support either the Indian Canyon route or the Wells Draw route as these two routes would have the train run right through my property. I have worked my entire life to finally be able to purchase some recreational property to have to enjoy nature and wildlife and be with my family in peace! If either the Indian Canyon or Wells Draw routes are chosen, it would decimate my property! On my property there are heavy forested areas and wetlands that provide critical habitat for many species of wildlife. If the train goes through it, it will ultimately be destroyed and my land would then be useless to me. I would need to be fairly compensated for the detrimental impact on my land. I have read a lot of comments from people in support of the railroad but how many of those people would still support it if it meant building it right through the middle of your private property? Think about that.... Let me restate that I would support the railroad if the Whitmore Park route(the preferred route) is chosen. I however can't support it if the Wells draw route or Indian Canyon route is chosen. I have worked too long and hard just to see my dream property destroyed.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-30384Daniel AstinHello! Let me begin by saying that I understand the need for a railway in this area. It would add a lot of economic opportunity in the Uinta basin area. I understand that the Whitmore park route is the preferred route. As long as the Whitmore Park route is the one that is ultimately chosen, I would support it. However, I recently purchased property along highway 191 and I would not support either the Indian Canyon route or the Wells Draw route as these two routes would have the train run right through my property. I have worked my entire life to finally be able to purchase some recreational property to have to enjoy nature and wildlife and be with my family in peace! If either the Indian Canyon or Wells Draw routes are chosen, it would decimate my property! On my property there are heavy forested areas and wetlands that provide critical habitat for many species of wildlife. If the train goes through it, it will ultimately be destroyed and my land would then be useless to me. I would need to be fairly compensated for the detrimental impact on my land. I have read a lot of comments from people in support of the railroad but how many of those people would still support it if it meant building it right through the middle of your private property? Think about that.... Let me restate that I would support the railroad if the Whitmore Park route(the preferred route) is chosen. I however can't support it if the Wells draw route or Indian Canyon route is chosen. I have worked too long and hard just to see my dream property destroyed.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 1/5/2021)CommentEI-30350Kimberly AllisonPlease DO NOT approve the Tennessee Pass rail line to reopen. It is a dangerous plan with little benefit. Better would be a conversion Rails to Trails.Salida, CO
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(printed as 1/4/2021)CommentEI-31029Nicole RosaI am very much against this project. This sentence: "According to the DEIS, an estimated 3.68-10.52 trains per day would traverse the new rail line, and those trains, with approximately 100 oil tankers each, would then travel along the Arkansas River’s 100-mile stretch of Gold Medal trout waters, including Browns Canyon." ABSOLUTELY INSANE! It's not a matter of "if" there will be a spill, but "when". Recreation in Chaffee county completely depends on this river. Fishing completely depends up on this river. Thousands of people depend on the river for clean drinking water in that area, and tens of thousands downriver into Pueblo Reservoir and further East. Colorado Springs Southern Delivery System uses water from the Arkansas River. This river needs to be protected at all costs, and running trains of up to 100 oil tankers is a VERY BAD IDEA.Colorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/4/2021)CommentEI-30892Michael MillsapWe live and recreate along the Arkansas River. We purchased our home knowing the railroad tracks have been neglected/un-used for over 2 decades. We live here to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Arkansas River Valley, its wildlife, its NATURAL beauty. Allowing any trains to run along this stretch would devastate the peace and quiet, property values, and safety of MANY families along the proposed Tennessee Line. We are the "little guys". Small town America. The wealthy come and "buy an dry" our land, and now they want to come to rob us of the pristine beauty we now call home. For many of us affected, most our net worth is in our homes- and our property values would plummet. STB wants to hear from "those being served" by the proposed line. What about the citizens being AFFECTED by the line??Also, why is there a short period of time to respond to this proposal (Jan 31), and WHY has there been such a limited advertisement of this deadline? Im lucky I even heard about the opportunity to comment! Would you not at least mail a questionaire/opportunity to comment out to TAX PAYING citzens affected?? I doubt seriously that the UP or RGP would be happy if there was any effort to inform citizens impacted, and allow them to have some input on the environmental, safety, personal financial impact, and loss of enjoyment of life issues that are implicit in re-opening this line.Howard, CO
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(printed as 1/4/2021)CommentEI-30548Reed DilsPlease extend the comment period at least 30 days. I live in Chaffee County Colorado and was just made aware of this 3 days ago.This project will have huge impacts to our county and state, many which are very negative, both from an environmental and social perspective.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/4/2021)CommentEI-30542Bharat DevanaI see opportunities not only for our oil industry but also for agriculture and manufacturing when this project is established. I think The Whitmore Park path is harmless to the nature when compared to other two options.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/4/2021)CommentEI-30429Ken BonettiI am writing to state my strong opposition to the Uinta Railroad project. Not only will it risk environmental damage to the area in Utah through which it runs, it will be the first link in a line that will ultimately runn through Colorado's upper Arkansas Valley and the Browns Canyon National Monument where an accident would be catastrophic for the Monument, the river and the large tourist industry that supports Chafee County. Most importantly, we do not need to increase oil and gas production, since the industry is the prime driver of climate disruption and needs to be wound down, not up. Please deny any and all permits requested by the developers. Sincerely, Ken Bonetti, Boulder, Colorado.Boulder, CO
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(printed as 1/3/2021)CommentEI-30898Georgia MoenI cannot believe that this is even being considered! DO NOT run crude oil trains through pristine wilderness/tribal lands nor Browns Canyon, which is a National Monument. I want to preserve our beautiful Colorado environments, not destroy them. I was born and raised in this state and despise it when greedy companies come here and don't give a darn about how their operations are going to affect my state. Fossil fuels are horrible for our environment and you should be investing in renewable energy instead.Colorado Springs, CO
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(printed as 1/3/2021)CommentEI-30862Katherine McCoyThis environmental cost and risk of this rail proposal makes no sense in a time when alternative energy is replacing fossil fuels. The price of oil is depressed and likely to remain so, as demand decreases and global supplies remain abundant. WE oppose this proposal. Thank you.Buena Vista, CO
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(printed as 1/3/2021)CommentEI-30858Lila McClellanThis could have an adverse effect on the safety of our water system recreation and noise pollution, especially on national monument of Browns canyon and Native American tribal lands.Coaldale, CO
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(printed as 1/2/2021)CommentEI-30427Francie BomerThere is a history of running trains through the Arkansas River valley. Our town was settled because of the railroad. The long abandoned tracks represent days gone by, when passenger trains brought tourists and workers to and from the area. The roundhouse and depot have were demolished many year ago. Renewing that history, for tourism, may have some merit, however, the idea of hauling oil through the pristine river valley and the BROWNS CAANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT is a distaste waiting to happen. Not only is there a risk of derailment, and spills, but the noise and pollution created would spoil an area known for recreational value. It would disrupt the beautiful wildlife corridor. I urge you, DO NOT GO FORWARD with this proposal. It is unnecessary and irresponsible.Salida, CO
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(printed as 12/31/2020)CommentEI-30810Joel LefevreAs a life long 4th generation resident of the uintah basin I approve of the railroad. The opportunity that it will provide for diversity in our local economy, employment stability, and jobs that will be created will help with the struggles that the basin has faced for decades.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/31/2020)CommentEI-30767Mindy KarrenI want to see the Railway go thru our economy needs it! I think it would help more than just the oilfield industry especially as things evolve. Thanks Mindy KarrenVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/21/2020)CommentEI-31052Kristy ScholesI feel we need this railroad to better our economy and lives of Uintah Basin residents. It will provide stability in our economy and allow for more industries to come to our area to provide jobs.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/21/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/21/2020)CommentEI-30852Kris MaylettThis rail spur is very important for our economy and the livelihood of us here in the basin. Please approve this!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/19/2020)CommentEI-30725Heather HuberI am in favor of the railway project. The Uintah Basin depends on the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is very unstable. The railway project is a great way to open up opportunities to expand the economy in the Uintah Basin beyond oil and gas. If the oil and gas industry goes away, so does life for most of us in the Uintah Basin. Oil and gas effects everyone in the Uintah Basin regardless if they are employed in the oil field or not. If the oil and gas industry goes away, so does the livelihood of every person in the Uintah Basin. I think it is crucial to add the railway to open up opportunities for a variety of avenues industry in the Uintah Basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/19/2020)CommentEI-30705Cole HorrocksI am in favor of the Uintah basin railway. I feel that the railway will provide more jobs to help the economy of the basin. It will also provide a more cost effective method of transporting product out of the basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/19/2020)CommentEI-30539Joan DegiorgioThank you for the opportunity to comment. I am opposed to this project for many reasons including: 1) RARE PLANTS For a number of years I worked in the Uinta Basin for a conservation organization working specifically on rare plant conservation. The impacts from this project on these plants, which occur nowhere else in the world, from oil and gas development is concerning. In reality, we barely know where these plants exists, much less what they need to survive. In reality the only mitigation strategy is to avoid. But even this may not be enough as we really don't know how they interact with the environment. These plants are an incredible heritage that we are losing. While they are often regarded as the "last of the least", I encourage you to give serious consideration to any loss of these species. CUMULATIVE IMPACT: It is difficult to really account for the cumulative impact of increased oil and gas production that this railway will enable. One thing we can measure it air quality that already exceeds federal standards. More indirectly, we know use of fossil fuels contributes to green house gases and increased climate change. At what point does someone say NO Uinta Basin interests that continue to promote an industry that is marginal at best and is cumulatively eroding the natural heritage of the Basin.WATER: As the second driest state in the Union and with a large percentage of Utah's wildlife depending on stream, riparian and wetland resources; plus, the impacts these systems have already endured, the permanent disturbances on water resources caused by the railroad are concerning. What are the loses to these resources that have occurred already statewide? At this point, even small losses are meaningful.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/18/2020)CommentEI-31096Art TaylorDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/18/2020)CommentEI-30799Yogesh KumarI think this project is needed for economic development of this region. All walks of people will be benefitted from this project and region will see unprecedented growth. Businesses of all kinds will flourish and noone will have to leave their homeland to work in bigger cities and jobs will be in plenty in their own area. Besides economic growth other things like better education and cultural growth will be there which will benefit the young generationWindermere, FL
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(printed as 12/18/2020)CommentEI-30743Ganesh Parvati IX, LLC.The rail project is an absolute must for Vernal and the surrounding areas. For the past several years, the economies have suffered drastically. Businesses still remain closed. Many business continue to struggle and wonder when they will have to turn the keys back to the bank. The rail project will bring new life to the area. It will revive the economy and help lodging, restaurants, and other businesses. The census population in Vernal and surrounding areas has not shown any rapid growth. This project must begin ASAP to help our economy.Anshu Jain · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/17/2020)CommentEI-30455Michael BudigI oppose the proposal to subsidize and build the Uinta Basin Railway (UBR). The subsidy is a misappropriation of the Utah Permanent Community Impact Funds, which are supposed to be used by communities impacted by fossil fuel development to diversify their economy. The proposed railway will necessitate increased drilling and oil extrapolation and result is increased pollution in the Uinta Basin, an area which already suffers from excessive pollution levels. The DEIS only looks at emissions produced directly by the railway construction and operation and fails to address the increased pollution resulting from increased operations which will happen only if the railway is constructed. The DEIS also fails to adequately consider the No-Action Alternative and compare its lack of negative impacts to the adverse impacts of completing the railway. In conclusion, I believe that the $1.5 billion would be more properly spent by directing the funds to rural community development projects. And this would be much more beneficial to economic and environmental quality off the communities and should be directed to sustain their economies.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/16/2020)CommentEI-31174Thomas WintertonRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/15/2020)Letter301364LetterSurface Transportation Board
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(printed as 12/15/2020)CommentEI-31086Stewarts InvestmentsHi My name is Tyson Stewart we own and operate a small chain of grocery stores located in Duchesne and Emery county. We employ almost 200 employees. Bringing the railway to the basin is of the strongest ways to ensure and build up our economy for the long term. This would be a way to ensure that no matter what is going on there is stability in our economy something there has not been to this point. I feel i have somewhat different perspective as the proposed rout is something i drive on a weekly basis for work. Indian Canyon is a beautiful place but with the institution of the railroad. I do not believe it will make a dramatic impact on the area. There are already homes and oil wells down the canyon along with a major road. The benefits of having the railway in place far out way the impact of putting a railway in as there is already so much activity down the canyon at any rate. Also by putting the railway in you will say the negative impact of trucks run 24-7 between the salt lake refinery and the basin each week. If you would like any further information please feel free to contact me personally. Thank you TysonTyson Stewart · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/15/2020)CommentEI-30944Nielson Construction & MaterialsI wanted to add my full support to moving forward with this project and the preferred route. I am a business owner that operates in the basin as well as in Carbon/Emery/Grand counties. I think the project will provide jobs and other potential industry to the basin area. All environmental concerns that were brought up have been mitigated and addressed in the interest of all. There will always be challenges to overcome but doing nothing is not an option I support. I am happy to discuss more or provide more input if needed.John Nielson · Huntington, UT
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(printed as 12/15/2020)CommentEI-30842Harold MarshallVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/15/2020)CommentEI-30681Steve HatzidakisI am a retired Law Enforcement Officer that worked in the Uintah Basin for the bulk of my career. This railway would help the Basin as well as surrounding areas. More of the oil could be shipped easier and quicker as well as other items. The basin's economy has always been up and down down....boom or bust. This would help stabilize the Basin's economy in a way that has never been attempted. It would be greatly appreciated if this railway were completed and help the Basin as well as other areas.Mesquite, NV
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(printed as 12/15/2020)CommentEI-30574Alfred ElisonI am in support of the Uintah Basin Railway. The economic growth that the Uintah Basin and surrounding areas will receive will be well worth the costs involved in constructing the rail spur. The Uintah Basin is quite isolated from other areas, with zero interstate freeways, and only US40 AND US191 Highways entering and exiting the basin. I trust that all environmental regulations will be closely followed when the planning and construction of the railway is underway and completed. The Uintah Basin will be able to see new growth and prosperity with the access to the national railway through the construction of this railway spur. The area is in such need of this railway at the present time. Thank you. Alfred ElisonRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/14/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/14/2020)CommentEI-30987Eileen PotterDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/14/2020)CommentEI-30867Torr McCurdyI believe that the economic impact to the Uintah is critical. It will make are roads safer!! Also bring more jobs to our area. It also will bring shipping rates to the Uintah Basin. Which may put our economy on an even playing field.Thank you. Torr McCurdyVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/13/2020)CommentEI-31012Leah RichardsonI do not support the Uinta Basin Railway. Please consider the effect this will have on air pollution in the Uinta Basin. I already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development in the region, and this project would make it worse. Also, the proposed route of the Uinta Basin Railway traverses roadless areas, steep canyons, and rugged terrain. Over 10,000 acres of big game habitat will be affected by the railroad. Some of this area has been designated as crucial big game habitat by the U.S. Forest Service. The route also impacts the 1600 acres of Greater sage grouse habitat, and areas inhabited by the endangered Barnaby ridge-cress.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/12/2020)CommentEI-30659Steven HansenI’d like to give my comment in support to the Unitah Basin Railway project. I live and work in Roosevelt City, in Duchesne county, Utah. I think the idea of railway access to our communities will greatly help the local economy. I even think that the environment will be positively impacted by the railway because it will optimize transportation resources necessary to move goods and materials into and out of the Uintah Basin. Please note my support for this project to improve our transportation infrastructure. Thank you -Steven HansenRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/11/2020)CommentEI-31112Bruce TimothyAs a business in Roosevelt I feel very strongly that a railway connecting the Uintah Basin to the rest of the nation would be very beneficial. I have lived here for nearly 70 years and transportation for freight has always been an issue for doing business here. For any manufacturing of anything many materials have to be freighted to the basin then freighted out. With rail freight available the development of our natural resources and other industries could be increased and the economic results would be a great benefit for the area and the whole state as well. I greatly support the building of a railway to the Uintah Basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/11/2020)CommentM. Scott Newbold · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/11/2020)CommentEI-30843Uintah Basin Medical CenterJim Marshall · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-31113Clark TimothyAs a resident of the Basin, and a taxpayer, I wholeheartedly disagree with bringing this railway here. The tax money spent on the study alone is absurd. Also, I like our rural way of life. If you want to live in a metropolis where there is railway, then by all means, please move there. There is also no indication that private companies will waste their money towards over a $1 BILLION spend to get it here. If there are, why are they not listed? Are you in partnership with them? Which companies are they? How much are they willing to commit to this venture (fiasco)? The waste of spending so much $$ for such a great unknown is a complete travesty. Taxation is theft. Please don't use this thievery towards this project.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-31070Keldon SorensenI believe the railway will be a good economic boost for our community.Altamont, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-30921Clint MortonAs a local resident, I am in full support of the railway coming in. I look forward to the benefit and impact it will have on our local economy.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-30911Dusty MonksI am in favor of adding a rail system to our area. Currently, the options for transporting goods in and out of the basin is cost-prohibitive in being able to competitive with other areas in Utah. We need a more cost-effective way to move the good already produced here and to provide economic growth opportunities.Myton, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-30888Dee MilesI am writing in support of the Uintah Basin Railway project. I own land in the indian canyon area and do not feel it will be a hindrance to my use of the property nor a detraction from the beauty of the mountains. I'd love to see a railroad there. There's already new roads and old roads and the railroad would clean up the looks from past use of that area. The railroad would not only bring new jobs but also protect the viability of existing jobs and industries. It would also provide opportunities for expansion and diversification of industries in the Basin which are both badly needed. Again, I wholly support the project and urge approval to proceed.Dee Miles 360 N 3200 W, Roosevelt, UT 84066 435.823.1742Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-30424Jason BlankenagelI live and work in the Uintah Basin with my family. We are in support of the railway because of the increase to our quality of life that the rail would bring. Our community is isolated from the rest of the state and this infrastructure would provide an essential connection for our economy. This would also reduce hazardous truck traffic on our major highways. Please approve this as benefit for the community most affected by it.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentEI-30389B&B Roustabout, Inc.I own a oilfield company in vernal and I’m for the railway anything to help the basin economy.Justin Birchell · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/10/2020)CommentDarrell Fordham · Lehi, UT
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served (printed as 12/9/2020)DecisionEXTENDED THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT UNTIL JANUARY 28, 2021.
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(printed as 12/9/2020)Letter301349LetterSurface Transportation Board
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-31940UDOTLiz Robinson · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-31898Living RiversSarah Stock · Moab, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-31182Will WrightUintah County, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-31072Dennis SpackmanI am in favor of the railroad. I have lived in Vernal since since 1975. I have supported a railway since I arrived. I think it will help our area economically. It will help with traffic on our roads and make traveling safer. It will reduce road repair. The routes have been well researched. It is way past time that we construct this railway. I see no negative aspects that can not be solved. I grew up near a railroad and I enjoyed hearing them and seeing them. And I would love being a passenger, although that probably isn’t possible.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30961Luxury HomesI have studied the facts about the proposed railway. I would like to ask that this project be considered for the survival of the Uintah Basin. The increase in oil production products would be a big boost to our local economy. But even more the capabilities of shipping and receiving products other than oil into the area would open doors for our local economy to diversify and attract other businesses. I sell manufactured homes the factories I presently work with are stretched to the limit presently deliveries of homes used to be a 3 month process we are now seeing lead times of 6 to 8 months for a home. I know the factories are considering new manufacturing facilities closer to their customer bases and help pick up the back log of homes. The limiting factor to consider an area like Uintah Basin for such a factory is getting lumber, sheet rock and appliances shipped to a factory location. We have a great work force for just such a factory. The jobs in these factories are carrier employment with great pay and opportunities to grow. I would like to see this project approved for the future of our local economy. Thank you for allowing us a voice to weigh in on such a crucial project for our area.Steve Palmer · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30887Marlin MichaelsonJoshua, Getting a railway will be a great benefit to our communities here in the Uintah Basin not only through the added benefit of exporting materials out of our area but also being able to receive more items. This will most definitely help our environment by reducing the amount of semis on the road and thus improving our air quality. I would also expect we would see a decline in the amount of auto fatalities as many of these accidents involve semis. I fully support this proposal and am excited for the new opportunities it will bring. Sincerely, Marlin MichaelsonNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30883Stephanie MerrellI support the railroad. I also look forward to the progression in the Basin.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30878Kim MechamI would like the railroad to come the the Basin. It would be beneficial for my family and also the economy in the Basin as a whole.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30877Ben MechamTo Whom it may Concern, I have lived in the Uintah Basin my entire life and so has my dad, all of my siblings are also still here. We all have spent a lot of our lives traveling out of town for work, just so we can live where we want to live and raise or families. Bringing rail into the basin could provide us some opportunities to make a living close to home and continue to raise our families here I am 110% for it!!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30866Torr McCurdyI believe that the economic impact to the Uintah is critical. It will make are roads safer!! Also bring more jobs to our area. It also will bring shipping rates to the Uintah Basin. Which may put our economy on an even playing field. Thank you. Torr McCurdyVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30833Jeremy MackayThis rail project is absolute vital to the survival of these countries. Especially Uintah Basin and Duchesne county. And is wanted by nearly everyone that will be effected by this project. Please ho through with the creation of the railwayVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30792Roosevelt Vision ClinicI believe this rail project is vitally important to our community in bringing some stability to our community and new job opportunities. Being a business owner and seeing how our community struggles or thrives on oil I believe the rail would not only bring some stability but would help our farmers also. I have seen a lot good families move in and then out of our community from changes in jobs related to oil field. From a local business owner this would improve our community.Jason Kowallis · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30791Cade KowallisI want to put in my support for the Uinta Basin Railway. I was born and raised in the uinta basin and operate a business in Roosevelt. In talking with other around the community I have not meet anyone that does not see the need for this project. It will provide significant ability to stabilize and diversify our economy. We have always suffered the ups and downs that come with the oil industry. By having a railway it would not only help stabilize our oil industry but provide ways to have additional industry in our area. Many of the comments that I read that oppose this project site environmental issues. I have to disagree with them as the railway would provide a safer way to transport our oil out of the region taking long haul crude trucks off of highway 40 along with the emissions that they create. I am excited for the prospect of this project and fully support the opportunities that it provides for this great community and great area of the state of utah.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30772Shawn KeelI think that the railway would be a good thing for the basin as far as getting the oil out of the basin . but what are they going to do with the oil they talk about taking the oil to S.L.C. but they will only take so much so just wondering how much will it help the basin ? I do think it will be a good thing if it will put the oil field back to work..Bluebell, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30742Jared JacksonOur rural community really suffers from economic fluctuations and I believe the railway will help stabilize our economy, including providing stable jobs for people.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30723Brett HuberI am in favor of the Uintah Basin Railway project. It is vitally needed to sustain the viability of Northeastern Utah's mineral deposits, and open up many more economic options to further diversify the economic base of the area. It will also provide for overall safer vehicle travel to and from the basin. For the area that we love to continue to evolve and play a roll in the global economy, this rail connection is absolutely necessary.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30684Kelly HeatonIt would be nice to add passenger rail to this to bring in tourism. We could also use it to travel. I know it will never happen but would be a good thing.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30624Wayne GingellThis project is long over due. This will benefit all businesses of all in the Uintah Basin.Trindell, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30622Jessica GildeaPlease do NOT harm the environment. Humans have done enough. I'm sick of it. Leave it alone and stop exploiting mother nature for financial gain. We need the Earth, seh does not need us. Males have [redacted] everything up. Stop it already!!Bozeman, MT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30540William DeppeThe railway will not only benefit the oilfield. It will benefit American Gilsonite, El Tiburion, Simplot, and agriculture. Railways run both ways so it will help get products to the Basin. I'm all for it.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentRichard Coffin · Denver, CO
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30504Randy ClowerThis railroad will be an amazing long term asset to the Basin with mote opportunities to import/export more than just oil. I love this idea and support it 100 percent and so does every single person i know here. It's not right that a few land owners and farmers always get to shut any progress down. These are the same people every single time and they do not represent the majority of the Uintah Basin's view on this. Im 42 years old and have lived here the majority of my life since the early 1980's Thank you, Sincerely Randy ClowerVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30495Ruth Ann ChivingtonI am in the oil and gas industry and I think the railroad would really benefit our community. I think we should all come together with this project!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30483Cedar Bear NaturalesAs President of Cedar Bear Naturales, I am excited about the proposition of adding a railway to the Uintah Basin. Each time talk about the railway surfaces there is also accompany talk about other companies that would follow its completion. If this does happen, it will only further diversify the local economies. Cedar Bear Naturales manufactures liquid dietary supplements and the addition of a local railway has to potential to decrease our shipping cost and timeframe to our clients who live throughout the United States. The railway also has the potential of allowing us to be better connected to our suppliers. As a business, we are excited about this prospect and look forward to the progress which will be made in the coming months and years. I do, however, have one question. The Current proposal ends the line at Leland Bench which is further away from the existing highway and other infrastructure. Would it not be more prudent to bring the rail line closer to Hwy 40 at the point of Halfway Hollow, the endpoint that was proposed in 2018? The advantage also is that it puts the end of the line closer to where future business could grow.Kevin Remington · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEI-30425Duane BoggsAs a former resident of Roosevelt, Utah and a driver that hauled crude oil for many years between the Uintah Basin and the Wasatch Front, I believe this railroad will be a benefit to the Basin and the environment. It will also increase the number of jobs available to the trucking community, as they will haul to the railhead instead of the long single loads to SLC. It will reduce the risk of environmental impacts in various places along Hwy. 40 and reduce traffic as well. I strongly encourage the railroad be built.Granite, OK
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentEO-3653Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray
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(printed as 12/9/2020)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-31928Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray · Millcreek, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-31219E&B Oilfield Services Inc.There is no question this rail would spur the economy in the basin into overdrive. It would bring a huge number of jobs not just by the construction but also having the businesses in the area able to utilize the benefits of a rail. Some jobs would of course eventually be dissolved. But nowhere near to vast amount of jobs that would be created by the rail. I am 100% for this project.Danny Abegglen · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-31191Mike ZamantakisIt will reduce semi traffic on US 40 and Indian Canyon. There has been a lot of wrecks involving semi tankers on both highways. As a former fire chief for Helper Fire Dept., we responded to some tanker wrecks in Indian Canyon, some of them were fatalities involved. It will also create a lot of jobs in Carbon County that is hurting now for employment opportunities. Jobs will be created during construction and afterwards. The highways in both US 40 and Indian Canyon will also see less wear because of the reduced weight of tanker trucks. This a win, win opportunity.Helper, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-31190George ZamantakisThe Uintah Basin Railway is needed for many reasons but will assist with creating jobs to help the local economies. The railroad will also provide a needed transportation for crude oil, agricultural products and industrial materials. Currently, all of these items are being transported by semi's which creates traffic issues with all the long haul loads being done. By creating the railway, we will also help to ensure the roads are safer for the general public by reducing the amount of long haul semi loads daily. I am in full support of this railway and I hope that those considering this see the huge benefits that it will provide to the local economies, roadways, industry, etc.Helper, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-31168Jon WilsonRe: Uinta Basin Railway, Docket No. FD 36284 Dear Mr. Wayland, I am writing in support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway that will provide important and needed transportation infrastructure to the entire region of the Uinta Basin in the state of Utah. I have lived here collectively for nearly 30 years and my wife and I have operated two local businesses in the town of Roosevelt over the last 20 years. Both of our businesses serve the public (an eye care clinic and a fine arts center), so we have daily opportunities to visit and talk about community issues with the public. The overwhelming majority of people here are excited about the Uinta Basin Railway for the following reasons: 1. Increased capacity to transport resources and goods out of the area (oil/gas/agriculture) 2. Increased job opportunities for local residents 3. Increased opportunities for a stronger and more diversified economy 4. Increased opportunities to bring goods into the area as the railway expands the economy 5. Increased highway safety over US Highway 40 due to a decrease in longer haul trucks Thank you for your consideration in this much needed transportation project that will serve a substantial region of our state and tens of thousands of hard working people. I sincerely appreciate your time and efforts regarding the Uinta Basin Railway. Best Regards, Dr. Jon P. Wilson Roosevelt, Utah (435) 725-0120 wilsonjp@pacificu.eduRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-31076Shelby St ThayneAltonah, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-30787Casey KoonTo Whom it may concern, I am writing in regards to Docket Number FD 36284 – Uinta Basin Railway. I can say that we and the community are in support 110% of this project. Our community can be positively impacted by this addition which could bring 100’s to 1000’s of jobs to a struggling oil field and Covid impacted community. Everyone I talk to in our area is counting on this railroad to help support this community. It is also a great opportunity for our area and our state to see additional work and revenue. I think it connects Eastern Utah with so many other areas and allows connection to additional commodities that normally would not be available. It also reduces cost of transportation to the area as well as reduces truck traffic on many roads. This could be cost savings in lives lost on many county, state and federal highways. No matter how I look at it, it will more positively affect the area and the state then it will negatively affect anything. This is something that has been discussed for many years. It has gone through great review, discussion, planning, and engineering. It is time that this project take off and get underway. Thank you for your time. Casey KoonMyton, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-30591Glenn FarrerRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/8/2020)CommentEI-30461Roger BurtonI hope this is the correct email to comment on the proposed railway. My name is Roger Burton and I have lived in the Uintah Basin my entire life. I have seen the oil industry boom and bust. I think the Uintah Basin Railway will help bring stability to the area. I give my full support, as a citizen of the Uintah Basin. Thank you, Roger Burton 203 West 975 South Roosevelt, UT 84066 435-828-0102Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)Letter301343LetterHonorable Brad Wilson
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(printed as 12/7/2020)Letter301342LetterHonorable Gary R. Herbert, Honorable Spencer J. Cox, Honorable J. Stuart Adams, Honorable Brad Wilson
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(printed as 12/7/2020)Letter301339LetterHonorable J. Stuart Adams
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-31114Craig TimothyI am excited to have a railroad in the Uintah Basin. I feel that this will help improve a struggling economy by offering an opportunity for diversity. It also provides a better mode of exporting our number one product which is oil and gas to other areas of the country that is cost prohibitive currently. I fully support the railroad both as a business owner and individually. Craig TimtohyRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-31108Louise ThompsonFor the Uintah Basin to have the opportunity to stabilize and diversify our economy is so important. A stable community and opportunity available to grow is the upmost importance for the success of a community. The inability to prosper kills communities. Fossil fuels being one of the only industry in our area limits the stability where fossil fuel is so unstable of a commodity. Having another means of transportation would be a game changer, providing opportunity for other industry and manufacturing to stabilize the Unitah Basin. The Railroad will also stabilize or fossil fuel industry with it providing availability to other markets. A stable market and economy brings more taxable revenue which then in turn helps the State's and the US economy. In my point of view this out weighs the minimal negative impacts. Without tax dollars public lands can not be maintained, without other means of transport roads would need to be expanded. Relaying on roads for transport increases the likelihood of more accidents that can cause large environmental impacts, unlike the minimal probability of accidents happening with the Railroad. I, being a resident of the Uintah Basin, am very much for the opportunity of having a Railroad.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30937High Country Pizza & DeliTo whom it may concern: I am a small business owner in Roosevelt. My wife and I Own and operate High Country Pizza & Deli. We moved to Roosevelt and opened our restaurant in Sept. of 2018. Until that time we did not know much about the possible railway coming to the Basin. As we began to meet people around the area and hired local high school kids to work at the restaurant, we realized what kind of impact the railway would have on this community. Most of my employees have either parents or other family members in the gas and oil industry. I learned real quick how dependent this community is on the oil and gas industry. Wanting to learn more I sat in on a economic development meeting my first year here in the basin. At that meeting I met numerous other business owners throughout the community and they all have one goal in common, and that is the survival of our community. A railroad would not only help the oil and gas industry, but would help in the development and progress of bringing other industry to the Basin as well. Our community would not be completely dependent on oil. The Basin has so much more to offer. We have amazing people, a proud Ute Indian tribe, outstanding scenery and recreation and available land for future Industry. I do hope that all parties that are involved in the process of bringing the railroad to our community will look at all aspects of this project and see how much the railway would truly benefit this great community. Sincerely, Russ Newsome Owner High Country Pizza & DeliRuss Newsome · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30915Kebbie MontgomeryOk I would love ?? for the Rail road to come to the uintah basin it would bring so much opportunities to people and maybe even have company’s move here like things in the manufacturing industry’s there’s so much potential here please pleaseVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30851Kris MaylettI really appreciate all of the work for our rail road! We really need this to stabilize our economy in the basin!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30737Cody IvieI am excited for the prospect of the railway in the Basin. I am very involved in the local business community and I see a great opportunity for sustainable growth. I see opportunity not only for our oil industry but also for agriculture and manufacturing. A railway opens the door for Basin products to a global market. I am for the railway and the added opportunity and stability that it will bring to those willing to take advantage of it.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30671Michael HarringtonTo whom it may concern: I am a longtime resident of Vernal, Utah. I benefit from the presence of the local mineral extraction industry, both personally and professionally. With that in mind, and in support of the many locals who absolutely rely on the industry, I wholeheartedly support the Uinta Basin Railroad project. I have closely monitored the progress of the project, and I have attended nearly all local meetings on the subject. I understand that there are going to be environmental impacts associated with this kind of project, but they are slight and pale in comparison to the huge economic benefit both locally and statewide. Respectfully, -- Michael D. HarringtonVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30648Kathy HadlockRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30620Harold GibsonRef: FD36284 Joshua I have lived in the Uintah Basin sense 2002. The mainstay industry for the basin has been the Oil Industry. I have been able to watch the Oil industry have both ups and downs. I feel that the railroad would bring many additional opportunities for industry to become a player in the basin. One thing that you see on a yearly basis is the constant repair of the highway from the basin to the Wasatch Front. With the advent of the railroad, the constant running of large tankers trucks would be cut down, not eliminated but cut down. The rail system would give the basin an opportunity to invite other business to come to the basin. As of now, to have new business establish in the basin, we have a logistic problem. I feel the railroad would open the basin to have the new business. Thank you for the opportunity to respond. Regards Harold GibsonNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/7/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/7/2020)CommentEI-30348Becca AlexanderMy family supports the railroad! We think it will boost the economy and will bring many wonderful new things to our city. Thank you.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/6/2020)CommentEI-31148Ruth WattersonIn support of the railway, is a needed transportation option to support oil and gas industryDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/6/2020)CommentEI-31068Tony SmithDear Mr. Wayland, I’m writing to you in hopes to add my voice to the positive voices I favor of the railroad. I’m an owner of oil rigs in the area and a member of the Duchesne county school board. I’m an advocate for bringing as much opportunity to the Uintah Basin as is possible. We here have endured 6-7 years of low oil prices and in turn many businesses have faltered and have been forced to close their doors. One of those people was my younger brother who had to close his doors due to some very difficult times Having a railroad here would open our small market to not only the wasatch front but also to the gulf coast. So in closing please bring us the railroad or things here may never change Sincerely Tony Smith Roosevelt UtahNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/6/2020)CommentEI-31018Cameron RobinsonI believe the railway will bring up the economy in the basin, and enhance the stability of the work that takes place in the basin, with low environmental impact.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/6/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/6/2020)CommentEI-30917Mary MoranThe proposed railway’s purpose is to transport Uinta Basin oil and gas to distant markets, and thus increase oil and gas production in the basin. There are two fundamental problems with those goals. 1) Oil and gas production needs to taper off and stop, soon, not increase, in order to reverse the current climate change effects. These effects include exponential growth of hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, and whatever else is next in store for us. 2) Air quality in the Uinta Basin is some of the worst in the nation. Increasing oil and gas production in the basin will increase respiratory heath issues, and farther decrease quality of life for residents of the basin and beyond. Further, the route of the railroad will impact hydrology of Indian Canyon Creek, if this preferred route is chosen. Even if another potential route is chosen, the proposed connection point to the existing railroad is adjacent to wetlands near Price. It seems very unwise to propose any further impacts to our natural hydrologic systems in view of our current likely preview of our climate future. The Colorado River is currently running at lower than the tenth percentile for this early December date; the Green River is only slightly higher. Rainfall has been almost non-existent since March 2020, except for a couple of downpours. This may be our new normal. We need our intact and rare wetlands and streams. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.Moab, UT
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(printed as 12/6/2020)CommentEI-30577Kendra EmbletonPublic comment was requested for the proposed railroad connecting the Uintah basin to major rail lines. I am against this proposal. I am frustrated that large amounts of public money have been spent to subsidize large companies. These businesses claim the railroad will bring commerce to the Basin. Yet, no evidence of increased commerce has been presented. People say, look how railroads have helped communities. They say it will bring us into the future. These comments are baffling to me. The railroad communities in Utah are certainly not thriving. And, since this is the third or fourth time a railroad has been proposed for the Basin (and failed each previous time) in the last 100 years, I certainly don’t see how this would bring our community into the future. I am pro commerce and building the strength of the economy in the Basin, but no evidence has yet been shown that this project will do that. If there are studies showing benefits, please publish those. From what I’ve seen so far, this project looks like the spending of massive amounts of public funds to line the pockets of a few businesses (that frankly should be able to fund the railroad themselves if it is truly that good of a business plan). Sincerely, Kendra Embleton RooseveltRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/6/2020)CommentEI-30409Kelly BehrmanI have been a proud Uintah Basin citizen for 30 years. I have seen the up’s & downs in the Basin. I support the unita basin railway! I believe any environmental issues are far out weighed by the economic growth this endeavor will bring. The stabilization of the Basin economy it whats needed. Not only the growth in the oil industry, but also the simulation of the Gilsonite, agricultural, phosphate, new industrial & commercial opportunities. !!!! We Must Support the Railway !!!!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-31083Casey StevensonWe need this railroad to keep this Basin alive and prospering! Thank you Casey Stevenson Stevenson Well Service Inc.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-31036Brad RowserJoshua, I am in favor of the rail into the Uintah Basin. With our local refineries so often running at capacity, it is needed to create a more economical market for our product. I work for Ovintiv and today we have many wells shut in due to refineries being unable to take it. This causes our executive team to look elsewhere to invest capital. Additionally, I believe there are countless benefits to the other local industries as well. Brad Rowser Superintendent, NDSI t 435 646 4870 c 435 503 5360 Ovintiv Services Inc.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-31030Cami RoseTo whom it may concern, My family and I are very much FOR bringing the railroad to the Uintah Basin. Our economy desperately needs more opportunity here . Thank you, Cami RoseNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30875Steven McKeeTridell, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30837Johnetta MageeOur area needs more than oil and gas to sustain our community for the future growthVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30794Weldon ConstructionI think it would be a good idea to have a railroad in the Uinta basin. It would help economically to strengthen this area.John Krizan · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30726Jake HuberI am in full support of getting this railway into the uinta basin, as is the majority of the community. Please dont let outside voices dictate the future of our community.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30680Zach HatchAs someone who was born, raised, and still living in the basin, I am for this rail way. All our communities are driven by oil, and this rail way would only solidify our jobs, our securities, our families and our lives. Especially if cheater Biden is actually going to be our president, we are going to need all the help we can get! If we could export oil out of the basin to somewhere other than salt lake, you would see alot more jobs. A huge factor in how much oil comes out of the basin is the refinery capacity in salt lake. They are constantly maxed out, limiting the oil that can be produced here. And I really dont think that anyone who has an opinion on the rail way that doesnt live here should matter. The people who are going to thrive or suffer are the people living here.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30668Wendy HargisI would like to express my opinion on the railway coming to the basin, we desperately need it! We need a way for things to get to the basin since we have no major roads out here! It would create jobs that are needed and would just be an all around good thing. Thank you for taking the time to read this email. Regards Wendy Hargis hargiswendy@yahoo.comNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/5/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/5/2020)CommentEI-30480BobbiJo CasperHi Joshua, I am in full support of the railroad going through Duchense County. I feel that this is what is essential to our economy for agriculture and our oil and gas industry. By having a railroad, product can be transported to other areas of our country that cannot be transported otherwise. This railroad will create much needed jobs and support our local struggling businesses. Thank you for allowing me to comment. Best regards, BobbiJo CasperDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31189Troy YoungI’m in favor of the railroad here. I’m looking forward to the opportunity it will bring to the basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31186Spyco Oilfield Services, LLCI support the Uinta Basin Railway and all the benefits it will bring not only in energy production but commercial and agriculture.Paul Yoder · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31183Richard YagerThe proposed Uintah Basin railway is a project with speculative benefits, and real and permanent environmental costs. Moreover, the fact that nearly $30 million of public funds have been spent on this proposal thus far, without any matching private investment, warrants skepticism of the projected benefits. This continuing public subsidy of the fossil fuel industry, which is already subsidized by the minimal royalty rates paid for oil extraction from federal land, is counter to the direction that our country should be heading to ameliorate the demonstrated effects of human emissions of greenhouse gases on global warming. If the Uintah Basin is to be connected to the interstate rail network, the less costly and minimal impact alternative would be eastward through Craig, Colorado, in the direction of the ultimate destination for crude oil on the Gulf Coast. The misuse of Community Impact Board funds for this project in Utah, along with the over $50 million of public funds similarly earmarked for an export terminal in Oakland California, is troubling.These funds were designated to alleviate the impacts of oil and gas extraction in Utah, not to subsidize the further expansion of the fossil fuel industry. These moneys would be much better spent on forward looking projects that expand next generation, renewable energy sources, or diversify the local economy in the Uintah Basin. These significant expenditures would be better used to develop the solar industry and create new jobs, or to expand the non-motorized trail network to encourage more visitors to this area.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31179Dustin WoodI am a citizen of Roosevelt city in Duchesne county and I am very much in favor of the railway being built. And I do not think our economy in the uintah basin should be dictated my non residents who live on the wasatch front. We are very capable of taking care of our environment and public lands out here and building and sustaining our economy and giving it stability. This railway will help reduce wear and tear on our highways and offer jobs beyond just working in the oil and gas industry. BUILD THE RAIL!!!!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31159Weldon ConstructionI am in favor of this railroad as it will only enhance our local economy and provide good steady jobs and opportunities for existing businesses.Mike Weldon · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31105Brady ThompsonA railway to the Uintah Basin would be very beneficial to our community. Please approve so that we may grow our community. -- Basin Flood & FireVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31102This is our life plus 5I am a resident of Duchesne county. I am emailing you to Inform you that I am FOR the railroad! Let it come and help out struggling economy.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31078Weldon ConstructionI am all for the railroad, I think it would be a great thing of the economy of the Uinta basin. I have lived in Vernal for the last nine years and this is where I plan on retiring. I want to see this railroad built.Kelvin Stanley · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31050Brandon ScholesDue to the economic state of the uintah basin. The railway is going to be a huge positive impact to all of the communities. The people here need the railway to stabilize the economy. The people here who are against the railway coming have no idea the positive impact the railway will have. If anything else we need the rail here to continue to live here. Let’s get it here ASAP. Thanks, Brandon Scholes Gary’s insulation 435-823-6643Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31033Gerald RossShort and sweet, I'am for the railway. I’m local, oilfield worker and small business own. There is a lot of opposition against us bettering our economy out here in the basin by those that do not live here, shop here, work here or have anything to do with us here. They want us to continue to travel great distances and line their picket with our money. This project will be great for OUR community. Those in the city that oppose it need to worry about their own back yards before trying to dictate how we cultivate OURS. Thanks Gerald RossRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31006Casey ReevesWe need this! The economy here has been so up and down. Feast or famine. This community is a great place with good people. Not only will it help with our oil and gas industry it will encourage other industry to come.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-31002Cambria RedmondDenver, CO
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30965Chetan PatelI am writing to support the proposed initiative to promote economic development and job creation in the Uintah basin. I am in favor of this project. The project as proposed has done a good job of addressing environmental concerns and minimizing environmental, while also meeting the development needs of the population of the Uintah basin. The use of Whitmore Park as the preferred recommendation, rather than the alternatives is highly preferable. Whitmore Park reduces the impact compared to the other alternatives, thereby protecting water resources and the sage grouse population. Please approve the project as recommended.Sincerely, Chetan PatelNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30962Edward ParkerI am very much a proponent of the construction of this railway. It appears that the environmental impacts caused by this have been addressed in a very reasonable way. Further, I feel that the impacts that the extraction industries have on the roadways in the area must be offset, and rail is the best way to do that. The Uintah Basin has a high quality of life and, in order to preserve it, it is imperative that a more effective and efficient transportation system be created.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30952Braden OlsenI believe that the rail road would be a great asset to our community adding jobs and better and stable income to this dying economy. In the past 5 years of work I have been laid off 7 times due to the economy and prices of oil. Please keep in mind the long run of this rail road coming thru little towns and what it could bring to the community. Thanks youVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30926Janece MurrayI am fully in support of the railroad coming to the Uintah Basin. The railroad would serve to provide stability to our region, jobs to our residents, and help lesson the highs and lows associated with our oil field industry.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30925Vernal City CouncilWe are excited about the opportunity of rail coming to our area. This has the potential to open new and diverse economic options for us, which we severely lack right now. Thank you to anyone who is involved in assisting this project to move forward.Ted Munford · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30886Jed MeyerThis railway is something the basin has needed for a very long time not just to get our oil to market but also to get all our goods in and it could really help bring different industries to the basinBallard, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30880RaeAnn MechamI am writing to show my support and approval of the railroad project here in the basin. Thank youNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30869Tim McDonaldThis rail line is needed to put some stability in this area. As far as the air quality goes that is blown in from the Wasatch front.This rail road would bring in some new businesses that would give the locals who have a lot of pride in their work to build things for the people in the city's. Who knows maybe even a Amazon distribution center ?Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30820Casey LongI support the Uinta Basin Railway project. This project, on it's completion, will provide new and diverse economic opportunities to the Uintah Basin.Naples, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30749Jensen Ranches LLCThis project will greatly impact our private property and ranching operation. Although we are not excited to see a railroad through the property we spent a lifetime working for, we understand the potential for economy and jobs. If this project is finalized we asked to be closely involved with engineers on final design to minimize impacts to precious streams, grazing, and access.LD Jensen · Cleveland, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30741Andrew JacksonThe economy here is stagnant. There are viable routes. I have heard the comment that this is one of the largest population centers without Rail Service. Frankly we need it. A safer way to transport oil, mitigating the risks of spills, while making the highway safer for the general public. We need a way to lower the cost of heavy freight in general. THANK YOU!Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30738Liz IvieTo whom it may concern: My husband and I live in Bridgeland, Ut about 5 miles east of Duchesne. I have lived her for 19 years and my husband for 41 year. We are looking forward to the railway connecting the Uintah basin to the main railway. We own two businesses and a farm and are looking forward to economic impact that this railway will bring. Let me know if you would like more insight from either of us.Liz IvieDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30700Melody HillegeistHello Joshua, I am voicing my opinion about the railroad in the Uintah Basin. I am 100% for it. I’ve lived here for 40+ years. I have seen the boom and bust of the oilfield over and over. I think that the railroad would not only stabilize the oilfield directly but also the entire community here. We’re a great crowd of people who struggle to make ends meet like everyone else. If this is something that would bring a baseline then we wouldn’t have the boom and bust economy. I want to say one more thing. The people who are against the railroad do they live here? I know everyone gets to have an opinion but they need to feel the boom and bust. Not only that but the great community spirit here that rides it out every single time. We find a way to make it work. If your not from here then you just move off. My kids are here, my work is here, my life is here. Melody Hillegeist Office Manager 10169 Pariette Road Myton, Utah 84052 O: 435-709-3400 D: 435-709-3405Myton, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30697Weldon ConstructionI live in Grand Junction Colorado but have worked for Weldon Construction and in the units Basin for 12 years. The railroad will have a big impact on my living and I would really like to see it built.Alfonso Herrera · Grand Junction, CO
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30685Trisha HedinTo Whom it May Concern, I am writing in regards to the Uinta Basin Railway and it's possible impacts on, specifically wildlife and wildlife habitat. It should be stated that this railway would be another component on the US government subsidizing the hydrocarbon industry. Unfortunately, this industry is one, that with climate change, is dying....or should be. We are seeing the devastating effects that carbon emissions is having on our environment, economy and societal health. The US must begin to move away from fossil fuels and fossil fuel extraction and embrace alternative forms of energy. In that, it is of archaic thinking to be investing monies into a railway that is backing a dying industry.This railway will move some of the more remote reaches our of state which holds an abundance of big game. In the building of this railway that would run near an existing highway, we would be disturbing vital habitat and wildlife that is a component of our state's natural resources. Wildlife and wildlife habitat do not only provide resource s for nonconsumptive purposes (aesthetics and recreation), but also for consumption and provide for our UDWR. I hope that you will seriously consider rejecting this proposal. It is not a wise use of our public lands and public land resources.Thank you. Trisha Hedin Concerned CitizenMoab, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30679Zack HatchI think the railroad would be a great for the basin it would bring jobs and money into our community.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30662Greg HardyTo whom it may concern, I fully support and endorse any and all efforts to increase economic opportunities in the Uintah Basin. Growth means family stability and opportunities to live and stay here. Expanded transportation in the area is greatly desired to this end. Respectfully, Greg HardyVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30654Steven HamblinThis rail line is very important to the Basin. With it the area has a chance to chance to grow. Without it we limited and at a disadvantage in getting products freighted to market. We have great oil but need to get it where it can be used. We have Ag products that would benefit from cheaper transportation costs. I am very much in favor of the railway.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30590Kenneth FarrerI am in support of the railway. as it will bring new jobs and more opportunity for growth in the area. It will also cut down on haul traffic on main roadways in the areas around the railway. Which in turn will cut back on big truck pollution in the form of hydrocarbons, roadway spills, and equipment lost off of vehicles. It will bring property values up where hubs are set up due to cheaper delivery of goods and better building materials and lower prices on goods delivered as well.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30585Morgan FabrizioHello, I would just like to write a letter in my support of the Uintah Basin Railroad. As a business owner and parent I’m honestly baffled to hear that anyone would be against this project! The instability of our economy here is troubling as we try to navigate our finances and see a possible future for our families here in Duchesne. Having this railway would create that stability that we all so desperately need! Not only would it help every single business and family feel stable, it would actually help us PROSPER! We have the product here, we just have limited, expensive and dangerous transportation to get that product to where it needs to go. I know that crude oil truckers are worried about losing their work. I look at it as there will be a lot more production still needing to get to the railroads, plus the need for more water trucks and other positions to keep up with production. I see it is a positive trade off. We cannot hurt our whole community because it could require a few companies to adapt. Please move forward with this project! Our future in the Basin depends on it! Thank you, Morgan Fabrizio CF Diesel LLC Duchesne, UTDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30583Stephanie EspinozaThe uintah basin needs this! It will sustain our community & give us more opportunities.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30575Carolyn EllingfordDocket No. FD 36284 I am in support for the RR in our Uintah Basin. This will create jobs and open opportunities beyond measure. Our economy is stagnant! How can we not embrace the positive effects this will have on everyone? Thanks for the opportunity to voice my support. Best, Carolyn EllingfordGrand Junction, CO
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30568Daryl DuncanI work and have lived in the uintah basin most of my life I’m 51. I have seen the ups and downs of the oil field and the impact it has on the community. Bringing the Railroad to the Uinta Basin would curb this impact it will not eliminate it but help diversify other trades and businesses. I also lived in Salt Lake City for 19 years the ups and downs were not as impactful to the communities. Those that oppose this railway are citizens outside of the Uinta Basin and do not feel the economic impacts this community does in low times. Those individuals just want their vacation home sites preserved while holding back other individuals to please themselves. The Uinta Basin needs the railroad.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30534Brady DavisBringing the railroad to Vernal would help improve a lot of residents lives. It would grow our economy and provide more jobs for people in the Uintah Basin. Also be more cost effective for oil and gas companies to ship product. Overall bringing the railroad to the uintah basin would effect a lot of peoples lives in a great way.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30517James CostelloI am a proponent to the railway. I also think that choosing the the most cost effective and most ecological route should be chosen. Progress needs to be made.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30438Bo BradyThe Uintah Basin is landlocked by no Interstate & no Railway access. This puts our residents at a disadvantage in higher prices for food, fuel, materials, and causes a hindrance on attracting manufacturers, farmers, and other industries. We should have the greatest say so in how we as a community intend to grow for our benefit and not be held back by the Wasatch front or surrounding areas! I vote yes to our future and our prosperity with markets made available with a railway!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/4/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/4/2020)CommentEI-30361Darren AndersonPlease mark me down as 100% in support of the Uinta Basin Railway, Docket #: FD36284. I do not have a preference to the route, as long as the route chosen is the most conducive to the completion and ongoing success of the railway.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31890Center for Biological DiversityElise Ferguson · Oakland, CA
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentUinta Basin, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31154John WeightI am sending this in support of the railroad. It will be a great economic driver for the area as well as bring in new jobs to the community. John WeightNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31149Michael WeberDr. Wayland, I am sending this e-mail in support of the proposed Uintah Basin Railroad here in Utah. As a member of our community, I fully support a railway through the basin. I am a Pharmacist employed by Uintah Basin Healthcare and I see many residents on a daily basis. I hear from many that are in support of this and I can also see the potential positive impact bringing a railroad would have to this region. Many people here have struggled for a long time with an up and down economy and the railroad would be an opportunity to provide a much needed boost. Amongst other things, a railroad would provide much needed jobs and stability without a significant negative impact to the environment. My hope is that you would seriously consider supporting this project. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Michael WeberRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31124Diana TraegerDear Sir I am writing to voice my opinion on the proposed railroad in the Uintah Basin. I have a son that hauls Crude from Basin to Salt Lake nearly every day. He looks forward to no longer driving over the canyon and mountain passes. He would love for his job to change simply from the job site to the railroad. It would make his job safer with the shorter runs and less snowey travel in canyons. Thus making our highways safer as well. Think of the reduction in traffic if all the trucks hauling crude and gas were eliminated! There would be less deaths on Highway 40 and our air would be cleaner. My husband works for a hay ranch. His boss looks forward to being able to sell his hay to markets that he can reach farther and faster if he was using the railroad. His hay would become much more marketable and profitable. Shipping by rail would be faster and cheaper. I personally would like the option of being able to travel out of the basin by means other than car or air. I road on the train as a child once, it was very pleasurable! To sum it up the railway would benefit more than just people of the Uintah Basin, The state of Utah would benefit with cleaner air, safer roads and a more positive economic impact. Thank you for your time. Respectfully yours, Diana Traeger Uintah Basin residentNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31100C&T ConstructionTo whom it may concern, We are in support of the rail system coming to the basin. We are also interested in maybe working for the rail system. If you could send info on where we may obtain training to be able to be able to start working for them when they are close to completion please let us know. Thanks Mondi Taylor 435-353-4753Mondi Taylor · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31051Gary’s Insulation Inc.My name is Jason Scholes and I have been a lifelong resident of the Uintah Basin. My Family owns and operates a small oilfield service company. We are writing to you today to let you know that the staff here at Gary’s Insulation Inc. are all in full support of the Railway coming to the Uintah Basin. We have been in business here in the oil & gas industry for the past 30 years and hope to continue that to the next generation of our family. We believe it would bring opportunities for our industry to stabilize as well as other industries the opportunity to come to this great place. Having additional transportation in and out of the area would allow for movement of commodities we can produce providing more stable jobs to the residents. We have skilled labor force here who would optimize the full potential of the rail line here in the Uintah Basin. It could bring opportunities to the agricultural, mining, timber, and potentially and possibly some manufacturing. The possibilities are endless, from furthering education to broadening our tax base for infrastructure and bettering the lives of many here, we believe the rail would thrive and be a great help and connection to the world. Thank you for your time.Jason Scholes · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-31020Uintah Valley Shoshone TribeMichael Rock · Berkley, MI
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30996Shanna QuickIn my opinion I believe the railway would benefit our community and supply a bigger range of jobs. I am pro railroad, I also think the ground laying plans could be more efficient. Thank youRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30941Derek NielsenThe Uintah basin needs a railway to help grow and enhance our economy. We are an energy hub that wastes hours of travel time getting oil to the refinery. It's time to grow and expand, no more status quo. Please help us get the railway to the uinta basin! Thank you Derek NielsenNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30935Jason NewmanI am against the railroad into the UIntah basin. The only people it will help is make a few crooked county commissioners millionaires and the residents will have to pay more taxes to pay for it.Thank you, Jason Newman UIntah county residentVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30845Jordan MartinHi Joshua, Im Jordan Martin and I’m writing this in regard to the railroad in our area. I think the railroad in this area is a much needed means of transportation. From what I have heard much of the opposition of the railroad is coming from the land owners that have second homes at the top of Indian canyon. Seeing that they can afford 2 homes I would like to say that we need the rail so I can keep my 1 home. The basin has already missed 2 good swings in the oilfield. Just build the thing.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30765Wayne JusticeRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)Comment
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30678Brandy HaskinsI think that the railway is a great idea not only to open the basin for other transportation opportunities but jobs as well. In the basin we know the ups and downs of the oilfield, this railway could give some needed stability to a lot of families around the basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30656Vernal CityI am all in for the Railway. Our economy can use a boost.Doug Hammond · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30576Glenn EllingfordRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30567Don DulenI am for the railroad in the Uintah Basin. I believe it can only strengthen our economy. Thank you. Don Dulen.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30465Devin CaldwellTo whom it may concern: I want to comment in support of the railway happening in the Uinta Basin. I work for a proppant and logistics company that provides proppant for the oil and gas wells in our area. I feel that having a railway will increase the economic opportunities for businesses. It will add a new way for products to move in and out of our area. I believe the study addresses the impacts and provides good alternates if the board feels the original route would be too difficult to justify. Please consider approving the plan presented with any recommendations as the Surface Transportation Board may see appropriate to further this project to the next phase of development. Thank you for your time, Devin CaldwellVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30463C&T ConstructionTo whom it may concern, We are in support of the rail system coming to the basin. We are also interested in maybe working for the rail system. If you could send info on where we may obtain training to be able to be able to start working for them when they are close to completion please let us know. Thanks Mondi Taylor 435-353-4753Mondi Taylor · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30445Russell BrinkerhoffJoshua, Our office has been through every down turn in the oil economy since the 70s. Each one has its own set of challenges. This last one we are in really brings to light how much our economy needs diversity. Oil drives everything around here. We insure many oil companies or I should say we did. Many are going out of business, but what surprises me more are the number of businesses going out of business that are not in the oilfield. Many of our other clients we insure that are not in the oilfield still are going out of business with the oil bust. Grocery stores sales are dropping. Those in the entertainment business are hanging on by a thread if not closed. The food industry is a tossup on who is open. I have heard many mention it is because of Covid-19 and some of that may be true. However we have gone through enough down turns throughout the years that I can tell you it happens every time the oil busts. It doesn’t matter what shuts the oil down, because when its down most don’t have any other way to provide for the family. Having the railroad in the basin could bring the diversity we need to have a stable economy. We could have a community that can flourish through the years instead of recessing every couple of years. For what it is worth I believe it is the change that needs to happen in the Uinta Basin. Thank you, Russell BrinkerhoffRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30385Skyler AtwoodYes we need the railroad or the Unita basin will be left behind.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30353Allred's Yard & Garden LLCWe are writing in regards to the Uintah Basin Railway. I believe it will be a great financial boon to the whole Basin, allowing us to diversify in so many areas. Farmers and ranchers will benefit, the oil industry will benefit, regular businesses like ours will benefit. We believe it will bring many great opportunities to the Uintah Basin that have been unattainable due to transportation limitations. Along with the greater opportunities for many businesses, it will also bring more people into our area, helping us to sustain a more stable economy. We believe it will open the way for manufacturing jobs to come to the Basin, as well, which will be a huge advantage for our young people. They will be able to find good jobs right here at home, instead of having to move to big cities in order to find employment. If they are able to stay here and start their families, it will be an enormous boost to our schools and to every other economic interest. We are totally in favor of the Railway coming to the Uintah Basin, and we truly appreciate all those that are working so hard to make it a reality. Sincerely, John and Patty Allred Allred's Yard & Garden. LLC 2210 East Highway 40 Roosevelt, UT 84066 435-722-1021.John and Patty Allred · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30352Ben AllredHello my name is Ben Allred I am a lifetime resident of Uintah County. As the owner of several businesses in the Uintah basin I am very much in favor of a railroad. I feel that a railroad would help diversify our economic base and help us survive the cyclical cycle of the oil field. I am very excited to see the completion of the railroad happen and for the increased stability that it will bring. Ben AllredNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentEI-30351Mike AllredI am a business owner in Roosevelt. My business relies heavily upon oilfield activity. I would like to proffer my voice in support of the railroad coming to the Uintah Basin. I feel it would greatly benefit our economy, not only the oilfield, but our agricultural economy as well. I know that we would see substantial growth In our area and many companies have expressed interest in Doing business in our area if the railroad becomes a reality. We need the railroad! The benefits far outweigh the cons in my view. Thank you! Mike AllredRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentElise Ferguson
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(printed as 12/3/2020)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-31155Sommer WeightI am writing this email to state that I support the railroad coming through the Uinta Basin. I believe it will bring economic growth. Thank you, Sommer WeightNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-31115Brandon ToddI would like to support the railway in the Uintah Basin. The railway will provide benefits to not only the Uintah Basin, but also the state of Utah as a whole. The economic impact will help the area diversify the economy which should help the area survive the boom and bust cycle attributed to oil. Thank you. Sincerely, Brandon Todd.Smithfield, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-31034Tracy RossI am in favor of the railroad coming to the Uintah Basin. If I need to voice my positive vote another way please let me knowThanks, Tracy W. RossRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30994Andrew PullinHello, In support of the railway, it will bring jobs to the Uintah Basin's stale economy. With the railway the oil in the area will be able to make it to larger markets and become more valuable. It is time to make the railway happen, ever since I can remember with being born in the basin there has always been talk about putting a rail in, but there was always some reason for stopping it. Myself and a large majority of the residents here support it. If the railway does not get put in, the economy and area will continue to suffer. Please take in consideration of the people in the area. Best wishes. Andrew Pullin.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30929Tim NegusI am very grateful that we are considering a rail for the Uintah Basin. I have lived here for 20 years and have seen the ups and downs of the oilfield and seen many friends and family experience the booms and busts. I am in support of the rail as I feel that in addition to increasing jobs through the oil industry, I am excited about the diversity in jobs that it will eventually bring in as it will connect us to the rest of the world, where we are currently cut off due to our wonderful location. This will allow us to still enjoy the country and home that we have and help to provide diversity so that we don't constantly lose our friends and loved ones. I am 100% in support of the rail and through my profession as a banker, I work with a majority of businesses here in the basin and most feel the same way as I do. Thanks for your time!!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30916Stephen MoonI feel a railway is about the only hope we have to stabilize the Basin's economy Stephen MoonNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30889Michelle MilesGood afternoon, My husband and I would like to show our support for the railroad coming to the Uintah Basin. We are both life-time residents of Duchesne County. My husband is a rancher, and we own many acres of property in Duchesne and Uintah counties. I am a high teacher and taught for 23 years and for the past two years have been in the counseling office at Altamont High School. We believe the railroad would have a positive impact on our economy and strongly support it. Thank you, Michelle MilesNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30821Ed LongVernal, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30739Lynnette IvinsAmerican Fork, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30735William IngallsIf this Railroad was not so serious it would be funny. The fact that millions of dollars have been diverted from Community impact funds to subsidize the oil and gas industry should be criminal. From the standpoint of air quality in the basin, it doesn't make sense that since we cannot meet Federal standards due to oil and gas development, some are suggesting a four fold increase in production. For the past 13 years my neighborhood friends and I have suffered through, and basically been at the mercy of which way the wind is blowing. A foul odor which many describe as a "dirty and dusty garage smell" burns the eyes and dries the sinuses on a mild day. Nauseating and suffocating at it's worse. The source seems to be an industry hazardous waste disposal site directly south west of us. For the past 8 years I have marked a calendar of the date, duration and intensity of the pollution. I have also alerted the health department on particularly heavy days. I have not read the DEIS yet but have one thought I feel should not be left out. With climate at a tipping point due to fossil fuel burning and greenhouse emissions, the EIS should carefully consider the full impact of exploration, drilling and production, along with the eventual combustion of these fuels on climate and the environment. As a resident of the Uintah Basin I firmly express my opposition to this misguided project.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30557Downs PlumbingWe as a business, Downs Plumbing, and individuals are very much in favor of the railroad. It would reduce semi traffic on the highways while increasing our ability to be connected to the rest of the country. It would bring the possibility of more diversity to our area. Which brings more job opportunities to our young people. As well as supporting the industries already here. Increased connectivity, through the railroad, would be a huge boost to our local economy and residents. We are in favor of the railroad. Sincerely, Skoby and Annie DownsSkoby and Annie Downs · Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30514Bryan CookI am in favor of the proposed railroad. The Uintah basin need to develop a more diverse economy. I know the primary reason for the railroad is the oil industry and hope this will help the extraction industry become more stable in the basin. I also believe the railroad will help the basin expand and diversify its economy in other areas.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30478Dorothy CarterRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/2/2020)CommentEI-30449Denise BrooksbyI’m writing this in support of the railroad coming to the Uintah basin. I believe we will all benefit from the growth that will come with it. Denise BrooksbyNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)Statement301326Support StatementHonorable Mitt Romney, Honorable Mike Lee, Honorable Rob Bishop, Honorable Chris Stewart, Honorable John Curtis
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentUinta Basin, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-31141Lawrence WagstaffDear Uinta Basin Railway Board Members, I am the owner of 10 acres of recreation property in Argyle Canyon Estates, lot 298. As you are probably aware, this private land is adjacent to one of your proposed routes for the Uinta Basin Railroad project, Indian Canyon. My deceased parents bought the property in 1975 because they could see it was truly a place to recreate. Not much has changed in all that time, and for 45 years, our family has enjoyed all that nature has to offer. Construction of a railroad through nearby Indian Canyon would disrupt the tranquil nature of this land through both noise and environmental pollution. Therefore, I respectfully request that the board select one of the other two alternative routes being considered, either of which would result in a reduced impact on privately owned lands of not only this generation but those yet to come. Sincerely, Lawrence E WagstaffSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-31136Shawn VaccaroI would like to express concern around the Uinta Basin Railway project and the potential environmental impact to water resources along the identified rail route(s). In general, my concern is the proximity to streams and springs at a number of points along the proposed 85 mile route. This is arid, high-desert terrain with very limited water resources. The small streams and springs along the proposed routes are critical to wildlife and livestock habitat and watering. I fear that the proposed rail will alter these limited water sources, and potentially cause natural springs to be damaged or to go dry. Specifically, my family owns 3 land parcels in Argyle Canyon that appear to be very close to the proposed rail routes (from the EIS interactive map). One 40-acre parcel has a free-flowing spring and is the only surface water source for several miles in the canyon. The spring and point of rail crossing is at a delicate 9000' elevation. The spring is used by free-range livestock for watering, by native wildlife for watering, and by area cabin owners that don't have water to their properties and fill containers at this spring. Additionally, Duchesne County has buried two below-ground water tanks that catch surplus water from our spring for water storage and firefighting purposes. Once these tanks are filled, the water flows back into the natural drainage. Again, our concern is the rail construction could alter or damage these vital natural springs, or cause them to go dry, in this arid, high elevation environment. Out of this concern, we are opposed to the construction of the Uinta Basin Railway project. Thank you for considering our input and opinion, Shawn Vaccaro for Vaccaro Family Enterprises (801) 860-2889Draper, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-31116STRATA NetworksBruce Todd · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-31024Paul RogersWhen I first heard this proposal to develop a railway corridor to the Uninta Basin I was estatic! Finally, Utah is waking up to the beauty of (actually revisiting a historical precedent) to passenger transport by rail...but then reality struck. Are you kidding me? In this time of climate crisis you would consider INCREASING oil/gas production in the Uinta Basin by up to 4x current levels? This is the 21st century; we are moving away from fossil fuels. In addition to myriad environmental problems with this proposed rail initiative, there is a purely dumb business decision: fossil fuels are on the way out. They simply have to be and more citizens are realizing this fact every day. We need to stop treating eastern Utah like the "throwaway" part of the state and prserve our clean air and (currently) suitable climate. I vehemently say "no" to this project and suggest you re-work your priorities for the Uinta Basin, Utah, and the world. Thanks for hearing me out.-paul rogersLogan, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-31023Kevin RogersSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30967Krishn PatelWhitmore Park, by far, is the most efficient, economically beneficial, and environmental impacts are to a minimum. This alternative will better boost the market when compared to the other two, and it'll be best for our future generation. I say go to Whitmore Park.Provo, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30871Kurt McFarlanePrice, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30734LaRee HurleyRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30456Bullriver RanchI am in favor of the proposed Railroad linking the Uintah Basin with a national rail system. It will provide much needed Transportation to export our petroleum products. What we fail to see is the ripple effect of this transportation link. These unforeseen benefits will come but only after the rail line is in place. Men of vision have brought it to this stage against all odds from the environmental lobby. If these people had their way we would not have had the transcontinental railway either. We would not have dams or irrigation systems that feed all of us jobs and a a great standard of living the envy of the world.The same forces against this rail line have guaranteed government jobs such that they could care less about the security of our citizens. I care about the future economic health of this region and want the men,sons and grandsons of all families to be able to stay in this beautiful place to raise their families. Those that oppose this rail line say it will damage the ecology of this or that and make it ugly and noisy . I say it is they and they alone that make this wonderful place ugly and noisy with their endless doubt. Let the men of vision lay their railroad!!Thad Beal · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30454Michael BudigThe Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) is a huge subsidy for the oil and gas industry from Utah agencies that are supposed to be using public monies to advance the public interest in rural communities. The EIS needs to consider the full impact that the new exploration, drilling, production and eventual combustion of fossil fuels will have on the environment (including air quality, water quality and climate change), wildlife (including big game and sage grouse), and nearby communities.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30451Jim and Kim BrownGood Afternoon I have been following this ridiculous proposal for years. It is inconceivable to me that this transportation build out for the oil and gas industry is even being proposed this day in age. The science is clear on global warming and pollution world wide and more importantly in the Uinta Basin where I have a home. Any money invested in oil & gas extraction is just a stupid move when the long term viability of the planet is concerned. As a resident of Earth, Utah and the Uinta Basin I adamantly oppose this project and believe the residents of the Basin need to view a much bigger picture then their own personal interests. Its time to move ahead and invest in energy ideas with carbon neutral footprints. Please use a bit of common sense in these times of crisis. Thank You Jim & Kim BrownSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 12/1/2020)CommentEI-30378David AnsonDear Dr. Wayland, Thank you for the presentation I viewed online today and your thorough work. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and have spent time in the Uinta Basin. I have a degree in Geology, 1979, from Stanford University. I worked for Exxon for several years, and studied for a while in the Graduate School of Business at the University of Houston. I have tried to look at all of the costs and benefits of this project and and conclude that the significant environmental costs to the air, the water, the land, the wildlife and to humans speak loudly that it should be denied and no action taken. In addition to the local effects, there will be regional pollution increases. Also, the effect on the Ute Indian tribe was substantial for your preferred option. Finally, the spending of money reportedly earmarked to mitigate oil company damage may or may not be in your jurisdiction, but it will leave a stain on citizen's trust in government. Please take no action. Thank you very much. Sincerely yours, David Anson, Ph.D.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/30/2020)CommentUinta Basin, UT
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(printed as 11/30/2020)CommentEI-31172Mark WintertonI've looked at the lines they were looking at and knowing that the environmentalists have okayed this, I'm all for this. This will boost the economy of Eastern Utah not just for oilfield but for all aspects of the economy in Eastern Utah where we rely heavily on Oil. With the railroad maybe we can have other thriving industries pop up in the area.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 11/30/2020)CommentEI-30503Randy ClowerThis railway has been shut down for too many years. We need this and have needed this for decades. Self interest from a couple local families have been a hinderence for the rest of us that stand to gain from a railway in the community. Job creation, economic diversity, and a sustained growth are a good thing! Please do this!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/29/2020)CommentEI-31192Paul ZuckermanDear Board, I vehemently oppose the proposal to build the Uinta Basin Railway for all the environmental damage that will result. It will intrude into pristine animal habitat and waterways in our state. Animal corridors for migration and mating will be disrupted. This would follow a trend of human encroachment on wildlife habitat that promotes the threat of extinction. The expense of burning fossil fuels to our planets health and its inhabitants and the financial impacts of cleaning up our air, water and soil in the wake of transporting it and burning it is far greater than the short term gains realized by those who stand to profit. Shipping it by rail to remote parts of the world does not lessen these negative impacts on the country of origin. I stand firmly against any effort to provide life support to a fuel source that markets have shown is not economically viable on its own. This welfare effort must stop and let this source fend for itself, as all products must, in the world of economic reality and the court of public opinion. The permanent costs of this project to our natural lands and species must take precedence over human ambition. Respectfully, Paul Zuckerman Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/29/2020)CommentEI-30956Nancy OrrI object to this project because it is a use of public funds to benefit private industry. Those funds would be better used to help diversify employment opportunities for the workers in the Uinta Basin, rather than enabling the oil and gas industry further opportunity to add to the already severe pollution levels in the area. Each time I travel through the Basin I note that the air pollution is worsening, which borders on criminal for such a sparsely populated and beautiful area. I would prefer that my tax dollars be invested in infrastructure which will encourage sustainable energy development, rather than supporting companies which extract the fossil fuels and leave behind a scorched earth which must be remediated at further public expense. I grew up in Appalachia, and witnessed firsthand the greed of the coal companies which destroyed the land and polluted the air and water. The local populace made good money for a while, but were left destitute after the coal companies could no longer make a profit and pulled out of the area. It took decades of publicly funded efforts to restore the land, and the Ocoee River was so polluted that it did not support any fish or other organisms. The extreme poverty of the area remains testament to the greed of the fossil fuel industry. Please do not approve this railway.Moab, UT
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(printed as 11/29/2020)Comment
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(printed as 11/29/2020)CommentEI-30603Kristin ForbisMy husband and I fully support this project. We live in Vernal and believe this area has a lot to offer the world but is literally limited by transportation issues. We also believe the entire country could benefit from the energy resources located in northeastern Utah and a railway would open the door for that to happen. Thank you for your consideration and work on this project. David and Kristin Forbis Vernal, UTVernal, UT
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(printed as 11/27/2020)CommentEI-30635David GraingerAs a citizen and voter in Utah, I am very concerned with the proposed Uinta Basin Railway draft EIS. The draft focuses solely on mineral extraction as the only benefit, but public lands and diverse Utah communities and citizenry interests are profoundly and negatively impacted. Let’s consider the neglect from this profit-driven proposal: 1. Waterways and water quality across thousands of miles of the Utah route are needlessly risked and poorly protected. 2. Poor air quality in the Basin that is already national news and routinely exceeding federal statutes given current energy industry neglect is even further worsened. 3. Much public land is traversed without regard to current inhabitants, human or animal, nor general Utah citizen input. Easements don’t accommodate needed protections for either people or wildlife. Only Uinta Basin is served. 4. Further fossil fuel-based energy extraction does not promote energy self-sufficiency nor exit from the dying fossil fuels industry or its environmental calamities. We need to move beyond oil, gas and coal. 5. Uinta Basin needs to think 50 years downline, not 5 years downline, with regard to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and communities. This is short-sited out-of-state profit-taking proposal at the expense of the rest of Utah’s 99% population that receives only adverse impact. Tax revenues are marginal compared to the environmental costs. Ultimately, the draft plan benefits few Utah residents, primarily out-of-state investors and commercial interests and a relative minority of Basin residents, while adversely impacting many other Utah citizens. This results in a lopsided, ill-conceived and disingenuous impact to Utah citizens. Most oppose it. I oppose it. Please do not support the draft or the Uinta Basin Railway EIS. Sincerely, Dave Grainger Citizen and Utah voterSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/25/2020)CommentEI-30885Jill MerrittI object to this project because of its inevitable damage to air and water. Air pollution in the Uinta Basin already exceeds federal standards because of existing oil and gas development in the region -- by increasing oil and gas development, this project would make it worse. The preferred project alignment would run almost the entire length of Indian Canyon Creek, affecting the entire area with 443 stream crossings, impacting over 61 miles of streams and 26 acres of floodplains. All the alternative routes connect to the existing railroad at the same spot: directly adjacent to important wetlands along the Price River. These are unacceptable impacts to the precious perennial waterways in our semi-arid state.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/25/2020)CommentEI-30790Adair KovacThis project will support the oil and gas industry that has already caused a miscarriage crisis in the Uinta Basin and is fueling the climate crisis. In addition, it will negatively impact the land and waterways it goes through. The negative environmental impacts of this wasteful project are clear and it's absurd to put public monies toward it.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/24/2020)CommentGood Evening Josh, I hope my email finds you well. Attached is a formal request from myself and the Argyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance requesting a 90-Day Extension of the Public Comment Period for the Uinta Basin Railway Draft EIS. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. I wish you and your family a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Darrell Fordham Argyle Wilderness Preservation AllianceDarrell Fordham · Lehi, UT
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(printed as 11/23/2020)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 11/23/2020)CommentKathryn Floyd
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(printed as 11/21/2020)CommentEI-31169Ute Indian TribeLuke Duncan · Fort Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 11/21/2020)CommentEI-31067Utah Royalty Owners AssociationUTAH ROYALTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION’S (UTROA) COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT Environmental Impact Statement (EIS] PROPOSED UINTA BASIN RAILWAY TO THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD’S OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS (OEA) To Whom it May Concern: As President of the Utah Royalty Owners Association I submitted our support for the Seven County Infrastructure Committee (SCIC) proposal to build a rail line connecting the Uinta Basin with nation’s interstate rail system both orally and written at the Scoping meeting on July 18th, 2019 in Roosevelt, UT.We favored the Indian Canyon Alternative, but now we favor the Whitmore Park Alternative because the OEA, through the scoping meetings and consultation with public, government agencies, tribes, affected farmers, ranchers, and private residences has addressed many of the noted adverse impacts, such as impacts to some sensitive habitats and residential areas. The Uinta Basin Railway project is the most important socioeconomic event affecting us and would provide economic stability, well-paying jobs from construction and operation of the rail line, consistent, all-weather freight in to the Basin like Frack Sand, oil industry and farm machinery plus incentivize new businesses to come to the Uinta Basin providing an increased tax revenue. Our Association is proud of our Ute Indian Tribe neighbors for being in favor and part of the Uinta Basin Railway which will safely transport Yellow and Black Crude Oil to more refineries and markets not presently available. We have reviewed the affected Environmental Consequences addressed in Sec 3.1-3.15 and have full confidence that the proposed rail line can be built and operated if the actions noted in these sections are followed. Thanks for the opportunity to submit our comments and we await the final EIS and a favorable final decision. Sincerely, Allan E. Smith, UTROA PO Box 1292 Roosevelt, UT 84066 aesmith@ubtanet.comAllan Smith · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 11/21/2020)CommentEI-30966Harshadrai PatelI am in Favor off uintah rail project. and i prefferd whitemore park as a prefferd routProvo, UT
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(printed as 11/20/2020)CommentEI-30733OKOKOK ProductionsKatherine Hunter · Moab, UT
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(printed as 11/20/2020)CommentEO-3658Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-31229Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray · Millcreek, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-31228Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray · Millcreek, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentUinta Basin, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-31080Mike StengelRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-31069Chelsea SolorzanoHello, I do not support the Uinta Basin Railway project. As a country, we must make conscious efforts to support infrastructure and projects that support CLEAN AIR and a healthier environment. We have pillaged Mother Earth enough -- we do not need this train; the environmental impacts will be far worse than the possible travel convenience it may have. I vote NO on continuing with this project. Thank you.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)Comment
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-30466Tyler CallantineI would like to comment on the Uintah Basin Railway proposal. First I understand that we need to look at options to help the energy extraction industry and a railway might be a feasible answer in moving oil from the Uintah Basin to refineries. One strong thing to consider is that the energy industry is a boom and bust market, particularly here in the basin where it is all or nothing. What type of industry will be in place to make a railway feasible and pay for its self with private funds when energy is in a down market? Currently there is no industry large enough in the basin to pay for shipping goods on a railway system with out government subsidies or social handouts paying for the railway to operate and ship these goods. My next concern is the extremely large volume of public monies that have been spent in the initial phases of planning, studying and engineering that has occurred. If this railway is built and becomes operational will the energy companies repay the publics money that has been spent to make the train a reality? My understanding is the CIB funds that have been used so far are supposed to better an entire community not just a particular group or business sector. Not a deal breaker for me but the location of the railway still relies heavy truck traffic to move the oil to the railway station so the train is not fully changing the current operating dynamics of oil extraction in the basin. Last is the location is a fair distance away from most of the basin's current energy business's base of operations. I foresee the wise business owners moving their base of operations close to the railway and outside of Uintah County taking away a substantial tax base in Uintah County. Thank you for considering my comments.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-30444Argyle Wilderness PreservationMargaret Bringhurst · Orem, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-30387Ashley Communications IncSteven Evans · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEI-30375Pat AnnoniConstruction of the 85-mile railway would have major impacts in and of itself, and the all the new drilling and fracking it would purportedly induce would be even more catastrophic for the region’s air, water, wildlife and wildlands, causing a massive new release of greenhouse gases, exacerbating the ongoing climate crisis.Midvale, UT
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEO-3657Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentEO-3651Living RiversSarah Stock
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(printed as 11/19/2020)CommentWendy Park
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(printed as 11/18/2020)CommentEI-31931Raphael CordrayMillcreek, UT
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(printed as 11/18/2020)CommentEI-31930Raphael CordrayMillcreek, UT
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(printed as 11/18/2020)CommentEI-31929Lionel TrepanierSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/18/2020)CommentUinta Basin, UT
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(printed as 11/18/2020)CommentEO-3656Raphael Cordray
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(printed as 11/18/2020)CommentEO-3655Lionel Trepanier
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(printed as 11/17/2020)CommentEI-30839Judy MallorySalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/17/2020)CommentWendy Park · Oakland, CA
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(printed as 11/16/2020)CommentUinta Basin, UT
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(printed as 11/16/2020)CommentEI-31151Sally WeigelI am writing to express my strong opposition to the Uinta Basin Railway. With this project, 28 million dollars of public funds will be used to the benefit of oil companies and to the detriment of our public health. This railway will greatly increase oil and gas extraction in the region, which we know will poison the Uinta Basin's air and water and harm people and wildlife. We are investing in a risky and harmful project and essentially giving an interest-free loan to a private industry. Those funds should be used to benefit our communities, not benefit extractive industries. We need to stop all projects that will further promote oil and gas extraction as we have essentially ten years to combat the worst effects of climate change. The fact that we are looking to give more funds to an industry that only harms us is extremely unnerving. We need to be putting our funds into clean, renewable energy and if anything, high speed rail that transports people, not more oil and gas.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/16/2020)CommentEI-30968Roy PatelI support the initiative as proposed to promote economic development and job creation in the Uintah basin. I am in favor of this project. The project as proposed has done a good job of addressing environmental concerns and minimizing environmental while also meeting the development needs of the population of the Uintah basin. Using Whitmore Park rather than the alternatives is a better route altogether as it reduces the impact even further compared to the other alternatives, thereby protecting water resources and the sage grouse population. Please approve the project as recommended whitemore park is the rout.Provo, UT
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(printed as 11/16/2020)CommentEI-30806Capstone Commercial FinanceI support the initiative as proposed to promote economic development and job creation in the Uintah basin. I am in favor of this project. The project as proposed has done a good job of addressing environmental concerns and minimizing environmental while also meeting the development needs of the population of the Uintah basin. Using Whitmore Park rather than the alternatives is a better route altogether as it reduces the impact even further compared to the other alternatives, thereby protecting water resources and the sage grouse population. Please approve the project as recommended.Brent Lawyer · North Logan, UT
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(printed as 11/16/2020)CommentHi, I have spent many years in Utah and appreciate its variety of natural landscapes. As a nation we need to protect these. Building a railroad to take oil, which should be left in the ground, and send it out of the country so some people who don't care about Utah can get richer is unconscionable! Conservatives who usually support these type of projects are living like the people who shot all the buffalo while claiming to have family values and laying claim to the word "conserve"! Not only are we trashing our own country for the benefit of a few who don't care, but we are selling the feedstocks of future generations. How will they find the feedstocks to make things - mine the dumps? Please visualize this situation! Thank you.Annette Keller · Aspen, CO
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(printed as 11/16/2020)CommentEI-30769Dave KarschnerThank you for the continuing updates, I am very excited about this project and hope it continues to completion.Not Provided, UT
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(printed as 11/14/2020)CommentEI-31165Kirt WilliamsonLets get serious. According to all the science organizations and university departments that focus on Climate issues, heat trapping gasses in the atmosphere pose a serious threat to civilization as we know it. That is the Truth. Humanity needs to get serious about reducing our use of fossil fuels. The good news is renewable energy innovation--solar panels, battery storage, Electric vehicles, are making great strides in helping us convert out of the extraction industrial monopoly. The extraction industry has donated millions of dollars in their ploy to buy the votes of Republican politicians and as a result Washington has failed to enact legislation that would reward and facilitate the conversion to renewable energy. Here in Utah Republican politicians reap the reward of supporting the extraction industry by continuing to deny the reality of Climate Change and thwart movement towards the needed solution. But, as temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, as permafrost thaws and sea ice in the arctic, antarctic melts away, as wild fires get more and more intense, as droughts get worse and crops wilt and die, as our incessant pumping of the Aquifers results in dry wells and empty reservoirs, eventually the extraction industry will run out of money to buy votes and Republican intransigence will wither and die as they are voted out of office by the younger generations whose lives will be greatly impacted. Therefore, please do not allow the construction of this proposed 85 mile long rail spur that will soon be obsolete.Saratoga Spirings, UT
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(printed as 11/14/2020)CommentEI-30657Francesca HansenAppreciate your allowing comments from the public on this issue. I realize i reside in WA State and not Utah, and I also realize this railway would probably bring jobs to the area and help the economy HOWEVER i don't believe that would be worth the impact to the environment and especially the wildlife if this project actually got the green light. We have to think about the future, and what type of world we leave behind. I believe this would be devastating to the wildlife and do not believe the monetary value should take precedence over the flora and fauna. I hope i am not the only one who lends their voice to this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration.Cashmere, WA
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(printed as 11/13/2020)CommentEI-31081Suzanne StensaasTo the Board: There will be less demand for coal. The price is not competitive. There is no need to build a railroad or to use tax payers money. I oppose.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/13/2020)CommentEI-30864Cheri McCurdyI am in support of the Uinta Basin Railway Project. Every year, railroads save consumers billions of dollars while reducing energy consumption and pollution, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, cutting highway gridlock and reducing the high costs to taxpayers of highway construction and maintenance. Freight railroads mean more jobs and a stronger economy. This is greatly needed in the Uinta Basin as transportation has always been a major issue in getting our commodities (primarily oil and gas) out. This would diversify a historically struggling economy and provide stability to those that call the Uinta Basin home. I can see a brighter future with the Uinta Basin Railway.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/13/2020)CommentEI-30720Karen HowcroftI just want to say that I think the railroad is so important to the economy in Uintah Basin area. There are so many people out of work and so many people and businesses hurting and closing. The railroad will help bring work to our area. There will be environmental effects no matter which way the railroad goes, but when you weigh that against the damage that it will cause to the people who live here its not really an issue. The good for majority of the People must considered too! There are railroads networking all across the nation and it has helped bring prosperity to every place they touch! With Joe Biden as our future president and dealing with the higher taxes he has promised, we are going to need more help than ever to keep our citizens working and being able to feed and house their families, and help keep our businesses from going bankrupt. The railroad will provide much needed help. Please pass the building of this railroad! We need it- we need it- we need it! Thank you Thank you for all the work you all have put into this project and the vision you have for prosperity for all of us.Karen HowcroftVernal, UT
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(printed as 11/13/2020)CommentEI-30633Brian GorumAfter reviewing the EIS, I am in favor of moving forward with the Uinta Basin Railway!! The economic growth in The Basin and the positive impact on our local economies will far outweigh any negative impacts on the environment. I look forward to see the train in our near future.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/12/2020)CommentSarah Stock · Moab, UT
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(printed as 11/12/2020)CommentEI-27062Living RiversSarah Stock
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(printed as 11/11/2020)CommentEI-30546Ray DillmanMy name is Ray Dillman, I own 160 acres with a cabin on it. The proposed Indian Canyon railway would cross my property and enter a tunnel close to my cabin. My family and I have observed an abundance of wildlife on our property including black bears, deer, elk, owls, golden eagles, sage grouse, and mountain lion. We have seen a beaver that lives in a stream near our property recently in the zone that would be directly intersected by the proposed railway. We are very concerned that the noise from construction and then from railcars would greatly impact the local wildlife and result in permanent changes to the richly diverse habitat we have come to know and love.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/11/2020)CommentEI-30545Ray DillmanMy name is Ray Dillman, I own 160 acres with a cabin on it. The proposed Indian Canyon railway would cross my property and enter a tunnel close to my cabin. My family and I have observed an abundance of wildlife on our property including black bears, deer, elk, owls, golden eagles, sage grouse, and mountain lion. We have seen a beaver that lives in a stream near our property recently in the zone that would be directly intersected by the proposed railway. We are very concerned that the noise from construction and then from railcars would greatly impact the local wildlife and result in permanent changes to the richly diverse habitat we have come to know and love.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/10/2020)CommentMichelle Stewart · Lehi, UT
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(printed as 11/10/2020)CommentEI-30993Rodney ProwsI've looked through the EIS and I am in favor of building the Uinta Basin RailroadDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 11/10/2020)CommentEI-30934Jason NewmanThis is a waste of time and money. A few county commissioners will get rich and the tax payers will get stuck holing the bag. If this is such a great idea why isn’t price Utah a thriving metropolis?? Don’t do it!!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/10/2020)CommentEI-30344Laine AdairWhy don't they go to Wellington Utah where the rail yard and connection to the Union Pacific line all ready exist? This would avoid disturbing all the people in the Argyle Canyon area and operating a rail yard at the high elevation of the Kyung site. Access to Wellington through Nine Mile or Coal Creek Canyons is all ready disturbed with a paved road, oil trucks and private vehicles and do not have so many private land owners to disturb. They could also pick up the Nine mile Canyon oil truck loads and reduce truck traffic in Nine Mile canyon.Helper, UT
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(printed as 11/9/2020)CommentEI-30448Broken Pipe RanchAt the terminus of all routes, except the Craig route, the plans indicate a new bridge across the Price River at Kyune. The Price River in this location is downstream and within a mile or two of what the State of Utah considers a "Blue Ribbon" fishery. Through my business, Broken Pipe LLC, I own the property where the bridge will cross the Price River. I've fished this location many times and it's nothing short of magical. This is a spawning area for Brown Trout. I've seen several Redds (spawning areas) in the exact location where the bridge will cross the river. This is a slow moving spot perfect for trout habitat. I would hope and request that any improvements in this area not simply be concrete culverts that destroy the fishery in this area. I request that structure be added in this area and walkable fishing bridges or passageways.Tyler Young · Provo, UT
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(printed as 11/4/2020)CommentEI-30649Brad HafenI support this rail project, and I am willing to do whatever I can to help.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 11/4/2020)CommentEI-30570Michael DurrantPlease allow the construction of the railway to go through. No other action will have longer lasting benefit to the residents of this community than having inexpensive, safe, and reliable transportation into and out of the Basin. Transportation is key to the success of any community and has hampered the success and development of the uintah basin for the past 100 years. Thanks for your consideration.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/3/2020)CommentIrene Upyirs · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/3/2020)CommentEI-31132Irene UpyirsI recommend we scrap this proposed railway and adopt the New Green Deal immediately. The continued use of fossil fuels is costing the taxpayer more in dealing with wildfires, flooding, and other climate change problems caused by the fossil fuel industry. Republicans are protecting this one industry and it's oligarchs at the expense of the world's health and the taxpayer. Do not continue to deny climate change like with the Covid. We all know what is going on with the fires the floods, the encroaching sea, the Covid deaths, none of the misinformation is working, only hurting the GOP as evidenced by the 2020 election.Blanding, UT
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(printed as 11/3/2020)CommentEI-31043Mathias SanyerTo whom it may concern, I have grown up camping, fishing, hunting and skiing in the Uintah's. They mean so much to me, and this railroad is travesty against this place. The Uintah basin and mountains are already greatly impacted by humans and industry, and I believe the balance needs to be maintained. This excessive railroad is completely unnecessary; no one but wealthy developers and their friends in the legislature wants this. It will destroy a beautiful place, poisoning water and air key for the biodiversity and human life around the Uintahs. Please, put development money towards the future, not environmental destruction and fossil fuels. This is not about long term production, but instead short term developer gain. Don't build a rail road. All the best, MathiasSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/3/2020)CommentEI-30543Aline DevaudI understand the need for jobs. I do not support the Unita Basin railway because of the damage it will do to the Uinta basin natural area and its wildlife. Wildlife and wild land preservation is crucial to everyone's survival and our efforts to slow down and halt climate change is essential. Wildlife need wild corridors to thrive. Please don't put these jobs ahead of nature conservation. If you do, we'll be putting money form oil extraction and transport ahead of our planet's health and our own.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/3/2020)CommentEI-27061Tom Lund
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(printed as 11/2/2020)CommentEI-31942Utah SHPOSavanna Agardy · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 11/1/2020)CommentEI-30728B HubertyOverall the EIS is one of the more comprehensive ones I have seen. Minor Comment: The vegetation sections are very weak. They should include species, size and density descriptions. Also keep in mind the NWI maps are generally 35 years old and should be noted a little more but kudos to doing a more intensive survey as described. I did not see any snow avalanche impact potential. Major Comment: STB should also include the Highway transportation options because over time, those impacts will be significantly greater over time. The footprint of roads are at least twice as much as railroads and the long term impacts of pollution and permanent loss of habitat are exponentially higher for most categories.St. Paul, MN
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(printed as 10/31/2020)CommentEI-30891Jeff MillerI oppose this project because of the unnecessary risks to the environment.This is amazing and beautifulcountry that there will be no amount of reclamation that will be able to restore it properly. Eventually the oil fields will no longer be productive or economical.Sun Valley, NV
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(printed as 10/31/2020)Comment
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served (printed as 10/30/2020)DecisionISSUED A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT.
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentKason Goodrich · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 10/30/2020)Commentin my opinion, the proposed Railway to serve the Uintah Basin offers multiple use hauling of commodities, products and will address a wide verity of needs particular to The Uintah Basin. I am 100% on board (no pun intended)in favor of this project. I believe the coalition has engaged in many studies, recognized and acknowledged the demands of regulations in order to identify the most environmentally low impact route. I'm excited to see this project begun and come to full fruition.Carole Gibson · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentEI-30533Robin DavidsonI fully support the Uinta Basin Railway. The state of Utah NEEDS to shore-up the Oil/Gas industry and make the Utah crude oil more accessible to other markets. The Uinta Railway will keep the Utah O&G industry healthy for many years to come. FULL SUPPORTSouth Jordan, UT
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentEI-30484Cedra Bear Naturales, Inc.When the railroad was first proposed, it extended the line between Vernal and Roosevelt. This plan would allow the opportunity to many businesses in Vernal and Roosevelt and allow for other products to be shipped closer to where the businesses were. I understand having it in Myton puts it closer to the oil/gas fields but if the project is intended to help more than just the oil field in the Basin can you explain why the decision was made to shorten the line. I run a natural supplement company and getting product shipped out of the basin is a big part of my business and I am hoping the railroad will open other opportunities. Will you please provide me with clarification on the decisions to stop the line in the Myton area.Kevin Remington · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentEI-27060Nancy
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentProject Features GIS Data
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(printed as 10/30/2020)CommentEO-3659EDR Area/Corridor Report
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(printed as 10/23/2020)CommentEO-3666VariousSection 106 Consulting Parties
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(printed as 10/1/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/24/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering, Inc. · Price, UT
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(printed as 9/24/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/18/2020)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 9/18/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 9/17/2020)CommentMike McKee · Price, UT
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(printed as 9/17/2020)CommentMike McKee
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(printed as 9/17/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/14/2020)Motion301065Motion/Petition/RequestArgyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance
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(printed as 9/9/2020)CommentEI-31941ACHPLaShavio Johnson · Washington, DC
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(printed as 9/3/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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served (printed as 8/26/2020)DecisionINSTITUTED A PROCEEDING UNDER 49 U.S.C. § 10502(b).
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(printed as 8/26/2020)CommentJones and DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 8/21/2020)CommentEO-3665VariousSection 106 Consulting Parties
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(printed as 8/13/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 8/10/2020)Reply300972ReplyArgyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance
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(printed as 8/7/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 8/6/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 8/4/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 8/4/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 7/31/2020)CommentMexican Spotted Owl Habitat Evaluation MemorandumHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 7/30/2020)CommentBarneby Ridge-cress Habitat Evaluation MemorandumHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 7/30/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 7/30/2020)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 7/28/2020)CommentEI-31937ACHPJohn Eddins · Washington, DC
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(printed as 7/24/2020)CommentUte Ladies’-tresses Habitat Evaluation MemorandumHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 7/23/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 7/22/2020)Letter300913LetterSeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 7/21/2020)Reply300907ReplySeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 7/21/2020)Motion300906Motion/Petition/RequestSeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 7/16/2020)Comments300870CommentAlan H. Robinson
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(printed as 7/16/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 7/14/2020)CommentNorthern Goshawk Nest Survey MemorandumHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 7/13/2020)SupplementCenter for Biological Diversity
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(printed as 7/9/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 7/9/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 7/8/2020)Comments300857CommentHonorable P.T. Wood
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(printed as 7/7/2020)Comments300855CommentArgyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance
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(printed as 7/7/2020)Reply300854ReplyCenter for Biological Diversity
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(printed as 7/7/2020)Reply300852ReplyArgyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance
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(printed as 7/7/2020)Comments300851CommentArgyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance
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(printed as 7/6/2020)Comments300845CommentJulie Mach
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(printed as 6/25/2020)CommentTom McFarland
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(printed as 6/25/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 6/18/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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served (printed as 6/17/2020)DecisionEXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO FILE REPLIES TO A PETITION FOR EXEMPTION TO JULY 7, 2020.
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(printed as 6/17/2020)RequestArgyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance
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(printed as 6/16/2020)CommentEO-3664ACHP
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(printed as 6/11/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 6/4/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 6/1/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 5/29/2020)Motion300676Petition For ExemptionSeven County Infrastructure Coalition
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(printed as 5/28/2020)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 5/28/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 5/28/2020)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 5/21/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 5/20/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 5/20/2020)CommentEO-3270CoalitionKevin Keller
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(printed as 5/14/2020)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 5/14/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 5/14/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 5/12/2020)CommentEI-31936SHPOSavanna Agardy · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 5/7/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 5/7/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 4/30/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 4/30/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 4/30/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 4/29/2020)CommentFinal Waters of the United States Baseline Environment Technical MemorandumHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 4/29/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 4/22/2020)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 4/21/2020)CommentWerner Duecker · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 4/20/2020)CommentHDR Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 4/16/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 4/10/2020)CommentFinal Selective Reconnaissance-Level Survey of Historic Architectural ResourcesHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 4/9/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 4/3/2020)CommentFinal Biological Resources Baseline Environment Technical MemorandumHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 4/2/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 4/1/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 3/31/2020)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 3/31/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 3/30/2020)CommentEI-31935CPAAJerry Spangler · Ogden, UT
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(printed as 3/26/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 3/24/2020)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 3/24/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 3/24/2020)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 3/24/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 3/23/2020)CommentEO-3668VariousSection 106 Consulting Parties
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(printed as 3/19/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 3/19/2020)CommentPaleontological Resource Impact Evaluation ReportHDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 3/16/2020)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 3/14/2020)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 3/10/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 3/9/2020)Comment
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(printed as 3/5/2020)CommentVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 3/5/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 3/5/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 3/4/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 3/3/2020)CommentEI-26885Frederick White
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(printed as 2/28/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 2/28/2020)CommentMike McKee
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(printed as 2/27/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 2/24/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 2/21/2020)CommentEI-31849Utah CountyRichard Nielson · Provo, UT
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(printed as 2/20/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 2/20/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 2/19/2020)CommentEI-31851Carbon CountyCasey Hopes · Price, UT
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(printed as 2/19/2020)CommentEI-31850Duchesne CountyJones & DeMille Engineering · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 2/14/2020)CommentHDR Inc
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(printed as 2/12/2020)CommentSecond Revised Biological Resources Baseline Environment Technical Memorandum
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(printed as 2/12/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 2/6/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 2/6/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 2/5/2020)CommentEO-3609Utah CountyWilliam Lee
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(printed as 2/5/2020)CommentEO-3608Uintah CountyBrad Horrocks
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(printed as 2/5/2020)CommentEO-3607Carbon CountyCasey Hopes
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(printed as 2/3/2020)CommentEO-3253U.S. Army Corps of EngineersNicole Fresard
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(printed as 1/31/2020)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 1/27/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 1/23/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 1/16/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 1/16/2020)CommentEI-26858Environmental Protection AgencyMatt Hubner
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(printed as 1/15/2020)Comment
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(printed as 1/14/2020)CommentEO-3667Nine Mile Canyon CoalitionMargie Nash
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(printed as 1/13/2020)CommentEI-31848Duchesne CountyMike Hyde · Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 1/10/2020)CommentRevised Biological Resources Baseline Environment Technical Memorandum
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(printed as 1/10/2020)Comment
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(printed as 1/9/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 1/9/2020)CommentEO-3606Duchesne CountyGreg Todd
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(printed as 1/7/2020)CommentSupplemental Route Selection InformationHDR Inc · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 1/6/2020)Comment
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(printed as 1/6/2020)Comment
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(printed as 1/2/2020)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 1/2/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 1/2/2020)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 12/24/2019)Comment
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(printed as 12/23/2019)Comment
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(printed as 12/21/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 12/21/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 12/20/2019)Comment
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(printed as 12/20/2019)CommentEI-26795PLPCOSindy Smith
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(printed as 12/20/2019)Comment
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(printed as 12/20/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 12/20/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 12/20/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentJerry Spangler
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEI-26796BLMChristina Price
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentSindy Smith
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEO-3197BLMChristina Price
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEO-3196Rio Blanco County, COMatthew Brandt
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEO-3195Moffat County, COJeff Comstock
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEO-3194CO SHPOSteve Turner
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEO-3193Colorado Preservation, Inc.Jennifer Orrigo Charles
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentEO-3192Colorado DOTLisa Schoch
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(printed as 12/19/2019)CommentJerry D. Spangler
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(printed as 12/16/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 12/14/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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served (printed as 12/13/2019)DecisionPROVIDED NOTICE THAT THE FINAL SCOPE OF STUDY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE.
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(printed as 12/13/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 12/13/2019)CommentEO-3226Craig Daily PressClay Thorp
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(printed as 12/13/2019)CommentEO-3225Moffat County, ColoradoJeff Comstock
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(printed as 12/13/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 12/13/2019)CommentRyan Beam
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(printed as 12/12/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 12/10/2019)CommentEO-3239Ute Indian TribeLuke Duncan
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(printed as 12/6/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 12/5/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 12/4/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 12/3/2019)Comment
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(printed as 12/3/2019)CommentEI-26850U.S. Army Corps of EngineersNicole Fresard
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(printed as 12/3/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 12/2/2019)CommentEI-26849Navajo NationRichard M. Begay
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(printed as 11/27/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/25/2019)CommentAppendices to Coalition's Response to Information Request #1HDR, Inc. · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 11/25/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/25/2019)Comment
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(printed as 11/22/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/22/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 11/22/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/22/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/20/2019)Letter300006LetterSurface Transportation Board
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(printed as 11/20/2019)Statement300005Support StatementHonorable Gary R. Herbert
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(printed as 11/20/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/19/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 11/15/2019)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 11/14/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 11/13/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/8/2019)CommentJerry Spangler · Ogden, UT
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(printed as 11/8/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 11/7/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 11/6/2019)CommentGary R. Herbert, Governor
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(printed as 11/3/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 11/1/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 10/31/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/30/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/30/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 10/30/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/30/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 10/24/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/23/2019)CommentEI-26788Pamela Underwood
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(printed as 10/23/2019)CommentEI-26787Utah Geological Survey
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(printed as 10/23/2019)CommentEI-26786Moffat County, ColoradoJeff Comstock
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(printed as 10/17/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/17/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/17/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/16/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 10/10/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/10/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 10/9/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 10/4/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/3/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/3/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 10/3/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 10/2/2019)CommentEI-31245NancyNot Provided, UT
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(printed as 9/30/2019)CommentEI-26767Utah Congressional Delegation
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(printed as 9/27/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentEI-26774Moffat County, ColoradoMoffat County Commissioners
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentJuan Garcia
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/26/2019)CommentJuan Garcia
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(printed as 9/25/2019)CommentJones & DeMille · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/25/2019)CommentRyan Beam
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(printed as 9/25/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 9/25/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 9/24/2019)CommentEI-26771Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 9/20/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 9/19/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/19/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 9/16/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/13/2019)CommentEI-26762PacificCorp/Rocky Moutain PowerSWCA Environmental Consultants
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(printed as 9/12/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 9/12/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/10/2019)CommentEI-26708EveryAction Email CampaignPublic Commenters
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(printed as 9/9/2019)CommentEI-31246Janice GuymonCleveland, UT
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(printed as 9/9/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/9/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/6/2019)CommentEI-30340Maryann SpainhowerAs I drive through Vernal I am sad to see business after business close. We have amazing people that live here that are full of ideas and willing to work hard they just need a little help. I think the railroad will open up more options to those that want to live in a beautiful smaller community but still have a way to make a living. We need to try something or like other parts of our nation the rural communities will die.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/6/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 9/5/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentEI-30261Jeff NicholesIt's time to diversify the economy of the Basin. I grew up in Ely, Nevada and spent 28 years of my life there. It was 4 hours from any city in any direction, and it is a dead desolate small town because the people who had the ability to bring in things to attract a population didn't want any of the opportunities. They turned away an interstate highway and a Levi's factory and coke bottling plant all because they didn't like change. The Uintah Basin is going to die a similar sort of death if it doe not diversify its industries and adapt.Lapoint, UT
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentEI-30260David RutterI am in favor of the railway and in favor of the route that is supported by the 7 county coalition.Lindon, UT
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentEI-30259Tracey BushmanWe want passenger rail for humans and sane economic development. We do not want extractive coal and oil trains insanely traversing and tunneling through steep mountainsides.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentEI-30258Keoki AndrusThis project will simultaneously decrease pollution and traffic from trucks while increasing economic growth in the area. I completely support the route endorsed by the 7 county coalition.SPANISH FORK, UT
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentRyan Beam
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(printed as 9/4/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-31244Daggett CountyDaggett County Commissioners · Manila, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-31243Uintah CountyUintah County Commission · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-31234LEI Consulting EngineersI am in favor of the Indian Canyon Route. This will provide valuable economic stability to the Uinta basin.Brian Gabler · Spanish Fork, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30339Ashley HibbertI call my grandparents cabin my second home. I have spent much of my life there, even before I was born I was spending time in this beautiful place. It is my favorite place in the whole world, my little piece of heaven if you will. I have grown up here and I hope to one day raise my children here so they too can enjoy this beautiful and peaceful part of our world. If the railroad is built here it will destroy this great place. All the people and the animals that call this canyon home will lose our resources that make this place so great. We use the natural springs for water and all the animals and plants will lose a major source of their much needed water. This railroad would be very close to my grandparents cabin and listening to the trains going back and forth every day and feeling them shake the ground around us could easily cause damage to our cabin and the other surrounding cabins. We are a family here in Argyle Canyon and we will continue to fight against this railroad. We are protecting our homes and our families legacies. Putting the railroad here would destroy our canyon. Consider the all the lives that this railroad would negatively affect and how much you would not want this monstrosity going through your backyard because thats exactly what it feels like. If its not already clear, I am AGAINST this railroad.Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentWe came up to this canyon for peace and quiet, and to make a family dream come true. Here in Argyle Canyon we use community springs as water resources and these springs will probably be drained by the tunnel. We as property owners will not be the only ones to be affected by the loss of all the water, all the plants and animals that call this canyon home will then also have a shortage of water and food resources possibly killing off some the the wildlife we have in this beautiful canyon. The blasting to even build the railway would probably crack the sheetrock in our cabins forcing repairs, time and money to maintain our dream. There should be no emanate domain allowed. We all have worked most of our lives and to be able to have a small piece of this beautiful place we call HOME. This project does not help us and we will not benefit from it, only the rich would benefit from this project. There is a representative from the state of Utah that is known to start projects like this and them dump them on the tax payers. I am AGAINST this railroad.Albert Morgan · Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentMelissa Peck · Lehi, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30336Rich BloomfieldDue to the positive economic impact on the Uintah Basin and Utah in general, I support the Uintah Basin Railway wholeheartedly and I also am in favor of the route that is preferred by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition.Apline, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30335N Orson KingI am in favor of the Uinta Basin Railway and also in favor of the Route that iroute that is supported by the 7 county coalition.Mesa, AZ
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30334richard mercerI drive the 40 highway a lot, and every time I do I can count 50 oil trucks every time sometimes even more. And that is from Heber to the tabby turn off. Which is only 35 minutes, I can only estimate how many trucks travel the 40 in a 24 hour day. I want the railway to be built. Please consider the safety of the people traveling the only road that connects the basin with Wasatch frontsandy, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30333Norman KingI am very much in favor of the Uinta Basin Railway. I feel that it would be a real plus for the area, and would also cut back on the tanker Truck Traffic,. Thank You, Norman KingMesa, AZ
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30332Cory JensenI am strongly in support of the proposed railway and the route selected by the coalition (Indian Canyon). This rail will be a huge boost to Utah's economy and will be absolutely crucial to the future of the Uintah basin, which has long been hindered economically by its lack of infrastructure. Transportation has been a key bottleneck in holding down the tremendous economic potential of the Uintah basin. This will mean hundreds of additional jobs for Utah and very likely billions of additional dollars invested in Utah.Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30331Riley BrinkerhoffTo Whomever It May Concern: I grew up in Vernal and still earn my living as a geologist drilling wells in the Uinta Basin. We have always struggled to get products into the Basin and move anything out. Highway 40 has gotten terribly congested with oil trucks and general freighting. A railroad would be a huge help to get better rates on material we import for our business and to move our product out, plus our highways would be safer and suffer less wear and tear. I fully support the route advocated by the Seven County Commission and the builders (Rio Grande). Please feel free to call me, I'd be happy to talk about it. RileyProvo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30330Vickie BattyI am for the railroad coming into our community to revitalize our declining economy that we have been suffering thru!....With out it our community with continue with it's downward spiral!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30262Braden KayganichFor the Craig route. I would suggest looking at the never completed Salt Lake & Denver railroad. "The Uintah Basin Route." The road was organized in 1919 by Simon Bamberger to build from Provo to a connection with the D&SL at Craig. The route was basically south-southwest from Craig to the White River, along the White River to its meeting with the Green River, then up the Duchesne River and the Strawberry River to the Wasatch Mountains. It was then to cross the Wasatch Mountains and head west down Hobble Creek Canyon to Provo. The line was never built, or even seriously planned Source Utahrails.netMocomb, MI
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30257Richard McCloskeyTo Whom It May Concern: I think we'd be crazy not to build a rail access for oil transportation from the Uintah basin. It seems to make the most sense from an environment, safety, and economics standpoint. I STRONGLY support a rail solution. Regards, Richard McCloskeyProvo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30256Reed PageI strongly support the railroad, particularly the preferred Indian Canyon route with its east and west terminals. I sympathize with those who may be adversely affected by the proposed path, however the cost of progress and growth is almost always unevenly paid out to a degree. I hope to see my hometown grow and thrive well into the future so that my children and grandchildren can enjoy it as I did. While the rail will likely concentrate economic activity more into extractive industry in the short-run, economic diversity may be gained in the long-run once a critical mass of population is reached. Please approve this project, but let's execute it wisely while minimizing any harm to our beautiful Basin and wildlands. Reed Page Rocky Mountain Energy EconomistLehi, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30255Richard BrimleyHow could This proposed railway extension not be a great benefit to the entire county? I highly support The project and hope that you will approve it meetings.Sandy, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30254Carl FoleyAs a resident of Uintah county I am in favor of the rail way- the preferred route would Craig into vernal. The other options seem to work as well. I believe the results would help ease the traffic issues of the crude trucks running to north salt lake each day. As a local business owner the benefits to the local business base would be great advantage. Thank you for the opportunity to submit a comment.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30253Shawn HardingWe are in strong opposition to the Uinta Basin railroad passing through the Argyle Canyon area. We are owners of a cabin on 10 acres in the area of the proposed railway. I feel the railroad will cause many hazards to our home and property, we are just recovering from a forest fire that caused a great deal of loss and damage, a railroad would be a strong fire danger with sparks that could cause another devastating and costly fire. The environmental impacts are also a great concern with the possibility of oil leaks and derailment concerns that could damage our delicate springs that we have as a current water source, also the tunneling used to construct the railroad will affect the water flow of these springs. Also the sound emissions from this railroad will taint the peaceful wilderness that we live in. Additionally as a taxpayer for Duchesne county I am deeply concerned that the burden of the cost of this railroad will burden us for decades to pay for its construction and for maintaining the railroad after the big money railroad companies and oil companies have came and gone! I am also greatly disappointed with our elected offic6who have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars to study and evaluate this railroad that has already shown in past studies as being a failure due to the grade and steepness of terrain of this route. Many homes and residents will be affected negatively by this railroad route which is being pushed through our community, when there are better alternate routes that would not bully the private land owners and have been suggested but seem to fall on deaf ears. I implore you to please listen to our legitimate concerns and put a stop to this route that has been chosen through Argyle Canyon, Sincerely, Shawn HardingElk Ridge, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30252Fred SmithI am in favor of the railway and in favor of the route supported by the 7 county coalition. It will be good for Utah.Apline, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30251Robert SorensenI appreciate the efforts you are making to improve the transportation of goods from the Uintah Basin. I wholeheartedly support the efforts to increase the economic viability of the Basin and also to have the great alternative to the current "trucking" of goods from the basin. Your proposal is well thought out and will be a boon to the entire state.Lindon, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30250Scott PetersenThis project is long overdue. Significant thought and research has gone into this study. We all benefit. Those of us who are environmentally conscious, lower cost fuel, economic stimulus and jobs, safety... the list of benefits is seemingly endless. I wholeheartedly support this project and the seven county coalition leaders that have put so much effort into doing this the right way. Let's let common sense prevail and do something that will bring benefit to all and protect power of the environment in the process. Respectfully submitted, Scott R. PetersenOrem, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30249Ken LambertNot provided, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30248Bud BarnesI am in favor of pursuing the railroad for our area. We need diversification in this basin. I have retired from oilfield related employment but we need other employment opportunities for our next generation. I am aware that some of our residents are worried that we will lose jobs when the railroad is completed? I think just the opposite will happen. We will find new businesses that will come to our area, hiring more people, giving us a broader scope of employment. We need to be preparing for the next generation- now.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30247Audrey RobertsI am in support of the railway coming through uintah and Duchesne counties. I see long term stability and economic growth that will not only improve a sustainability in our local economy for my children and myself but for generations to come. Do to our current market location and infrastructure we have not seen sustainable growth. This is a way to expand our current industry as well as expand our communities long term stability by opening additional industries. You have my voteRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30246Jodie CrozierI am in support of the railway. I see long term stability and economic growth for our community and my family. I see it enhancing not only this generation but for many generations to come.Ballard, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30245Wasatch Energy ManagementAs an investor in the Uinta Basin, I am in support of the railway for transporting agricultural products and minerals out of the basin. Anything to get more drivers off the road and keeping everybody safer. I would vote for the route that is supported by the 7 county coalition. Thank you, JustinJustin Hewett · Draper, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30244Bryson GolightlyI think this is a great idea!! Putting in a railroad will be helpful for the environment, because every time i've driven that stretch of road I see a ton of Semi trucks hauling, and it really slows down traffic and causes a lot of driving hazard. This also means more idle time on the roads burning gas and putting carbon in our atmosphere. I think especially the Indian canyon route looks like it would bypass alot of this bad traffic.Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30243Ryan DurrantI am very much in favor of the railway and the route that is supported by the 7 county coalition. I believe it will be of economic value as well as being a relief on the roads to remove much of the trucking currently going on in the area.Rexburg, ID
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30242Terry McEwenI would like to submit that I believe all must be done to preserve and enhance the future of the Uinta Basin by building the much needed railway It seems logical that the route should be that selected by the 7 county coalition. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion. This is something that is desperately needed for the livelihood of the future of this areaProvo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30241Constance AlexanderI'm for the railway project as I believe it would do some of the following. 1. Increase highway safety by reducing the semi truck traffic on the highways. 2. Reduce the potential environmental issues from overturned semi trucks. 3. Increase economic opportunities and growth along with diversification options and help stabilization of certain industries. 4. Increase the taxes for the Uinta Basin and the state of Utah. This will benefit all who reside in our communities! 5. Increase the tax base with business growth which will increase employment opportunities. 6. Increased tourism from the growth and diversification of the area.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30240Donald MorrisI am in favor of the seven County coalition railway plan. This proposed railway will both reduce traffic impacted roadways and promote additional income to petroleum investors and increase tax base for local and state agencies. The fact that this is a privately funded improvement should make this decision very easy.Olathe, KS
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30239Gary DyeI am very much in support of the railroad for the Uintah Basin. The need for a railway to ship in and out of the basin is a win for everyone. Traffic on US 40 and Indian Canyon will only increase and bring safety concerns and excessive cost on road maintenance. Build this railway for the future, I support this 100% thank you,Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30238Travis CookI'm in favor of the railway and of route that is supported by the 7 county coalitionNot provided, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30237Kerry AsayAs the oil resources in the Uinta Basin are difficult and expensive to ship out by truck, it makes sense to put in a railway to have a less expensive way for this Utah resource to be used. This makes sense for the consumer and the producer and the State of Utah. A no brainer!!Orem, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentI would like to express my concerns regarding the proposed railroad for both the Indian Canyon Route and the Wells Draw Route. I believe that the cost estimate for both of these routes has been grossly understated. The terrain that would be encountered through both routes would be very difficult and costs associated with this would quickly drive this project way over budget. I would hate to see taxpayers get stuck "holding the bag" for the final price that such a project would ultimately cost. I believe that there are better and ultimately cheaper routes out there to consider. Another concern for either route is the possibility of wildfire. Argyle Canyon is still suffering the effects of the Church Camp Fire that occurred in 2012. Trains do have a history of causing wildfires and these areas do not need another potential ignition source traveling back and forth on a daily basis. Air pollution is another concern. If oil production was truly quadrupled as the numbers indicate it could, air pollution levels would continue to rise in the Basin area. Multiple trains per day hauling the oil would only add to such a pollution problem. Damage to our beautiful environment is another concern. Argyle Canyon and South Argyle represent some of the best privately owned recreational lands in the state. Thousands of trees would be lost as well as many seeps and springs that people and wildlife depend upon for survival. Property values would be greatly impacted and ultimately the landowner's would be ones who lose out. Please re-evaluate some of the other routes and consider all of the things that would be effected by such a project of this magnitude. Sincerely Justin SlaughterJustin Slaughter · Price, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30235Larry LeSueurTo whom it may concern: The proposed railroad for the Uinta Basin will prove extremely beneficial in many areas! It will make the roads much safer and the economic impact for business and jobs will be huge. I am in full support of this railway. Thank You, Larry LeSueurMesa, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30234Kendra EmbletonI am very much for building the economy in the Basin, and perhaps the railroad would do this. However, thus far I have not seen much transparency with the proposal and predicted outcomes. At the moment, it seems like a money grab of public funds by the private sector. Until there is greater transparency, I am against building the railway. Statements like "it just makes sense" don't work. I can name numerous towns WITH railways where the economy did not grow (I can also name some where it did). The companies involved need to be more diligent and transparent in their financial predictions. Lastly, mineral release funds should not have been used. It is their purpose to offset mining, not further it. Thank you.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30233Josh CazierUnfortunately, I was unable to attend the scoping meetings; however, after significant review and research, I think this project would greatly benefit the Utah and associated properties. This shows great signs of a successful economy with further growth and development. It opens up opportunities for skilled and temporary labor in the basin. It adds value to the properties for both commercial and residential lands. It would facilitate commercial transportation of goods across the state and even help decrease commercial loads on local highways. Utah has a lot of wonderful minerals that are non accessible and this project could certainly facilitate their access.Springville, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30232Russ HarrisHello, As I citizen of the Wasatch Front, I believe we need to be looking for ways to be more efficient with energy. One of those is by utilizing the resources produced in the Uintah Basin more. I am in favor of the railway from the Uintah Basin to the refineries per the route that is supported by the 7 county coalition. Thanks, RussNot provided, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30231Shon StubbsI am a life long resident of the basin and in my opinion this rail way could bring the basin to life so we dont just have to rely on on the oilfield so much.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30230Andrew HoytThis planned railroad has been needed for a long time. It will improve the economy of the region and the state of Utah as a whole. I am in support of the railway project and strongly support the route that is endorsed by the 7 county coalition. Please consider the good that this railway will do for the Uinta Basin.Not provided, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30229JEFFERY WILLIAMSI believe this project is needed in the basin. The reduction in heavy large truck traffic will increase safety on the highways in the basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30228Blaine HalesI am in favor of the proposed rail line into uintah county. This is long over due. This will reduce the wear and tear on our highways by the big rigs hauling oil yo SLC. It will also stop the monopoly that the refineries have on oil producers. Finally it will serve as a better mode of trasportation for many of the county's imports and exports. I am in favor of the county's proposed alignment for the new rail line.Spanish Fork, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30227Jeff NicholasI wanted to express my support of the Uinta Basin Railway. I am a resident of the Heber Valley in Utah and drive frequently to the Park City and Salt Lake City areas as part of my work. I see countless trucks driving back and forth through Heber City and up and down Highway 40 between Heber City and Park City and up and down Parley's Canyon on I-80 between Park City and Salt Lake City. I believe that all of the trucks are a serious safety concern and a huge negative for the quality of life in the Heber Valley. It seems that every time I drive to Park City and Salt Lake City, there are multiple trucks carrying oil driving up a hill at 25 miles an hour and causing traffic to go around them. That is terribly unsafe on a highway with a 65 MPH speed limit. The proposed railway would greatly reduce the number of large semi's driving through town and crawling up hills on highways where there is heavy traffic. It just makes sense to do this from a safety perspective and for the positive economic impact it will have on the Uinta Basin.Midway, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30226Traci JensenMy husband works in the oil and gas industry primarily in the Uinta basin. Our family, like hundreds of others, depend upon these natural resources for our livelihood. We strongly support the construction of the railway and whatever route the coalition endorses. It will be a huge boon to the energy industry in Utah and the thousands of families that depend upon it.Alpine, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30225Julie MaglebyHi, I am writing to offer my support of of the proposed railroad. Specifically, the Indian Canyon Route. In speaking to knowledgeable people about this and in reading about each proposal, I think the Indian Canyon Route is best. I am very glad it's a railway that is proposed -- it will benefit more industries than a pipeline and is better for the environment than heavy trucks. Thank you,Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30224Daniel GunnellTo whom it may concern. I am a property owner (WEM Castlegate) on the proposed Indian Canyon route (at Emma Park Road and 191) and am writing in strong support for the rail on the Indian Canyon route because of the many economic benefits that it will bring to the Uintah Basin, especially to the energy, agriculture, and mining industries. I support the Indian Canyon route or the preferred route of the the 7 county coalition. The pros heavily outweigh the cons and I am very hopeful that it will go through! Sincerely, Danny Gunnell WEM CastlegateProvo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30223Jake TannerThank you for looking to develop a new railway route. I would certainly be in support of the Indian Canyon Route as drafted in the Proposed Alternatives. The Indian Canyon route appears to be more direct to the area of Vernal.Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30222Alex NielsonI am in favor of the Indian Canyon Route railway proposal. It can provide both economic and benefits for the Vernal area. The other proposed routes pass through environmentally sensitive areas, so the Indian Canyon Route is ideal.Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30221Rebecca HodgesI am writing this letter in support of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway project. I support the proposed train route over Indian Canyon. My husband works in the oil and gas industry and the completion of this railway would have a tremendous positive impact on our family. This is a project that can impact nearly every industry in the Uinta Basin (farmers, construction workers, manufacturing, oil and gas exploration and development and many, many more). I am also pleased that this railroad will make our streets safer by reducing the amount of traffic and cut down on air pollution. RebeccaProvo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30220Tyler BellI think this railway would be great for the economy, environment and transportation of the Uintah area, especially near Vernal. I believe that the Indian Canyon route would be the best.American Fork, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30219Kimball HodgesI am so pleased that this railroad is moving forward. The Uinta basin is in great need of economic growth and opportunity this project would create. I am part of the oil and gas industry and this railroad is crucial to the successful development of the natural resources in the basin. Our company has participated in over 20 new horizontal wells over the past 18 months. The current marketing and processing bottleneck for crude coming out of the Uinta basin has greatly impacted the overall economics in a negative way. This rail line would literally open up a world of new markets to us. We are praying that this comes to fruition. I strongly support the proposed route of the railroad (Indian Canyon/Emma Park Rd.) We will be directly impacted by this project as we currently have under lease thousands of mineral acres straddling Emma Park Rd. Despite this, we still strongly support the installation of this rail line. I have been extremely impressed with the amount of information that has been shared with the public so that we can make informed a decision. I support this railroad 100%. Thank you!Provo, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30218Eileen WoffindenWe bought our property over 20 years ago because it was getting harder to get away and find some peace and quiet. Our property filled the bill, but it hasn't been without hardships. Our property was part of the "Church camp fire", 7 years ago and the devastation from the fire and the flooding following has been rough to get back from. Having a railway going through the area will greatly increase the likelihood of that happening again and that's not right to so negatively affect an area in that way. Not t to mention the long term effect on the wildlife as well. Living in the Salt Lake valley where pollution is all ready bad, I worry about the lasting effects on the environment there with the increased oil production. There's got to be more consideration put into the planning of things for keeping the people in the area heathy. Please don't do to us what you wouldn't want done to you and your family. Sincerely, Eileen Woffinden, landowner in Argyle canyonWest Jordan, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30217Will WrightThe railway offers a much better transportation alternative for moving the oil and gas products in the Uintah Basin. Further, this method of moving these important products of the Uintah Basin is a much safer, cleaner transportation alternative. Consider the hundreds of trucks currently moving these resources along these roads that would be limited to short hauls, thereby improving the local air quality and safety by using the railway. Additionally, the economy and thus the people living in the Uintah Basin would greatly benefit and profit from this improved transportation option for its products. Please be fair when considering the tremendous benefits this railway will do for the economy of this region and all who live here.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30216Brent WoffindenI would like to express my opposition the the proposed Railway Project. We have many different species of wildlife that will be negatively affected by the project. Environmentally a lot more study needs to be looked at that may be on an endangered list. Fire danger is another real concern. Pollution both air and noise is another concern i don't feel has been adequately addressed. On a personal note, our cabin and land is a quiet peace of wilderness and it's hard to see how a small area can be bullied by a larger entity to destroy what we have invested our time and money to make it a slice of Heaven. I feel there are better alternatives than what is being proposed. Thank You Brent Woffinden Argyle Canyon Land OwnerWest Jordan, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)Comment
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30214Sarah WitherThis is an unnecessary project. Therefore, to create the railroad through areas that are valuable to local landowners and wildlife access to water and cutting across migration routes is wrong.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30213Kathryn AlburyPlease do NOT permit the Uinta Basin Railroad to be constructed. We have only a few years to move away from the use of fossil fuels. Investment in this railroad is not only a waste of investment in unneeded fossil fuel infrastructure, it is extremely harmful in that it will encourage further development of the Uinta Basis for the extraction of fossil fuels which will speed and worsen the climate crisis. The record of fossil fuel development in the Uinta’s has been irresponsible leaving the air extremely contaminated with careless release of toxic gases which is adversely affecting the health of the human and animal population in the area. Construction of this railroad will only make the air quality worse. It is a mis-use of CIB funds for this project; these funds are meant for the improvement of communities affected by extraction, not their further degradation to increase extraction. Thank you for your careful work and for considering the public view of this project.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30212Elizabeth RichI have lived in Vernal my whole life. I have watched my friends and family suffer through the ups and downs of our boom bust economy. I feel that having a rail road would be beneficial to our economy in the Basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30209Gary DyeI am very much in support of the railroad for the Uintah Basin. The need for a railway to ship in and out of the basin is a win for everyone. Traffic on US 40 and Indian Canyon will only increase and bring safety concerns and excessive cost on road maintenance. Build this railway for the future, I support this 100% thank you,Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30208greg slaterI strongly support the proposed railway for the route that is supported by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition for all of the reasons stated by that coalition. In brief, it will make the economic activity in the basin more productive and thus more competitive. The benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages, as this important project can be carried out in a way that minimizes any potential negative impact to the environment. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important project. Thank you, Greg SlaterGilbert, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30190Shirley RayDocket No. FD 36284 This asault on our land to facilitate extractions is another indication of corporate greed over sane land management for future generations. Please deny this proposal to place a railway for corporations when the county needs rail service for citizens.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30017Kevin SchieldThank you for the opportunity to be heard on the potential Craig railroad route. My family owns land along the proposed route. First and foremost, our family's concerns lie with the preservation of the Colorado habitat and its environment. We also, however, understand that well planned development at times must occur. As such, it would seem that if a railroad is required, the shortest route would be in the best interests of the habitat and its environment. It is our understanding that the Craig route is considerably longer than the other two options. Colorado is a very special place and its habitat and environment should be preserved to the best of our abilities for all future generations to enjoy.Medford, WI
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30016Brett AndersonAs a business owner that works in the oilfield I think the best rout for the railroad is as far away from tribal land as possible. The tribe requires access permits business licenses and utero fees for anyone working on their land not to mention tribal preference for native owned companies. Save everyone a headache and keep it off of tribal land. Remember their a sovereign nation with their own laws and rules that we have to follow when we conduct business on their land. I'm not sure if its true but I heard that the state of Utah pays the tribe 5 million dollars a year to have highway 40 cross the reservation. How much will they charge the railroad?Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30006William McFaddenI'm curious if the Uintah Railway grade was considered as a possible alternative route. From Mack to Atchee, the grade would be favorable. From Atchee to Evacuation Creek, a 2-2.4 mile tunnel would avoid the grades and curves over Baxter Pass. This would also have favorable grades to reach Watson, UT. From Watson, it would be new grade once again the rest of the way to the Uintah Basin.Hot Springs, AR
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30005Justin WertThis rail project would help thousands of families struggling in the basin right now! Mine being one of them, people are leaving, people are going out of business simply because we have no consistent way to transport our oil and we are cut back on production so bad.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)Comment
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-30003Tad CalcaraThe Indian Canyon route is the most logical. In addition to the freight traffic on this route - passenger service should be STRONGLY considered. This remote area has VERY few transportation options - and including passenger rail service would be a HUGE boost to the economies of the communities served along this rail line.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26728Website CommentsPublic Comments
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26719Carbon County, UtahTodd Thorne
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26713Bruce Hain
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26701Lionel Trepanier
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26697Bureau of Land ManagementBLM Utah
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentRuland Gill
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentDocket No. FD 36284 Attention Josh Wayland, My name is Melissa Peck and my husband & I have been in the Indian Canyon area since 1996. We are on our third Generation there. We Oppose the Uinta Basin Railway for many reasons, which I will go into in a min. We Specifically Oppose the Indian Canyon Route and the Wells Draw Route because of the location and the terrain. There has been 4 other studies done on this Canyon area in the past 18 years and they have all come back denied because of Steepness, too rugged of terrain and too costly. 3 of these studies by the same people that have just done this one, so what's changed? I suspect the amount of money put in to insure the Current Study Passes. Also Jones & DeMille Engineering, Who are doing the Engineering on the UBR. have never done a railway project before and have dramatically underestimated the project, quoting the Price City Mayor, Jones & DeMille are the Last Engineers I would hire, they totally messed up our ball park, its a real mess!" the drainage has never been right and still floods several times a year. Also Mike McKee, (former CIB board member) who is heading up this project, also headed up another large scale project, building a highway across the basin into Grand county which was never completed, the project was under estimated and ran out of money to finish it so Grand county pulled out and to this day, there is still a deserted highway in the basin that stops in the middle of nowhere, just ends! where over $150,000,000 dollars were waisted. I know they are underestimating this project as well. It will cost more money to go through Indian Canyon & Wells Draw with massive tunnels & numerous trestles including one massive one, than it will to go to Craig Colorado by the time its finished (if it gets finished). Indian Canyon and the Argyle Canyon areas have many environmental issues. There is Coal & Methane Gas pockets all over that area, there are Nat. gas pumps all over as well. our neighbor hit two gas pockets while drilling his well. There is a major fault line that runs through there where the rail line is going, the ground shifts constantly around there, there is areas where the State can't stabilize highway 191 they have to just keep fixing it and its been that way since before we were there. so the State has posted it a slide area. (I will try to download pictures) .There are several dead end box canyons in there. If a spark from a train starts a fire, there will be people that wont be able to get out. We seem to have more drought years anymore than good water years so Springs are extremely important up there and they can change, sometimes they disappear and a new one will pop up somewhere else, I think that is due to the shifting ground but we that have springs or wells baby them and are very protective of them. The animals will be displaced. just since this May we have had a cougar, bobcat, bears, deer and Elk on our camera on our driveway, we know we also have fox, Sage & Forest grouse, weasels, Squirrels Etc.. and have even seen wolf tracks in the winter. and even a buffalo one year! This is a very unique Canyon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holds group Sunday Services there because there are so many people up there that go. They also have many acres there for Girls camp & Scout camp where the youth can experience the peace and quiet of the mountains and unplug and become closer to nature. All these things I have mentioned will be effected in a very negative way by the Uinta Basin railroad coming through. not to mention the mountain its self, to reach the ground elevation coming out of the tunnel on the South end they will have to carve out over 30' down and who knows how far across that will make it just to reach the Massive Trestle to cross over the lower Canyon and will ruin the little waterfall. Pluss the huge Const. staging areas will also destroy the trees and natural beauty that Duchesne County doesn't have much of. From there it will run along the fault line then zig-zag down and wipe out several privately owned properties that have been there for some over four generations. all this for Oil Companies who aren't putting in a dime for this rail line. The other merchants & businesses will not be using it. They SCIC doesn't have a single business willing to commit to using it other than the Oil Companies and there are no contracts there either. the public will not benefit from this rail line. they will however experience Higher Pollution Levels, more local Truck traffic coming & going from the rail hub, from the result of increased production, which also means more water usage and the basin is a desert which experiences water shortages in the summer months. Experts have determined there's about Eighty six Billion Barrels of Oil in the Basin, If that is the Case, the Basin will be out of oil in 5-7 years if they up production from the 80+ thousand barrels per day to the 250-350 thousand barrels per day like they say they will. That is before the rail line will even be paid off!!! not to mention what does that leave for our posterity? and what does pumping that much oil out so fast do to the geological aspect of the Basin? could it cause shifting or earthquakes? We believe this to be a bad thing for the Basin in the long run and an absolutely devastating thing to Indian Canyon & Argyle Canyon and all its inhabitants there in. If by chance this rail line is approved and there are repercussions from it like we know there will be. who will be held responsible for them, the STB, the CIB or the SCIC? I believe they will all be at fault, but we the citizens will be the ones effected, hurt or worse. When hazardous materials are spilled, leaked or ignited. Who will be held responsible? are Hazardous materials even allowed to go through tunnels this size? I have also heard that there are no machines in the US. that are capable of drilling that size/length of a tunnel and machines will have to be brought in from another country to actually do it. Who's responsible if it hits a methane pocket and sparks a rock and blows the whole mountain like an accident that happened several years ago? This has the potential to be a very dangerous and risky project, I sure wouldn't want to be involved. I really hope and pray that the STB really weighs the risks, the negative effects and permanent damage verses the benefits to a select few, and makes the right decision for all. If & when there are repercussions, it will be too late to go back and change your mind. Thank you for your time. Melissa Peck"Melissa Peck · LEHI, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26672William Marsing Livestock, Inc.Please see my comments provided in the attached PDF file. Thank you.William Butcher · Price, UT
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentEI-26671Western Energy AlliancePlease see the attached comment letter from Western Energy Alliance. Thank you.Stuart Siffring · Denver, CO
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(printed as 9/3/2019)CommentThe attached is an addendum to our original comment letter submitted August 30, 2019. The addendum simply indicates that two additional organizations should be considered to be signed on to our original comments.Ryan Beam · Salt Lake City, Utah
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30329Ashley Valley Calvary ChapelI am a long time resident of Vernal. I've lived here through the numerous boom and bust cycles and have seen first hand the impact that families in our community experience because of the instability of our economy. As the Pastor of a local church, I've personally witnessed and been with families when they've had to make the very difficult decision to leave our community because of the lack of jobs and the inconsistency again in our Area economically. In 2008, when the economy took a significant downturn, we lost around 15 families from our church and community who had to relocate. Since the most recent downturn, we've lost 30 families over the last 4 years who again had no choice but to leave the area. Our church has lost approx 45 families in 11 years! Families that love our church and community and DIDNT want to leave, but again, had little choice. It is very difficult when people share life together in a great place like Vernal and don't have the options that many believe the Uinta Basin Railway will bring go our community and the surrounding area. As a long time resident here, I've talked to a lot of people and the vast majority are very much FOR the railway. I believe our experience is a snap shot of other churches in our community as well and I thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective on this critical matter. Sincerely, Pastor Phil N. Daggett Ashley Valley Calvary ChapelPhil Daggett · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30328Andrew HerreraTo whom it may concern, I am writing this letter in hopes of getting someone to look at different options for the railway that will be less impactful for the area, wildlife and community as a whole. In researching the different routes and impact on the local area there are several other options that would be sufficient and satisfy both parties. Much of the current property is preserving wildlife and continuing family legacies. Please look into other options that will not violate the land and property owners' rights. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." I know a quote from Dr. Seuss might sound cheesy, but it is most likely something you are familiar with. I, we as a community are trying to find a more common ground so that both parties can progress without doing causing harm to the area, wildlife and community. I asks that you look into other options that better support both parties. Thank you for your time. Best, Chantel & Andrew HerreraSouth Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30327John BruchThe opportunities this railway brings to the Uinta Basin extend beyond just the energy sector. Due to the geography of this area, the Basin is somewhat isolated from other communities and having rail service will prove to be a benefit to the residents in several ways: 1. SAFETY: There are no alternative truck routes bypassing any community in the Basin, hence every load of lumber, furniture, groceries, crude oil, hydrochloric acid, etc. must be transported through the main street of each town. Having a rail service may reduce much of the truck traffic through these areas, thus reducing the chances for crashes and chemical spills in populated areas. 2. OPPORTUNITIES: A. Having the option of transporting commodities by rail may open the Basin up to industries such as manufacturing which in the past was not feasible. B. The residents of the Basin would have an entirely new field of learning/careers which the high schools, technical college, and USU could promote in addition to the courses already offered. 3. TAX REVENUES: The various communities tax coffers would grow by virtue of the increased volume of produced oil and gas, not to mention other commodities such as agriculture, lumber, phospate, etc. 4. STABILIZATION: By at least having a chance to import various materials, and export the goods produced in the Basin, the turbulence and uncertainty of the energy sector could be somewhat mitigated. I have lived in Vernal off and on since 1980 for a total of 19+ years. During that time I have seen the communities in this great area boom, bust, strive, and thrive. I would like to see the rail service come to the Basin, and we, the residents take advantage of the opportunities it affords. Respectfully submitted, John BruchVernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30326Stephanie AndersonI am a life long resident of Vernal, and my family has been here at least 6 generations. I support the railway via Craig. Railway transportation for oil, gas, farming commodities, as well as commodities yet to be known will be beneficial for the Basin. The rail will increase safety on our residential roads and highways. A railroad will diversify our continual boom and bust economy giving security to families who have been in the Uintah Basin for generations. We love our valley. Help us help our valley, economy, and residents.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30325Douglas BrownTo Whom it May Concern, With regards to the Uinta Basin Railway project, the value of what this project will bring to the quality of life and helping improve our transportation needs is beyond what we can fathom at this time. For myself, working in the transportation industry, I see every day how vital additional forms of transportation for our people and goods is to our region. We are constantly striving to improve our quality of life here in the Uinta Basin, and the key to that is improving our transportation and connectivity to the outside markets. We see time and time again the ups and downs of various industries, and we feel it more deeply than other areas that do not have to deal with the transportation issues we deal with. I would highly recommend to the Surface Transportation Board that we press forward with this project and the necessary steps to see this come to fruition. I am happy to add additional comments as needed regarding the necessity of this additional infrastructure for our region. As for the quality of life for the residents of the Uinta Basin, this project will bring many great opportunities to our citizens and generations to come. Thank you.Tridell, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30324Carson YoungI support the railway as a citizen of Uintah County, Utah. The Uinta Basin railway will bring economic stability to the region by supporting not only the oil and gas industry, but all economic industries within the region. In addition, the railway will reduce the congestion on our crowded highways, reducing the maintenance costs on highways.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30211Corey FoleyI'm a local life long Vernalite. I am also a local business owner, I would like to see the train in our area to benefit our local economy with more diversity. I have lived here for 2 boom and bust cycles, I've seen friends and family loose homes, businesses and witnessed the effects of this cycle on people and our local economy. The train opens doors for the Uintah Basin and our people, it gives us the opportunity to export, import and to grow diversified in so many other sectors. Please please consider this project as viable for our areas. CoreyVernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30210National Oil Shale AssociationGary Aho · Rifle, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30207Kristin ForbisI one hundred percent support the Uinta Basin Railway proposal. It is very difficult living in an area with such wide economic fluctuations and limited job opportunities when the economy is struggling. I know that a careful process is taken to consider environmental factors and other important considerations and believe this is what this area needs to have any chance of surviving in the long term. I do understand why property owners may be opposed or at least upset by this prospect and I believe they need to be fairly compensated, above the value to account for the value they are losing. The interest of a few, however, is not more important than the interest of the larger population and viability of our economic survival. Thank you for your consideration.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30206Lynnette AllredI think the railroad would benefit Uintah & Duchesne Counties and should go forward.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30205Korey OlsenThe rail make sense in so many different ways! The taxes paid on the rail and the commodities sold will benefit the Uinta Basin and Utah for many years to come. Stop all the trucks driving the Highway 40 and do what is most economical, build the rail! KOProvo, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30204Dean HutcheonDefinitely for the railway coming to Vernal. We need to be able to get oil out of the Basin in a safe and efficient way. This will help stabilize the market here as well.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30203Carolyn JohnsonAttention: Environmental Filing, Docket No. FD 36284 As a citizen who lives in Utah, I am writing cast a "No" vote on Environmental Filing, Docket No. FD36284. Our money and investment of time and resources needs to be spent on processes that leads us to a future with better air quality and sustainable jobs. Spending 1.2 - 1.4 billion on an oil/gas project that depends on railroad and its subsequent additional pollution is a giant step backwards. This is not in the best interest of Utah nor an investment in our future. Use the 1.2 billion to invest in education of people for retraining for new jobs and developing new technologies. Thank you, Carolyn JohnsonSandy, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30202Steven HattonPlease move forward with the proposed railway through the basin! It cannot help but diversify our current reliance on "oil only" business, I and my family are reliant on the oil industry as of right now. This can only help!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30201Brady ThompsonA railroad would be a tremendous asset for our community. I am in full support. Please help us attain stability in our area by increasing our transportation options. Thank you.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30200Amanda EllstromThe basin is dying economically. We need to bring back jobs and people into these towns. Look how many houses are in the market right now. Everyone is moving out not in. I really believe this railway will help build our towns and give many more job opportunities.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30199Dan BrownI feel this railway has no respect for for the UINTAH Basin when they can't even spell our home right. I feel like somewhere in the fine print the people who reside in the Basin are going to suffer... job loss, stealing of public and private lands, wildlife and habitat loss, etc. One of my very favorite things about the community at large is they have a respect for their cultural and historical roots. It's not the "drill baby drill" attitude I was surrounded by when I lived in Wyoming and Nevada. I feel this railway is exactly that, a bunch of rich railway / oil barons coming in to line their pockets with promises of a brighter future for the community only to leave a strip mined wasteland in its wake. The losses in comparison to what we "might" gain are to great to risk.No provided, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30198Kris MaylettThank you for all of your support on this project! This will definitely help our economy here in the Uintah basin. We need more ways to become more economically stable and this is a big win!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-30197David EvansI am concerned about the loss of farm and ranch ground that may be in the direct path of the construction of the rail line. While I support the construction and usage and the obvious benefit of the rail line, please utilize caution in where specifically the rail and supporting infrastructure may be located in relationship to farm and ranch properties. Please involve those landowners in the decision making process of where to locate the facilities that do not affect the overall operation of farms and ranches. With an ever increasing world population, and the United States of America essentially feeding the world, it is imperative that there is no net loss of farm and ranch ground. For your information, according to the latest farm census (2018) the United States of America farmers and ranchers feed 166 people worldwide. Please reach out to farm and ranch non governmental organizations (NGO's) in the development of this rail to receive their input as well. These groups (such as Utah Farm Bureau, Utah Cattleman's Association, and the local county Cattleman's Associations) may provide valuable insight in the development process of the proposed rail. Please also reach out to local governments including state, county, tribal, and city as well to receive their input. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-26714Alan Ernstsen
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-26711Danielle Montague-Judd
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-26707National Oil Shale AssociationGary D. Aho
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-26674Argyle Wilderness PreservationMr. Wayland, My husband, Terry, bought this land years before we got married. When he was Twenty-one, he purchased it from his Uncle, Carl, who has since passed away. There was an agreement to keep it in the family. This land is meant for future generations not only to enjoy but also to preserve. Terry has been dealing with health issues for the last 9+ years. We have not been able to build on the land until very recently. We were so excited to finally have our dream of creating a small getaway on the land come true, only to then hear that they want to take it all away. As a family we have been able to go out to the land with our children to find a little peace. Throughout the years we have been able to watch and experience the various wildlife that calls this land home. Deer with their Fawn, Moose, Elk and many others that live in this slice of preserved land that still welcomes nature. Imposing a railroad on this land is ethically wrong. It will affect the community, families, but most importantly the wildlife. There are already alternative routes in place that would easily be connected to in the immediate area. These routes would not cut through existing property and land that will affect those mentioned above. This is a typical case of greed, violating landowner's rights for profit. Whether or not anyone owns the land we are all stewards and it is up to all of us to do what is right. There is not a lot of this kind of land available anymore so having this space to enjoy what nature has given us is precious and shouldn't be taken for granted. You want to impose a right of way for a railroad line. What is next a right of way for a power line which is already in the works or a pipeline to transmit oil or gas or one of each. Where is this ever going to end. You have it withing your power to preserve this precious land. We appreciate the opportunity to have our voice heard. Deanna and Terry HerreraTerry and Deanna Herrera · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 9/2/2019)CommentEI-26673Danielle Montague-JuddComment re: Docket No. FD 36284 ATTN: Joshua Wayland I am commenting as a rural Utah citizen on the proposed Uinta Basin Railway project. I oppose this project for the following reasons: 1. Harmful impacts of increased oil production: regional air pollution. Oil production would increase up to four times the current level of extraction. Increased production will exacerbate already dangerous air pollution levels in the Uinta Basin. 2. Harmful impacts of increased oil production: increased carbon in the atmosphere. Increasing oil production four-fold is many steps in the wrong direction that Utah needs to move in order to help mitigate the effects of too much carbon in the atmosphere, i.e., global warming. 3. Harmful impacts: water shortages. A quadrupling of oil production in the Uinta Basin requires a lot of water--water that is in short supply in the region. 4. Harmful impacts: land degradation. Increased production on this scale will negatively impact the region's landscapes. 5. Harmful impacts: dangerous oil trains. The United States has refused to take commonsense steps to improve the safety of oil trains. Because of this, oil train transport is risky and poses dangers to the communities through which the trains travel. 6. Harmful impacts: taxpayer burden. The amount of oil recovered is not guaranteed, and taxpayers could be left paying part of the cost of the railway. 7. Harmful impacts: reliance on volatile economies. Fossil fuel ventures by nature operate on a boom-bust cycle. A wiser investment would be to move towards more stable, cleaner, and sustainable energy economies. 8. Finally, there has been little opportunity for public comment and participation. More information needs to be given about the project and its costs. There are too many potentially harmful impacts from this project, and I oppose it. Thanks for the chance to comment. Sincerely, DanielleWanship, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30196Ron WoodRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30195Debbie JonesI am so sad and so sorry that you've spent millions of dollars and want to spend billions more on a project that hasn't been fully been investigated. Please don't "just believe" what the coalition is saying and trying to do, but do your own homework. I'm opposed and Do Not believe in or support this horrible plan.Lehi, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30194Rebecca FisherI support the railway and the people bringing it to the Basin. I think it will help us all here. I would like to see it help stabilize the economy so the people here and myself included don't have to struggle with the ups and downs of the economy.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30193Chad FisherI support the Rail way coming to the Basin. I think it will help us greatly with very little environmental impact. I would like to see it built and I support the people building it.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30192Mickel WomackRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30191Indra BhonsleUinta basin has lacked progress and growth in Utah. It is high time the county needs to grow and add value to the community growth. The proposed railroad is a good start. The facility shall enable for oil industry to facilitate establish new businesses such as oil refineries. Additionally, new ancillary manufacturing activity will facilitate the business activity around such businesses. This added infrastructure in the area shall create much needed new employment opportunities. The educational institutes such as Utah State University and Uinta Basin Technical college can assist the business growth employments needs. I have attended several meetings related to the this subject. I am of the opinion that the county, state and federal government are committed to bring the necessary change to the community. This project is viable and need of the time. I support their efforts made in the right direction.Bountiful, UT
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(printed as 9/1/2019)CommentEI-30189Alan HaslemI believe the Uinta Basin Railway will provide an opportunity for expansion and development of the oil and gas industry in the Basin that will benefit the region, and the State of Utah in general.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/31/2019)CommentEI-30188Lana WarrenYes by all means. We need the railway. I believe many aren't convinced because they're uninformed regarding the trucking of crude and gas.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/31/2019)CommentEI-30187Douglas RobertsIs it wise to quadruple the amount of fossil fuels extracted from the Uintah Basin? The earth is overheating; let's leave it in the ground. Our/your grandchildren deserve a healthy and survivable planet. Let's build more wind turbines instead! Thanks, Doug RobertsBountiful, UT
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(printed as 8/31/2019)CommentEI-26691Sylvia Gray
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30322Ryan FairbanksTo Whom it May Concern: Our family owns 10 acres of recreational property at or near the indicated location in Section 14, Township 11 South, Range 10 East, SLM and 20 acres in Section 12 of the same Township about 0.5 to 0.65 miles North-Northeast along Hwy 191 from the marked location. We also own 60 acres of recreational property about 2.5 miles SE of the marked location. I am a petroleum landman and have been engaged in the oil & gas industry since 2005. While the 90 acres of undeveloped recreational property is an asset to our family and a tranquil place away from daily concerns and traffic, it is remote, barren, and mostly unusable for recreational purposes due to the steep grade pervasive on all of the parcels, with the exception of a few very small areas and sheds that have been constructed on the properties. It is of greater value as grazing land and not likely in any event to be negatively impacted by the proposed railroad, being about 1 mile away at the closest points. We'd like to see the railroad have its best chances at being approved and constructed because it would benefit the larger communities of Duchesne and Uintah Counties. We feel that the impact to us, our property, and its use will be negligible compared to the benefit to the local economy, and the oil & gas industry. Please keep me informed about the ongoing developments of the EIS and the proposed rialroad. -Ryan Fairbanks, Co-Guardian for Richard Fairbanks and Petroleum LandmanVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30186Lew HackfordI support the railway and the expansion of possibilities that it will bring. I want my grandchildren to have more job opportunities.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30185Michael DurrantIt is my belief that the rail system proposed would positively impact the economy and safety of the Uintah Basin. It would reduce polutants and in the long run impact the environment less then continuation of truck traffic presently required to provide for the needs of the people in the basin. I hope it will proceed.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30184Don HallI believe the railroad project would greatly benefit the economy of the basin. We have had past county commissioners state that the basin's economy had developed to the point that we no longer depend on the oil industry for primary support for our infrastructure. Now the commissioners are struggling to make their budget on much lower mineral lease funds. The simple truth is, support the oil industry or not, we all benefit from that revenue throughout the entire basin in one form or another.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30183Jay BarfussI want to voice my support of the railway project in general. I think the environmental impact to the area can be managed and mitigated through careful planning, and that the expected economic gains outweigh the risks. The route chosen should be based primarily on lessening the environmental and local resident impact.Randlett, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentI believe the railway will bring long term employment to the Basin! It will give a sustainable economy and help to alleviate the boom and bust periods we have all seen. I am for this 100%!Bob Halbert Jr. · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30181Clint AshmeadI highly recommend that this study and project continue as a solution for effective transportation options in and out of the Uinta Basin. Utah waxy crude feeds our local Utah refineries daily. It is estimated that every three minutes a truck is actively moving this product. Thus, resulting in un-necessary wear and tear onto our public roads and quite possibly not funding our network appropriately through gas/fuel taxes. This also contributes to our poor air quality that everyone in our state would like to provide solutions for. Rail is that answer. Truck traffic volume also contributes great risk of accidents along the corridor including several communities. As a common carrier, this railway would provide the option for rail activity in and out of the basin allowing for any commodity to be more competitive within marketplace.Elk Ridge, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30180Blue Diamond CapitalOn behalf of Blue Diamond Capital I would like to submit a comment of support for the Craig Route of the Uinta Basin Railway. Blue Diamond Capital is owned by Marc Bingham who was born in the Uinta Basin and he still has his home and considerable property holdings in the Vernal area. Our support for this project is based on the following: 1. This will increase the flow of oil out of the Uinta Basin on a train and reduce many of the tens of thousands of semi trucks that travel out of the basin to the Salt Lake Valley every year on public roadways. This will help with air quality, safety for travelers on I-40, and reduce the amount of necessary road maintenance on I-40 and local roads. 2. It will increase and keep jobs in rural Utah that is slowly contracting as urbanization increases along the Wasatch Front of the Salt Lake Valley. Keeping more jobs spread around the state reduces the demand on water and resources in the Salt Lake Valley. 3. This train system can be built to run efficiently and in a safe manner to have minimal impacts on the surrounding environment and wildlife. Thanks you for your support of this important and needed project.GREGORY SHEEHAN · LAYTON, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30179Tonya BarnesThank you for providing a place for people to voice their concerns in regards to the railway routes. I would like to voice my opposition to the railway in Indian Canyon. My family owns three different parcels of land in Indian Canyon. My Grandma bought the first 10 acre parcel many years ago. Later my parents bought it from her. About 10 years ago my brother bought a 20 acre parcel close to my parents. This year my husband and I bought a 10 acre parcel minutes away from my parents land. We are excited to create memories with our small growing family. I believe a railway going through the canyon would cause strain to the property, it's owners, and the environment. The increased fire danger, destruction of land, construction, damage to wilderness, and harm to wildlife is something I hope the STB will consider. We are neighbors. We are friends. We are individuals who have spent our lives dedicated to these mountains. Our ancestors have done the same. This is our second home. Please help us protect it and us from the irreparable damage a railway would cause to our precious mountain. Thank you!None given, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-30178Kathy HillHistory is rich with opposition to change. The same is true in our community. In any decision in regards to a railway or other, there is never a black and white solution. There is never a choice that is 100% pro or con. I believe our challenge and opportunities lie in choosing the opportunities in which the positive impacts outweigh or even swallow up any negatives. Individuals who will be most directly effected, need to take the large view and consider the opportunities they personally have to directly be able to make a significant impact upon their posterity and residents who are living here now and in the future. What an opportunity that is!!! Most of us only dream of being able to have that kind of positive influence in a community. We all must look beyond our own selfish interests to the good of our nation and community. Our nation was built upon the public virtue and sacrifices of those kinds of individuals. Where would we be now if they remained riveted on what is best for them?? I truly believe the railway in the Basin will be a huge benefit to our community. I believe any opposition to the railway is typical of small towns resisting changes in the past as the railroad was in its infancy in our nation. I believe as we cultivate an open mind to new solutions and stay involved in the community that there will be yet many more significant and productive changes to our area. Water unmoved becomes stagnant. Incoming streams and rivers bring life and vitality to a body of water. The same is true of a community and nation.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/30/2019)CommentEI-26712STRATA NetworksBruce Todd
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(printed as 8/30/2019)Comment
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30321Arvin and Bonnie WintertonWe are 100% supportive of the Uinta Basin Railway project as it would greatly improve the economy of the Uintah Basin. It seems that the least expensive, least impactful route, which some indicate would run through Indian Canyon, would be best. This is an exciting prospect, and we hope for the best as it moves along.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30320Damon SchilowskyHello, I wanted to first and foremost thank you for your time. I would like to weigh in on railway routes. I believe the most sustainable route environmentally and economically should be pursued. The route should be one that the community at large can be proud of and right of way acquired as ethically as possible. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I hope this project succeeds. I believe it to be a benefit to the Uintah Basin and Utah as a whole.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30319David ShelleyI Feel Very Strongly It will Destroy our environment That our community has tried so hard to protect. It is our little peace of heaven that we can get away and find peace and quite from all the noise -pollution-crime of the every day stress of the city life a place to relaxes and unwind spend quality time with Friends and family teach our kids the true meaning of nature and wildlife Our water resource's will be highly impacted as well I Feel there are better routes with less impact and Cheaper!!Herriman, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30177Marisa MillsI am so excited to see the railroad coming to the Basin. Thank you for all involved in the process of bringing it and for all the work to make it happen. Let's keep it moving!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30176Darrell GillmanMyton, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30175Jon McDonadI would like to see it simply because, so we don't have to depend on the Oilfield as our only really sources of income for those that were not able to go to college and get a degree in something they will never use for whatever reason. I think you would be nice to see some different industry and Vernal and Roosevelt and Duchenne Myself I don't like to see in people lose their house and everything they own because of the apps and downs of the oil field industry. I don't like seeing Family and friends having to move away because they are unemployed. I moved away Move away because of their jobs. That oil field has controlled every city in the in the Basin for too many years. It could very possibly bring in new industrial jobs to our community.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30174MFCP Inc.I, from a professional and a personal standpoint, stand behind and support the uintah basin railway. Having grown up outside of the area, in a small town with a railway passing through, can speak with a knowledge of the positive outcome of having a railway in the area. It is an opportunity that will increase jobs and the economy. It will allow us to positively affect the current markets, while bringing in other market options as well.Brenden Harden · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30173Ryan ReynoldsThis will be one of the absolute best things that could happen to the basin. We live and die by the boom and bust of oil. Having the railway will make that boom and bust not as severe as it will make the transportation of oil cheaper. It will also bring other industries in along with helping existing markets we have. Nothing would be better at this time for the basin!Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30172Geraldine TrujilloTo the Environmental Impact Board: I believe the railroad will have no negative impact on the Environment of our area. It won't hurt the natural surroundings at all. The sun will keep coming up every morning. The grass, flowers, and trees will keep growing. The cows will keep eating their grass. The wildlife will not be harmed any more than the highway endangers them, in fact I'd venture to say, even less, than if 100 separate trucks were driving by- hauling the loads a train would haul. The land owners who are protesting the train going through their land I can sympathize with a little, but the amount of royalties they will likely receive will I'm sure be a nice payment! Too bad I don't own land in Indian Canyon, I'd love it! The clickety clack of a train isn't any worse than 4-wheelers of the ranchers buzzing across their ranch or up in the mountains, and it only lasts just a minute or two and then it rolls away. As far as ruining the scenery, the beauty is definately in the eye of the beholder. I love to see a train, and will especially love to see this one when the tracks are all built and it is running through the countryside because to me it will represent a more stable economy instead of the roller coaster ups and downs of the oil field, more jobs for the families who love to live here, more financial security for every business, and family, and child, and yet more to come! It represents progress and bringing our Vernal Area into the modern world. It means more tax revenue coming in to continue to grow and develop our area, and even fund the government workers' paychecks. The people who's land it will cross will be heroes in assisting this wonderful addition to our community to come into existence! I fully support the Uinta Railway! 3 Cheers! Geraldine TrujiulloVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30171Catherine GillundYES! YES! YES! to the railway project. There are always impacts to the environment when roads, tunnels and railways are built. Where would this country be without those necessities? We need the railway in the Uintah Basin. Tired, overworked truck drivers are a hazard to all of us on the road. Pick the best alternative and get this project started ASAP!!Naples, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30160Panhandle Oilfield SvcMy names is Dustin Nyberg I'm the operation manager at panhandle oilfield Svc. We are in support of the rail in the Uintah basin. We handle a lot of casing, tubing and pumping jacks in our other facilities around the country. Having the rail in the basin would give us the ability to ramp up our business by 20%.Dustin Nyberg · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentEI-30140wayland hackfordI am a local to the Uintah Basin, I was born and raised in Lapoint Utah and have a lot of family that have had and still work in the oil industry here locally and other states as well. I believe that this rail could widen the opportunities for not only the oil and gas industry but other avenues as well such as, helping get cattle out of here or even the hay we see traveling in and out of here frequently. I'm a full supporter in having this rail system into our home town so that maybe it will help create stability in the working environment for future generations. The ups and downs of the oil industry is scarce and I feel like the rail may bring in some other industries to our region. Thank you for your time sincerely Wayland HackfordBallard, UT
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(printed as 8/29/2019)CommentKeith Hooper
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(printed as 8/29/2019)Comment
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30318Alvin NielsenDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30309Janie SchneiderOur basin has long suffered the ups and downs of the oilfield. While in some ways the lack of reasonable transportation for getting our oil to the markets has kept our area small and rural, it is hard to have a consistent lifestyle for our families. I am 100% in support of building a railroad and opening us up for oil transport and the possibilities of new industries coming into our community.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30265Jeremy RaymondI am very supportive of the railway. It will create jobs and help stabilize the economy during ups and downs in the oil/gas field. Increase in mineral production increases money and revenue for the state of Utah and Uintah County.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30170Ashley Regional Medical CenterI was born and raised in Vernal Utah. I have been employed at Ashley Regional Medical Center for the past 28 years. I am the CFO of the hospital. The proposed railroad has my full support. Not only will the railroad help our economy it will also help the entire nation not be dependent on foreign countries for our energy needs. I think the railroad will have a little to no impact on the environment. Many of the people opposed to the railroad do not even live here or understand our environment. I am in favor of the Indian Canyon Route because it is the least costly and will allow us to have access to two railroad companies. The railway will not only benefit the oil and gas industries, it will also benefit the agricultural industries. From my point of view there is a big upside to building the railroad and little downside if any.Chad Labrum · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30169jeremy mcdougaldThis is a great idea it will boost the economy and possibly open jobsvernal, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30159Jared JacksonThis project would be very beneficial for our community. It would help stabilize the local economy and provide steady employment. As a local citizen and business manager I support this project.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30148Bill KeithIn vernal, they frequently talk about being diversified and not counting on just the oil field for employment. Walmart and Lowe's and grocery stores do not count as jobs that can provide for a family on a single income. This is an opportunity to create "career" kind of jobs. Please, don't let it slip by.None given, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentEI-30139Rebecca BradyI support the Uinta Basin Railway if it will in fact help our economy to be more stable, and not continue the boom-bust cycle, which has been devastating on our small business. Vernal is a wonderful community, but its citizens need a more secure economy where they can really settle down and thrive as they work and raise their families.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/28/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham · Lehi, Utah
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30317Darin LandesWe are an industrial saw mill, just North of Duchesne. We employ approx. 15 people, including our logging operation. Our main market is providing timbers to local coal mines in the Price area. With the railroad, we would be able to send our timbers down to Emery County and eliminate trucks going over Indian Canyon. We also have the possibly of being awarded the contract for prividing the railroad project with timbers for the construction, keeping that revenue here in the Basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30168Michael WoodThis project would be beneficial for the basin economy. We have been in a slump the last 10 years. So many people have moved away. Granted some were not missed but the majority are. The area would benefit with more accessibility for our oil industry..Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30167Lee JenkinsHere in the Uintah Basin we have been neglected by the state because it doesn't benefit the Wasatch Front to contribute to anything here unless it benefits them. Like taking the Flyover tax away. There is a lot of Oil Tax revenue sent to the state and very little returns.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30166Gary HalesBased upon what I know I am in favor of the project. You need to continue to get as much information out to the puplic as you can. There is a lot of misinformation being spread currently by those against the project.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30165Scott AtwoodI think that the rail project is a long overdue and much needed asset to the Uintah basin. I am all in favor of the project.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30164Kirstien Bru1) helps stabilize the Uintah Basin's economy 2) Helps get products in & out of The Basin 3) Reduces additional truck traffic on HWY 40 4) Will add jobs and opportunities to future generations!! 5)People outside of our area needs to stay out of our businessVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30163Layne BessThe Uinta basin needs the rail to help with the transportation of out oil and gas in the basin. I feel it would keep the trucks going to the refinery in the city at a minimum but yet keep them busy out in the oil fields transferring to the rail. This not only would be an economic boost for the economy but also a safety factor by limiting the truck traffic going to the city. Thank you Layne Bess Senior Driver Enervest operating 435-724-3570Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-30162Mike StengelI want to thank the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, as well as Mike McKee for the time and dedication to this project. Mike has joined us on my radio program "The Uintah Basin Today Show" many times and provided valuable information about the project. age and his organization and partners have been very transparent about the project throughout the entire process. I want to express my personal support of the project and the railway. The Uintah Basin is greatly impacted by its inability to ship oil to the global markets. The reality is that the basin will continue to go through large boom/bust cycles without diversifying it's client base and improving its infrastructure. No business can survive or be dependent on only one client. The North Salt Lake Refineries (NSLR) have enjoyed cheep oil from the basin, because we have nowhere else to ship our product. Our current supply far exceeds what the NSLR can take, and the basin should never be dependent on on customer or source of revenue. The Uinta Basin Railway will allow oil producers in the Basin export our oil to the global economy, this leveling out the highs and lows of the market cycles and reduce the discount NSLR receives from being our only customer. I support this rail project without reservation or apologies. As a local real estate agent in the basin I have sat across the table from families that has lost one or both jobs and are facing loosing their home to foreclosure, where short selling their home is their only best option. The rail infrastructure project allows the basin to grow and diversify it economy, which is long overdue.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/27/2019)CommentEI-26717Tom Henderson
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-30161Richard PowellI am very supportive of the Uintah Basin Railway for several reasons. First, there is tremendous development potential for the oil and gas industry in the basin that can never be realized without better transportation. Second, this project will increase business, job and career opportunities for basin kids, by promoting economic diversity in the basin. Third, crude oil truck traffic on Hwy 40 is causing high maintenance costs and dangerous driving conditions. Let's build this railway!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-30158Andrew McClellanI grew up in the Uintah Basin and my father, Brad McClellan, is a well known life-long Basin resident. I have seen the ebbs and flows that occurred in the oil field during my upbringing and also by keeping in touch with friends who work for oil companies. I started a waste water company in 2008 and did most of our work for Anadarko on the Vernal side of the field. After a couple of years, during the first downturn, we sought work elsewhere and eventually found good work with EOG Resources in the Stanley area. Looking back I can clearly see how impactful and beneficial having a railway that can export petroleum and agriculture products from the Basin to the rest of the available markets can be. I'm not sure I would have had a need to leave the Basin if something of this nature were in place. I strongly condone and recommend that a railway be built. I have talked with executives from EOG's Houston office that know of the special characteristics that the crude in the Basin carries and it could help make petroleum products in the refineries in the gulf. It would completely revitalize and revive the Uintah Basin's economy and workforce. Thank you, AndrewMapleton, UT
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-30157Stephen HendersonLong time business in the Uintah Basin. We have suffered the swings in the economy beginning in the 80's. The railway would benefit vertually everyone directly or indirectly. I can appreciate that there are a few that will be negatively impacted, but that is unavoidable and must be tolerated for the good of the masses. I believe the Indian Canyon route makes the most sense.vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-30156D.R. HorrocksI am in full support with this project. Indian canyon works for me. We need this project to happen to bring vernal back to where it use to be at.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-30155Angela NeatheryAnxious to see this railway come to fruition! What a great benefit to all the local small business owners! And all the jobs it will bring to our community! Rooting for this railway to be built efficiently and in a timely manner! Sincerely.... Someone who survives on tips. When Vernal thrives, I thrive!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-30154Kevin MortonI support the Uinta Basin Railway project. I have lived in the Uintah Basin most of my life. It is a beautiful place with unique resources. I am a little mixed about the rail project. I don't want the small town atmosphere to disappear, but at the same time, our children leave town because of a lack of work. I see the railway as a way to utilize the great resources in the Uintah Basin. I would like to see that economic sustainability come for future generations so they can support their families and not have to move in order to do so.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-26667Bureau of Land ManagementBLM Colorado
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentEI-26666U.S. Army Corps of EngineersNicole Fresard
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(printed as 8/26/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/25/2019)CommentEI-30153Hans OlsenWherever the route s, this will save many lives by reducing truck traffic on the highways and oil spills resulting from those accidents. Just build it!Albuquerque, NM
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(printed as 8/25/2019)CommentEI-30152John WahlAs a former Vice President of Instruction at the Technical College, I was concerned with the economic welfare of the Uintah Basin. The lack of rail transportation has held back the region's growth for years. The ability to move high tonnage mineral, petrochemical, and agricultural products could greatly enhance this region's economic output, adding to Utah's productivity.Salisbury, NC
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(printed as 8/24/2019)CommentEI-30316Brian StevensWhat about the old railroad grade from wats dragon over the top it has already been established. I don't care how we get it to vernal just get it hear. Just a thought since it was already there isn't it historical and just rejuvenation of a historical site the grade from their to vernal wold not be a hard one and is in the oil field not going through private property to stop all the complaints of thatVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/24/2019)CommentEI-30151Greg GardinerThis is very necessary to help the rebuild of the economy and establish jobs to sustain our future for the basin. Every separate entity of the basin will benefit from the rail coming. Healthcare is one of those entities. As the community grows, the demand for recruiting specialty Doctors will too, which in return will help bring in more service lines. I am all for the railroad coming to the basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/24/2019)CommentEI-30150L&L Motor CompanyThank you for your Vision of needed and growing economy here in the Uintah Basin. Please let me know how I can help move this project from a vision to its completion!Michael Labrum · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/23/2019)CommentEI-30149Dax MangusI am opposed to this project. Making Highway 40 a four-lane road all the way to I-80 makes more sense and would benefit more people without disturbing or dissecting new areas. This project will disturb migration corridors for wildlife and negatively impact plant and animals populations. Habitats will be lost both directly through the physical area taken up by the tracks and indirectly through the disturbance caused by long and loud trains traveling the tracks. It also subsidizes the carbon-based energy industry that pollutes our air and water. We should be investing in new technologies and energy sources that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. In addition, this project may violate the rights of indigenous peoples and disregard their claims on the land.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/23/2019)CommentEI-30147Matthew CarterI also wanted to add of change, with this train, we can eliminate wide load things off our highways, so we don't waste time pulling over and waiting for it to go byDuchesne, UT
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(printed as 8/23/2019)CommentEI-30146Tracy JonesI am for the railway to come into the basin as I see great potential for all who live and work here. Not only will it help oilfield jobs but also agriculture as well as other industries. Count me as a yes to the railwayVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/23/2019)CommentEI-26663Lance HendersonMyton, Utah
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(printed as 8/22/2019)CommentEI-30145Karen HowcroftVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/22/2019)CommentEI-30144Matthew JacksonI am in support of the railway I feel it will open new jobs and sustain and help the economy in the uintah basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/22/2019)Comment
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(printed as 8/21/2019)CommentEI-30315Rik LewisVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/21/2019)CommentEI-30143Scott AllredI feel like the Uintah basin needs this project for the help the people and create jobs.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/20/2019)CommentEI-30314Amy DanielsThe Craig route seems to be the most logical. Fewer trucks on HWY 40 for long hauls of crude. I feel that putting in a railway would be better for our environment. Our communities are suffering economically. I believe a railway will have a positive impact for ALL employment in the Uintah Basin and beyond.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/20/2019)CommentEI-30142Casey MonsenThe railway is a tremendous boon for the local Uinta Basin economy and a win for the broader environment. Rail shipping is much more environmentally friendly than trucking once the initial construction is completed. According to the association of American Railroads: "If just 10% of the freight that moves by Class 7 or Class 8 (the largest) trucks moved by rail instead, fuel savings would be more than 1.5 billion gallons per year and annual greenhouse gas emissions would fall by more than 17 million tons equivalent to removing around 3.2 million cars from the highways for a year or planting 400 million trees." The railway should be championed by the energy industry, those who seek to diversify our local economy, and environmentalists alike. Everyone can count it a win. Let's make this happen!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/20/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/19/2019)CommentEI-30313Chris QuickCedar City, UT
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(printed as 8/19/2019)CommentEI-30312Wayne JusticeI fully support the construction of the rail road into the Uintah Basin. I am a fourth generation resident of the Uintah Basin area and I have watched the local economy struggle because of the high expense of getting the natural resources out of the Basin area to the markets that use the resources. The flip side of that coin is the high cost of getting products into the Basin. This railway is a great solution to the above challenges to the local economy. Of the three routes under study i prefer the route from Myton area to Craig Colorado because it covers more of the Basin area which reduces the truck traffic required to get products to and from the railway terminals.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/19/2019)CommentEI-30141Tory AndersonThis is awesome! Change brings opportunities! Let's get this thing built!None given, UT
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(printed as 8/17/2019)CommentEI-30138Ashley FarnsworthI wanted to give my support to this railway!! As a Real Estate agent I have seen the basin slowly die. This down turn is different than the others in that its decline was fast and then just slowly kept going down. There are not many jobs that can sustain a growing family and that's a scary thing!! I really feel the basin needs this, so that we can continue to have our kids grow up here and even raise their children here! I really feel this is essential to the survival of the area and I'm praying it goes through! Thank you for letting me give my opinion on this matter. -Ashley FarnsworthRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/17/2019)CommentEI-30137Robert EmmonsUtah has a 150 year history of trains dating back to the joining of the two railways at Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869. Utah shares in the history of the trains to this day. The first railroad into the Uintah basin was the Uintah Railway that had ran from Mack Colorado from 1904 to 1939 which had hauled Gilsonite until trucks had taken over. Although trucks are still the number one method of transporting goods to and from the Uintah basin, we have reached a point in time where the demands of transportation of such goods is exceeding the number of trucks and drivers that are available at this time. Bringing in the railway will not hurt the demand for trucks or drivers. If anything the demand for trucks to run from the patch to the railway will increase as the demands for transportation is increased to carry raw materials from the oil fields of remote areas. Many have said that the railway will bring in more crime. They may be right, but don't we already have a high enough crime rate here as it is without the railway? If anything, our crime rates have increased substantially because of the recession that the Uintah basin had experienced from the last boom to bust. Yes, I can see both the pros and the cons of having a new railway, but I can see the opportunity of our community to have a more stable economy by having a railway than can not only deliver goods out of the basin, but also deliver goods to the area as well. Long haul trucking may be hurt by the railway, but the demand for local haulers will always be there, and they can transport more goods in a day because they won't have to travel as far from the patch to the rail depot, thus increasing profitability by increasing the volume of goods per mile travelled... or miles saved.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/16/2019)CommentEI-30311John UrbanikThe Craig route is longer but it would be the least impactful on the overall environment of the area, that being the more fragile mountain areas. Heavy construction would be required for every mile because of smaller corridors and private land owners through these areas. I am deeply concerned you are not showing or asking for impacts on the Colorado side of the lines.RANGELY, CO
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(printed as 8/16/2019)CommentEI-30310Mike AngusI am vigorously in support of bringing rail into the Uinta Basin. The benefits of this will outweigh and issues regarding the ROW and its impact. Thank you, Mike AngusRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/16/2019)Comment
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(printed as 8/16/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 8/16/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 8/16/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/16/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/15/2019)CommentEI-30308Jason HunsakerThis is going to be a real benefit to the area. This will bring many jobs and allow the Uintah Basin to compete with other areas that we would not be able to otherwise.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/15/2019)CommentEI-30307Jason BlankenagelI am currently working with the Duchesne County Transportation District on the Duchesne County Trails Master Plan. Many residents in the county have made comments regarding trails and the need to protect access to those trails. From working with the residents there, I would recommend using trails as a mitigation for the impacts of the rail in Duchesne County. We would ask that you refer to the finished trails master plan that will be adopted this coming spring and work with local trails committee's and entities to identify trails that could be implemented to mitigate for the impacts of the rail. Additionally, in Uintah County if the Craig Route is used we would ask that you refer to the Uintah County Trails Master Plan to identify trail projects that could be used to mitigate the effects of the railway through Uintah County.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/15/2019)CommentEI-30135Harold HuffI/we believe rail will be an asset to our area. It is not known how much it will benefit because we haven't had rail. Let us move forward, thanks, Hal HuffROOSEVELT, UT
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(printed as 8/15/2019)CommentEI-30134Howcroft Field ServiceI, as well as all the Employees and Owners here at Howcroft Field Service Support the rail thru the Craig Rout. It is less impactful, flater and will run the rout past the majority of large communities providing majority labor and supply. Long term management would have to be cheaper across flat ground.Richard Scott · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/15/2019)CommentEI-30133Penny CarterVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/15/2019)CommentKathleen Clarke
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(printed as 8/14/2019)CommentEI-30299Daryl HardingPlease let's get this built an going it would mean jobs in the basin. I've lived in Basin back through the 70's would love to go back if Railroad can be builtBountiful, UT
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(printed as 8/14/2019)CommentEI-30082Matthew CarterI believe that it's time for change to come to the basin, the rail system would save truckers time and money, no more paying a fine for working overtime, less trucks on the road, less damage to roadways, people who voted Trump would love this, it would create jobs, ranchers would get twice the money for their land, because the tracks run through it,our economy would do so much better than before, I vote on a much needed change, time to come out of our comfort zones, the future relies on the train system, the future is now, the future will be bright ahead,Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 8/14/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/13/2019)CommentEI-30130Nick HinesThe USFS and BLM should not be willing to change RMPs for a RR. In reviewing the routes it appears they are not minimizing impacts to public or private resources. The USFS route appears to be in inventoried road less areas. This should not be acceptable. The routes also appear to go through or near wilderness study areas that should be protected. Finally you have not provided a sufficient NEED for the project. You have stated in your Purpose and Need what you are doing but have not supported a true need for the RR line. Lots of areas in the US have limited transportation options and that does not mean a rail line is the solution.None given, UT
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(printed as 8/12/2019)CommentHDR Inc. · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/12/2019)CommentYour choice of the preferred route through Argyle Canyon is extremely poor. Not only does it total disrupt one of the most valuable and protected areas of the canyons, it infringes on the rights of many private property owners to enjoy the area and the property which they own. The construction of a tunnel in the canyon will disrupt wildlife habitat, ground water supplies and water tables, it will also expose the canyon to extreme fire danger due to the sparks which will definitely be emitted from the trains passing through the canyon. Unless there are some guarantees that these problems will be corrected and better managed that experience has shown from the past, I voice my opposition to not only this route, but the entire project. The costs are not justified by the economic impact to the counties where the majority of this project will be located. In addition, the revenues will not offset the loans necessary to construct the project not to mention the management and maintenance of the tracks etc. after completion. This being the case, the residents of Duchesne and Carbon Counties will mostly be left responsible for the future repayment of these loans regardless of the revenues which will by all estimates fall short of the construction and operating costs. I wish to voice my vehement opposition to this project and the damage it will impose on these beautiful surroundings.Donald Jex · West Valley City, UT
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(printed as 8/12/2019)CommentEI-30305Todd J NessI own 28.5 acres on Argyle Ridge directly between the two proposed Utah routes. I've worked on my little slice of heaven for nearly 30 years planning for retirement and have been looking forward to the peace and quiet it affords. Currently the only noise I hear is the wind in the pines and the bugling of elk - just the way I like it. I cannot imagine a rail line in either of the UT locations disrupting the lives of thousands of individuals like me who crave solitude in this crazy world of ours. In addition to the noise and air pollution I have a huge concern over wildfires sparked by trains as well as accidents involving hazardous materials - both of which would most certainly disrupt the lives of the property owners, their friends and families and those of countless wildlife - not to mention the disruption ofground water and the beautiful flora and fauna in both Indian Canyon and Wells Draw. Please have it within your hearts to put a stop to the proposed Utah routes - we would truly appreciate it. If the rail line must proceed please steer it towards the Craig route - we would truly appreciate it - thanks for listening. Most sincerely - Todd J. NessHolladay, UT
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(printed as 8/12/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/11/2019)CommentEI-30129Kenzi JONESWe have a cabin that has been in the family for years and have put in countless hours as well as blood, sweat and tears to build. Please build the railroad through Colorado where no personal property will be damaged!Holladay, UT
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(printed as 8/10/2019)CommentEI-26606Uintah Basin Irrigation CompanyLance Henderson · Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/9/2019)CommentEI-30128Heather BuchananI support the Railway. I would like to see it where it's going through the least amount of private property possible.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/9/2019)CommentEI-30127Amber HenrieI understand that there are environmental impacts to consider in this issue and appreciate the time you have taken to look into the issues. I am in favor of the proposed railway line. The impact to the local community as well as our country as a whole in ease of goods transportation and economic concerns I believe outweigh the amount of impact to the environment. After the rail is in and functional the day to day impact is far less than the initial set up. So in the long term the growth and economic impact will far outlast the impact to the environment. ThanksRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/9/2019)CommentEI-30126Kaydee SewardRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/9/2019)CommentEI-30125Kenneth MarxI think railway for the Uintah basin is a great ide. It will create jobs and lower the cost of goods. Please get this done. Thank youRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentHDR Inc · Kansas City, MO
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-30304Gordon MoonAs a Duchesne County resident, full time rancher, Duchesne County school board member and as a board member of the Utah Division of Oil Gas and Mining (representing surface and mineral interests) I would like to express my strong support of the railway coming to the Uinta Basin and specifically the Indian Canyon Route. As a school board member I have come to appreciate the tax base that the oilfield has brought to our county. It has enabled us to build quality facilities to meet the student needs. But we have additional facilities that need built and continuing loan payments on recently built facilities. As a rancher I look forward to additional markets being opened up for the hay I produce on my farm. Some of my hay currently is loaded on semi truck rail boxes and then hauled to Salt Lake where it is transferred onto Rail. Removing the extra semi haul could inprove my economics. The Jobs the oilfield creates for many of my friends and family is much appreciated and I see a railway making those jobs more secure as the railway will open up more markets and lessen the unpredictictability and price discounts of the Salt Lake refineries. Finaly, as one of seven board members on our state oil and gas board which oversees all oil and gas developent in Utah, I see the economic benefits that many responsible oil companies bring to our state. As the companies bring jobs and economic benefits to Utah they face a steep price discount on the oil they produce due primarily to transportation and marketing issues. The railway will put them on more equal footing with other oil producing states and we strive as a country to be more energy independent. Thank you for you service on the STB. Gordon Moon 435-733-0055DUCHESNE, UT
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-30303Michelle CastoPLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE finish this project despite negativity I'm sure you're running into. This project would be a huge benefit economically for our small area out here!!! Thank you for considering our area!Rangely, CO
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-30124Encana Oil & GasI strongly support the railway into the Uinta Basin (UB). The UB produces many products currently being trucked outside of the UB. The most obvious and highly discussed is oil. However, we also produce hay, milk, and corn which is trucked all over the western and southern USA. The rail could potentially allow these farmers to better market and transport their products more economically, efficiently and safer than they are doing today. It could possibly lead to them expanding their crop and customer base, leading to a better, more diverse economy in the UB other than "Only Oil".Teresa Robbins · Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-30123Watts Transport LLCThe Uintah basin is one of the few places left in the country that is one hundred miles away from the nearest interstate or rail..It would be nice to compete with the rest of the country to ship our goods. Oil is the life blood of the uintah basin, if we can't move it we will never change.We need a stable economy, and if this will help then I say let's do it..Bob Watts · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26652Reed Allen
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26651Peter Crandall
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26650Lois Dennis Woffinder
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26649Darlene Burns
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26648Merrily Faust
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26647Ron Robinson
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26646Louise Barton
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentEI-26645William Jarvis
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(printed as 8/8/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/7/2019)CommentEI-31233Matt BettsThe only people that will ever benefit are the ones drawing salaries from the 7 county coalition. They will use the CIB money for salaries and legal fees. Instead of what it was intended for. They don't want solutions they want problems so they can pretend to seek answers and drag out grant money. The only thing you can guarantee will go on the rail is oil, period. You can put the oil in pipe for a 1/10 of the cost and even less environmental impact. Drive to Craig Colorado, they are a coal town. They have a rail, coal is taking a hit the economy is hurting. There sits a magical railway and it hasn't performed any miracles or saved any jobs. Railway fixes nothing put the oil in pipe and be done with it. If you want a railway move somewhere that already has one.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/7/2019)CommentEI-30302Ryan GoodrichPlease move forward and get the railway built. It is very much needed in the area.Tridell, UT
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(printed as 8/7/2019)CommentEI-30122Matt BettsThe only people that will ever benefit are the ones drawing salaries from the 7 county coalition. They will use the CIB money for salaries and legal fees. Instead of what it was intended for. They don't want solutions they want problems so they can pretend to seek answers and drag out grant money. The only thing you can guarantee will go on the rail is oil, period. You can put the oil in pipe for a 1/10 of the cost and even less environmental impact. Drive to Craig Colorado, they are a coal town. They have a rail, coal is taking a hit the economy is hurting. There sits a magical railway and it hasn't performed any miracles or saved any jobs. Railway fixes nothing put the oil in pipe and be done with it. If you want a railway move somewhere that already has one.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/7/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 8/7/2019)Comment
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(printed as 8/6/2019)CommentEI-30121Suzanne StensaasThere is no urgent need to expand fossil fuel production at this time. All indications are that we will move in the other direction. Therefore, i do not support any of the new rail options. However, if you are going to build one route it through Craig and Colorado.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/6/2019)CommentEI-30120Debbie StanleyThis railway will give the Basin the ability to draw a more diverse economic growth of businesses into our area. It is a positive move for our northeastern corner of Utah. It will bring more jobs, and help the Basin flourish, with an economic base established on more than just our boom and bust economy we currently have, through our very dominate Energy industry we rely on here in the Basin.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/6/2019)CommentEI-30119Kae DoneI would LOVE to see the railroad go through. No matter if the route comes in through Craig and continues through Wells Draw, or Indian Canyon, it would be a major benefit to Myton and the entire Uintah Basin. This is a major opportunity to bring in jobs that do not rely on the boom and bust nature of the oil and gas industry and would be a benefit to everyone who lives in the Basin. I am excited at the prospect of the railroad coming in, whether it is just a freight line or includes a passenger line as well. (Yes, I would like to see a passenger line.)Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/6/2019)CommentEI-26656Moffat County CommissionersDon Cook
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(printed as 8/6/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30301Nicki JakemanOur family property is located in Upper Mill Canyon, accessible by Argyle Canyon. The Indian Canyon and Wells Draw routes come perilously close to interfering with our property, which would be detrimental in a myriad of ways. Our property, (and those surrounding), were deeply affected by wildland fires in 2002 and again in 2012. The most recent of which actually destroyed our cabin and several others in Upper Mill Canyon and surrounding canyons. We have worked tirelessly to heal our property and we cannot imagine having to suffer yet another tragedy that a railway could potentially bring. Railways are unhealthy for the environment in several ways; most concerning of which would be oil spills from derailments and wreckage; and of course sparking wildfires. Not to mention the insane tax dollars that would be required to cover such a grand scheme. I personally see more cons than pros with the proposed railway routes and would sincerely hope that they are not considered, period.West Jordan, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30300Michelle CarpenterWest Bountiful, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30298Vaughn RobbinsAs a property owner I am opposed to the Wells Draw route as well as the Indian Canyon route. These canyons have suffered enough from the Garder Canyon Fire in 2002 and the Church Camp Fire in 2012. The latter of those fires claimed our family cabin and much of the surrounding cabins in Mill Canyon. As I myself am a wildland firefighter, I know how many fires start from trains. And with all the recent fires started from trains and train derailments, it further jeopardizes the already fragile and recovering ecosystem. I agree the oil needs to be moved out of the basin and I hear the Colorado route is longer; but it is a much safer route to consider. Another concern is the obscene amount of tax dollars that will be utilized for these proposed routes. Our property is located in Upper Mill Canyon accessed by Argyle Canyon. From one of your proposed routes, the railway could possibly go through our property; which would be devastating to say the least. We've had this property in our family since 1982, and have already suffered the loss of our cabin due to a wildland fire. We have rebuilt and cultivated our land and cannot fathom having to deal with another tragedy.West Jordan, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30297Brett JensenI've been following this closely. I feel as a young entrepreneur in the basin that we should build the railroad. We need to grow this town, there will be a future generation that does if we don't, we'll miss the walrus ship. The ripple effects will be amazing, I have about 20 guys my age(32) who don't work here. This would be a dream come true. They could sleep in their own homes year-round. It would also make our construction industry boom. Refineries would pop up. We would build new subdivisions. Our town would prosper. BUILD IT! Let us take care of our future generations by putting them in a position to stay here and continue. Otherwise, our children will and a generation of wealth will be lost.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30296Tony SmithI absolutely love the idea of a rail link coming to the Uintah Basin and support it 100% I believe the rail will help stabilize the local economy and aid in the diversification of the local economy as wellRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30295Misty MonfrediI would like to see a railway run in the Uintah Basin. This would benefit our community. Although I think any of the routes would be good, I think the Craig route would be the best route. Although it is longer, it could be accessed from more areas of the Uintah Basin and surrounding areas. Although a longer route, I feel like it would be the easiest because of the terrain it will be going through. I am strongly in favor of a railway in the Uinta Basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30118Ryan JonesI would like to express my opinion as being in favor of the railroad. It is my hope it would help stabilize the economy for the whole Uintah Basin.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30117Curtis MilesDear Board, This railroad would mean so much to the Basin, as far as helping the economy, the movement of goods in and out of the Basin, and jobs. I can see this being a benefit to oil and gas, agriculture, construction industry etc. Many of our young people have to leave the Basin to make a living, and support their families. I have watched other communities where rail has come in and it has been a great benefit to the local economies. Its time to do what would help in the growth of our community and stabilize our local economy. Please strongly give approval of this project. There are those who oppose this project because it crosses their property. I wonder if they look at the greater good this would do for all citizens of this community (Basin). Thanks Curtis MilesBLUEBELL, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30116Craig SmithThis will be a great career opportunity for the basin. With the oil field up and down now ,this could help move more barrels out with will make more work year round. Plus add more rail transport of other materials. This rail project is just what the uintah basin needsVernal, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30115Mark DanielsTo whom it my concern, My name is Mark Daniels. I have live in the basin all my life. I'm a third generation oil field worker. I love this area it is my home. I would Love to see the rail system come to this area. I feel it would greatly benefit everyone in this area. It looks to me that the Indian canyon route is the best choice. The planners have really thought it though. They missed a lot of farm land which is great. Sadly some my be hit. I feel the overall benefit over weighs the negative impact. I feel it is going to open up a whole new industry to this area. I do have a few questions regarding the project. Like who pays for the whole thing? Will the land owners get reasonably compensated for their loss? What kind of trailers are going to be hooked to the train Just for Oil or liquid gas or freight trailers?Neola, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentEI-30114Red Leaf ResourcesI work for a company that will be a future producer in the Basin. I understand the economic benefits and stability that infrastructure improvements will bring to the state, and Uintah and Duchesne counties in particular. This region has suffered for too long without adequate rail access and all the benefits that brings. As a resident of Salt Lake County, I understand the environmental, safety, and highway maintenance benefits that this project will yield simply by taking hundreds of oil trucks off the road each day. I am a strong supporter of this project.Alex Bocock · SALT LAKE CITY, UT
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentSean Hackett
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(printed as 8/5/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 8/4/2019)CommentEI-30294BRAD WATKINSI WANT THE "CRAIG ROUTE""TO BO THE ONE PICKED!!! THIS WAY WOULD BE LOOKED ON AS THE MOST PROFESSIONAL OF ALL THE ROUTES (Docket No.FD 36284)Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/4/2019)CommentEI-30029Janet SimmonsI believe the railway will provide more short-haul trucking jobs where drivers can be at home at night with their families. These jobs are better for happy marriages and relationships.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30293Desert View FarmSouth bound traffic is coming down a blind hill. traffic we be stopped on a step hill. When winter comes this road gets icy and slick. I believe this is going to be a dangerous crossing that down hill traffic will not be able to stop and up hill traffic will spin out in the winter.Lance Henderson · Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30292Desert View FarmSouth bound traffic is coming around a curve and on blind hill. traffic we be stopped on a step hill. When winter comes this road gets icy and slick. I believe this is going to be a dangerous crossing that down hill traffic will not be able to stop and up hill traffic will spin out in the winter.Lance Henderson · Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30291Jason WinderI believe this project should receive zero public funds. If companies wish to see the project completed, they should pay for all related costs. The public should not subsidize oil and gas companies that post upwards of $5,100,000,000.00 in revenue. (https://www.forbes.com/companies/sinclair-oil/#3ca501164dd6). That is one single company with presence in the Uintah Basin. This proposal is akin to tax payers building sports stadiums for the NFL that makes billions. I cannot state this simply enough. Zero taxpayer dollars should be spent on this project. Let us keep our money and let the companies that want this railroad to build it.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30113Rich CsengeThank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. My wife and I are very concerned about growing threats to the health and well being of Utahns from global heating. This warming is evident everywhere in the world, throughout the United States and across Utah. Climate change is an undeniable "threat multiplier" as the US military has stated. Because of this threat, we believe that every new fossil fuel development project, in this case the related transport of fossil fuels be prohibited and that funding be instead re-directed to renewable energy sources and the development of a smart electric grid. Yes, natural gas is needed to balance loads on the grid, but far too little investment is directed toward renewable while an insane and truly immoral amount of taxpayer money is allocated through incentives to the facilitation of fossil energy development. Our climate system simply cannot take any more of it! The UBR would increase the use of Utah's fossil fuel reserves thereby directly contributing to even higher levels of the atmospheric CO2 that is driving the warming of our planet, accelerating already immanent and very grave damages to humanity, economy and wildlife. With Earth's atmosphere already exceeding 415 ppm of CO2, Utah cannot go on trying to develop every last reserve of coal, oil and gas without destroying the habitability of our planet over large areas as well as the present lifestyles and future prosperity of Utahns. It is for this reason that we write to demand that the EIS for the UBR fully consider the impacts its operation will have on atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change. Fossil fuels shipped to markets over the UBR would clearly compound Utah's already poor air quality plus consume ever more of our state's precious and dwindling supply of water. These consequences simply must not be ignored in this Environmental Impact Statement. Thank You.Kanab, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30112Jason KingHello, I know that with this rail line it will bring jobs lower cost products. More diversity in economy. The basin has lost to many good family's. I would love to see this place grow and bring more stability to the basin. Thank you Jason king.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30111Albert CordrayIf commerce is necessary, why must it be at the deepest expense to the ecology? Can we not hedge, instead, against the undermining of all of our future assets by simply choosing commercial ventures that have the least possible impact on said ecology?Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30110Nine Mile Canyon CoalitionDENNIS WILLIS · Price, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentKason Goodrich · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30108Peter CrandallI strongly oppose the present route of the train . It will have a huge impact on the environment and property values as well as the quality of life that we have enjoyed in the mountains for a long time . There are other locations for this project that would serve the people of Utah much better . We bought this property to escape this kind of noise and pollution. . I ask you to reconsider . Peter CrandallSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30107chaz rymerI am writing about my cabin as well for all the other cabins that are in the way of the rail system that will be going through Indian Canyon/Arglye Canyon. Going through this area will destroy over 40 cabins and private properties that their families have been there for generations. My cabin, I helped my grandpa and father build when I was young. I have been going up to the property ever since I was born. My mom has been going up ever since she was young as well. This area is a family favorite and is going to be in the family for years to come. Putting in the rail line through Argyle canyon will destroy many private properties that families enjoy.Bountiful, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30106Roosevelt CityTo whom it may concern, I am the Mayor of Roosevelt city and also a property owner in Argyle canyon. I would like to voice my support in favor of the proposed rail route, particularly the Indian Canyon Route. I have heard many opinions in our city of the rail project and the great majority are in favor. I have also heard opinions of those opposing the project, and based on what I have heard, are mis/or uniformed. The Rail Project not only serves the oil & gas industry but will benefit the agricultural industry as well. It will give us an opportunity to finally diversify our economy in areas that are unavailable to us due to transportation restrictions. I have the opportunity to look at all the RFI's sent out by the EDC of Utah. Many of those investors looking to expand in Utah are looking for areas that have access to rail, especially those that are manufacturing based. The Rail Project in the basin would allow for growth in this industry and others, that would help ease some of the Overgrowth in the Wasatch front. The reason for my preference of the Indian Canyon Route, would be to connect us to Salt Lake, instead of Colorado. As a property owner in Argyle, would be happy to give that up for the benefit of all who live in the Basin, and those who would benefit State Wide. Thank you for your time. Best Regards, JR Bird Roosevelt City MayorJR Bird · Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30105Robert GilbertIt seems to me that a railroad is needed to move crude oil from the Uintah Basin base to major markets. Local oil companies feel they can increase production as they now understand the geology of the resource. As Salt Lake refineries can no longer increase production, new markets need to be accessed. The railroad routes that are being considered would provide this access. If the Basin is to grow economically, the rail proposal is the best option. Any of the three would work. A secondary benefit is that the rail line would take some of the heavy truck traffic off of Highway 40Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30104Michael ChristensenWhen I think about the Uinta Basin Railway proposal, my mind keeps going back to when I was an undergrad at BYU almost 20 years ago. I took a class in the Geography of Subsaharan Africa. The underlying theme of transportation infrastructure for most of Africa is a study in imperialism, where roads and rail lines extend from the port on the coast and run inland to whichever natural resource was being extracted. No consideration or thought was given to economic development for the locals. It is disturbing that this kind of imperialistic thinking still goes on. In 2019! In Utah! It is disturbing that this is being labeled as "rural economic development." Yes, this will bring jobs to the Uinta Basin, but, considering the boom and bust cycles of this industry, who knows how long those jobs will last. It is irresponsible to gamble such a large public investment on a single industry. It is a recipe for creating ghost towns. But I am open to compromise. I'd be willing to support a rail connection to the oil fields, if the proposal also included an extension that would actually serve the towns in the Uinta Basin, which would support broader economic development and also the possibility of passenger rail.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-30101Robert GilbertIt seems to me that a railroad is needed to move crude oil from the Uintah Basin base to major markets. Local oil companies feel they can increase production as they now understand the geology of the resource. As Salt Lake refineries can no longer increase production, new markets need to be accessed. The railroad routes that are being considered would provide this access. If the Basin is to grow economically, the rail proposal is the best option. Any of the three would work. A secondary benefit is that the rail line would take some of the heavy truck traffic off of Highway 40Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/3/2019)CommentEI-26709Nine Mile Canyon CoalitionDennis Willis
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served (printed as 8/2/2019)DecisionPROVIDED NOTICE THAT SCOPING COMMENTS ON THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT IN THIS PROCEEDING ARE NOW DUE SEPTEMBER 3, 2019.
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-30323Stan HarrisonThis would be huge for the Basin in numerous ways. It offers stability and options never before experienced in the area. This will not only create more jobs, but benefit those that are already established by lowering shipping costs and giving access to new markets. Vernal and the surrounding areas are at a plateau for growth and often experiences a sharp decline following oilfield busts. The railway will allow business to ship products, produce, and livestock cheaper and easier than trucking. Taking a lot of the long haul trucks off the roadways, but still utilizing the drivers for delivery to the rail station. Think of how many large trucks will be off the roads between here and Salt Lake. This will also be appealing to future businesses to promote growth (not just oilfield) for the Basin. So if we are looking at impact, we stand to gain much more then we stand to lose. And of the three suggested routes, I am sure we would be able to find the most agreeable with the lowest impact to farmland and local environment.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-30290Thomas KingI strongly oppose the building of any of these three options of railway. I strongly object due to the potential resultant devastation to countless acres of natural vibrant ecosystems. In addition I strongly object to the building of any of these rail lines due to the high potential for resulting extraction of some of the most carbon intensive fossil fuels on the planet. At this point in time only ostriches with their heads in the sand or toadies of the fossil fuel industry aren't aware that the type of fossil fuels that this railway concept are meant to facilitate the extraction of are best to be left in the ground. The carbon cost of rendering them usable is prohibitively high. Please assess all of the potential environmental damage, both locally and globally not just from the actual railroad, but from the industries it will facilitate.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-30289Dee MilesI support the project and the preferred route. The railway would increase efficiency and productivity for the main businesses and smaller ones, oil as well as cattle.ROOSEVELT, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-30288Gordon MoonAs a Duchesne County resident, full time rancher, Duchesne County school board member and as a board member of the Utah Division of Oil Gas and Mining (representing surface and mineral interests) I would like to express my strong support of the railway coming to the Uinta Basin and specifically the Indian Canyon Route. As a school board member I have come to appreciate the tax base that the oilfield has brought to our county. It has enabled us to build quality facilities to meet the student needs. But we have additional facilities that need built and continuing loan payments on recently built facilities. As a rancher I look forward to additional markets being opened up for the hay I produce on my farm. Some of my hay currently is loaded on semi truck rail boxes and then hauled to Salt Lake where it is transferred onto Rail. Removing the extra semi haul could inprove my economics. The Jobs the oilfield creates for many of my friends and family is much appreciated and I see a railway making those jobs more secure as the railway will open up more markets and lessen the unpredictictability and price discounts of the Salt Lake refineries. Finaly, as one of seven board members on our state oil and gas board which oversees all oil and gas developent in Utah, I see the economic benefits that many responsible oil companies bring to our state. As the companies bring jobs and economic benefits to Utah they face a steep price discount on the oil they produce due primarily to transportation and marketing issues. The railway will put them on more equal footing with other oil producing states and we strive as a country to be more energy independent. Thank you for you service on the STB. Gordon Moon 435-733-0055DUCHESNE, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-30103Steven GlaserThe EIS should evaluate effects on air quality in the Uintah Basin. This area already exceeds NAAQS for ozone and particulate matter. The EIS should consider the effect of locomotive engines both in operation and idling, as well as air quality impacts from the loading of railcars. These effects are obviously applicable to all three alternatives. In addition, the EIS should incorporate the effects on air quality from activities that will produce the goods that would be transported by the railway. This information is necessary to fully define the extent (if any) to which air quality will be degraded by the railway, and the frequency and magnitude by which air quality standards may be exceeded.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-30102Kris MaylettThanks for all of your work on this! I look forward to the opportunities that this will bringRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26720Commenter
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26706TransWest Express, LLCGarry Miller
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26705Berry Petroleum Company, LLCStephen Burke
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26699Michael B. Dennis
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26692Savannah Chapman
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26644Transwest Express LLC
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26643Berry Petroleum Company, LLC
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26589Argyle Wilderness PreservationSir In regard to this proposed rail road I can not see any good in its being. all I see is the destruction of the natural water shed and wildlife habitat. The pollution it will leave on our land will last for decades .Our children and Great grandchildren will suffer the effects.George Urbanik · Orange Lake, Fl
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26588Tiffany MilesAltamont, Utah
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentI have owned this property for 40 years with the intent to use the property for my retirement. I live there three months out of the year. We live in a box canyon that has constant wind coming up the canyon. The rail road will be approximately within 500 yards from our property. The tunnel is proposed to be within a quarter of a mile from us. The diesel engines will defiantly emit toxic fumes up the canyon walls and effect the environment for all humans and animals.Mary Urbanik · Orange Lake, Fl
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26586Heber CityPlease reference attached letter concerning FD-36284. Earlier submittal did not contain page 2 of letter.Matthew Brower · Heber, UT
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(printed as 8/2/2019)CommentEI-26581TransWest Express LLCTransWest Express LLC provides the attched comments in response to the Notice of Intentto prepare an Environmental Impact Statement published in the Federal Register on June 19, 2019, for the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, Uinta Basin Railway Project(Docket No. FD 36284).Denver, CO
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-31887Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-30287Henderson Ranches LLCRailway crosses and follows existing canal main lines and farm laterals. Here and other crossings to the east and west. Who would be responsible for the lose of crops if any of these lines were to break? Concerned what the noise, vibration, and dust will do to the calves in feedlot so within 200ft. Also what this will do to the mares and colts in pasture that the railway will go though.Moreen Henderson · Myton, UT
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-30100Richard YagerI am in favor of a railway, but I do not agree with the proposed route. I think the railway should connect through Craig to lower costs and avoid the environmental damage entailed in building a railway through the Book Cliffs. Operations would be easier on the Craig route, especially avoiding the winter weather on the mountain passes. I think building a railway to Price is a waste of money.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-30099sherry collisiPlease help to keep Utah's air clean. The railroad will only add to the problem. We need to think of ways to clean the air. Thanks, Sherry CollisiSt. George, UT
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentColorado Parks and Wildlife
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentDora Van
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-26698Moreen Henderson
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-26654U.S. Fish and Wildlife
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentEI-26642Environmental Protection Agency
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(printed as 8/1/2019)CommentRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/31/2019)CommentEI-30286Tracey O'KellyI think this will make the air quality poor and we need to be thinking about the future for the climate problems we are having right now and not making it any worse for the future. There might not be a future at this rate! The tax payers should not have to pay for this and increase the impact of the cyclical nature of oil and gas! Bad idea overall!!St. George, UT
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(printed as 7/31/2019)CommentEI-26718Lowe Argyle, LLCT. Richard Davis
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(printed as 7/31/2019)CommentEI-26704Jean Mold
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(printed as 7/31/2019)CommentEI-26693Richard Spotts
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(printed as 7/31/2019)CommentEI-26641Lowe Argyle, LLCDurham, Jones, & Pinegar, P.C.
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(printed as 7/31/2019)CommentEI-26585Utah Petroleum AssociationPlease see the attached comment letter. Thank you.Rikki Hrenko-Browning · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-30098Jeff HallI disapprove of the expansion of oil extraction in the Unita basin. Including the expansion of transportation of extracted oil by railway, or any other form. I do not approve of the proposed railway for the extraction of a outdated form of energy in fossil fuels that will lead to increased negative environmental consequences for not only the locally effected area, but for the entire state of Utah.Salem, UT
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-30097Scott SimsAs a Duchesne county resident I'd like to express my support for the uinta basin rail project. My personal preference for rout would be coming from Craig Colorado. However I feel like getting the rail to the basin is what's important. I would be happy with any of the routs proposed as long as it made it out here. Thank you, ScottRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-30096Tim NegusI am in support of the railway for the Uintah Basin. I attended the meeting held in Roosevelt. There was some opposition, but I observed that it wasn't necessarily opposition of a railroad (no one gave reasons why we shouldn't have one), the opposition was to the railroad crossing or coming close to their land. It is obvious that the rail would be a benefit for our area and our economy.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-26696Enefit American OilRyan Clerico
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-26629Pat and Kelse Eyre
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-26584Pamela UnderwoodI am writing to oppose the railway in Indian Canyon and these are my reasons. There is different routes that will not impact people, wilderness and environment. Mike McKee is not being honest or transparent about this railway. There is some real shady things going on with regards to this and I am hoping it will be revealed soon. In my opinion Mike McKee loves to spend money on things that fail. Take a look at his highway to nowhere. He and a few other board members have a conflict of interest in this project. I believe the three members with the conflict need to step down. First of all I am not against reasonable drilling and believe this railway should go through Colorado and not over a steep mountain pass. It's my understanding that the only reason the Colorado option is not even really being considered is because the Colorado Governor is anti-oil and Utah CIB will not give the SCIC money if they do it in Colorado. I want to start with economic impact. I heard the Duchesne Commissioner speak about how unemployment went from 2%-10% over the course of the last 10 years. I can tell you why this happen, it was because Obama stopped all drilling. I was a oil field wife and I can tell you it never lasts. Today oil production is going strong because of our sitting President but come 2020 that could all change. We have heard loud and clear what the Democratic Party thinks of drilling. So what happens to this railway when drilling in the Basin comes to a halt, which it does every few years no matter who is President. During the last oil boom the economy grew in the Basin so much, if you didn't work in the oil field you couldn't afford to live there. Housing costs skyrocketed, drilling companies rented every place they could find. I know this because my ex Husband owned a trailer park in Roosevelt. Things were good in the Basin, people moving into these small rural towns, paying 2000.00 a month to rent a 3 bedroom trailer which rented for 500.00 before the boom. Families were buying overpriced homes left and right, new trucks, recreational vehicles, etc. Life was good, then fast forward a couple years. We got a new President and it all stopped, people lost their jobs, homes, cars and their way of life. I have spoken with people who know all about the oil in the Basin, who have worked this field for 40 years. They claim there isn't enough oil left in the Basin to justify spending millions of dollars on a railway. They said at the rate they are talking the Basin would be dry within 5 years. They said a railway would quadruple drilling. What does that do for the air quality and ground water? It's been proven that fracking and drilling cause earthquakes anyone ever give any thought to the huge damn that sits right above Vernal? If that damn were to break due to so much ground movement they wouldn't have to worry about any railway. Flaming Gorge would dump into Vernal and surrounding areas wiping them totally out. I'm sure you will see from an impact study that Indian Canyon is full of methane gas and coal. You drove through the canyon, there are pumps on both sides of the mountain. Only reason there isn't any on the mountain is because we won't let them in there. I assure you that mountain is filled with gas/oil/coal. Add spark and you have an explosion like you have never seen before. What impact will it have on the mountain? How many trees will need to be cut down for construction? Where will the wildlife go, there isn't much forest up there as it is for wildlife. How many properties are going to be impacted directly and indirectly? There is one road in and out, during construction how are we supposed to access our properties? In the case of an emergency how would we get out when construction equipment blocks the only access? Even after it’s built when the train comes out of the tunnel (which will be the 2nd largest in the US) how will we cross the tracks to get to our property? Who will maintain this? We don’t want people going in and out of our properties. Who is going to protect our properties from theft and vandalism? We are behind locked gates, with a railway anyone can gain access. I ask you should people have to watch for trains while hiking or on a recreational vehicle in the middle of a forest? When, not if things go wrong a fire, an oil spill how will crews get in to fight it? This is rugged country with very few roads. Most importantly should a forest be destroyed for the profit of oil? We all know they cannot build this railway for the money they are seeking. In 1983 we had one of the worse landslides in US history that took out part of the railway. I researched what it cost to build a tunnel 3000 feet (not miles) and replace a couple miles of track. In today’s market it would cost 117,000,000. That is only for a few miles of track and a 3000’ tunnel. They are talking 80-100 miles of track plus a 3-4 mile tunnel. This project would cost much more than the 1.4 billion they are seeking. This project would be more like into the 10’s of billions to complete. How much is the oil worth coming out of the Basin? There would not be a profit for many years if at all. I believe this project should be stopped just because of the lack of transparency from the SCIC. I also believe the three board members need to step down because of their conflict of interest. I also believe the CIB needs to be investigated because of the amount of money they gave the SCIC. I have attached pictures of what this railway will destroy. Deer within 10' of you, fresh mountain water, beautiful wilderness, recreation, cabins and our piece of heaven on earth. Thank you for your time, Pamela UnderwoodPrice, UT
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-26580David Gassman
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(printed as 7/30/2019)CommentEI-26579Living RiversSarah Stock
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-30285Uintah Basin Irrigation CompanyCrossing UBIC open canal. Canal is a very deep cut through South Myton Bench and has very unstable sides.Lance Henderson · Myton, UT
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(printed as 7/29/2019)Comment
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-30283Uintah Basin Irrigation Companycrossing UBIC north pipe line multiple timesLance Henderson · Myton, UT
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-30095Scott PlummerThe reprise of photos of the "Blue Planet" from the Apollo 11 moon landing of 50 years ago reminds us that where we live is unusual, perhaps unique, it its ability to support life as we know it. At the same time, we are confronted with the reality that production and consumption of fossil fuels threatens the limits and resources of a climate that will support life. As well, it becomes increasingly clear that the way forward on the path of economic prosperity lies in the technologies of renewable sources of energy like wind and solar. Consider that the completion of a Uintah Basin Railway will aggravate air pollution in the Uintah Basin; greatly increase the demand for water in the water-intensive processes of fossil fuel production; threaten the goal of keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees C; and adversely affect Utah landscapes and public lands of far greater economic value that the hydrocarbons they harbor. A Uintah Basin Railway is a gravy train to the the wrong destination. Let's not get on board! It is time to actively support policies and initiatives that foster the prospect of a sustainable and prosperous future.Santa Clara, UT
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26703Utah State SenateJ. Stuart Adams
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26640Dorothy Carter
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26639Ashley Marx
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26638Commenter
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26637Kathleen Cahill Broadhead
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26577Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/29/2019)CommentEI-26576Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/28/2019)CommentEI-30094Susan St John-JarvisI am against this project. This project would reinforce gas and oil development and will cost residents and taxpayers money that should be allocated for sustainable, less intrusive development. I am a newer resident of Utah, and this troubles me. Often citizens are promised jobs and economic prosperity, but the jobs created by this project will be transient, and the employees recruited will likely be men whose families and interests lay outside the state - where they will continue to reside with families, and send their earnings. We should be focused on projects that encourage solar and other renewable resource for the long-term environmental and health concerns of area residents. Health concerns besides increased asthma and other air quality and drinking water concerns (spills are inevitable), include the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and other maladies brought into the state. Utah is beautiful and has amazing natural features, and we should practice good stewardship of the lands. This is expensive, unnecessary, and out of line with the long-term well being of Utah, for our grandchildren.South Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 7/28/2019)CommentEI-30093Benjamin LobrotThe Uinta Basin Railroad is something that stands in direct opposition to the wellbeing of Utah's public lands and I for one, will not stand for it. When the effects of climate change are more obvious than ever and the supposed economic benefits of increasing oil production in the basin are nothing but a smokescreen perpetuated by callous oil industry execs who care for nothing but profit, there is NO reason for anyone else in Utah or Colorado to support this railroad. The efforts of the oil industry to "improve" the security of oil transportation by replacing automobiles with trains should not viewed as a problem the industry is seeking to solve, but as a problem they created in the first place.Park City, UT
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(printed as 7/28/2019)CommentEI-26721Warren and Kathleen McClellan
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(printed as 7/28/2019)CommentEI-26636Donald Womade
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(printed as 7/28/2019)CommentEI-26635Warren and Kathleen McClellan
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(printed as 7/27/2019)CommentEI-26634Earl Reed
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(printed as 7/27/2019)CommentEI-26633Jan Chamberlin
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(printed as 7/27/2019)CommentEI-26632Commenter
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(printed as 7/27/2019)CommentEI-26575Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray
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(printed as 7/26/2019)CommentEI-30092Parker KingThere has been no mention of this in Moffat County outside of the County Commissioners, and as other ranchers have mixed feelings about this, we would like to take a real look at the economic impact on these ranches and the ability to receive compensation for ground being messed with. This is something huge for Moffat County and Colorado, and our local government is downplaying it as a terrible idea. Not all of them represent the people.Craig, CO
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(printed as 7/26/2019)CommentEI-26631Commenter
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(printed as 7/26/2019)CommentEI-26574Nine Mile Canyon CoalitionMargie Nash
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(printed as 7/25/2019)CommentEI-30282Chamber of CommerceI very much support the Uintah Basin Railway project. It is much needed in our Basin to help stabilize the economy. It will not only benefit the oil and gas industry by being able to ship increased amounts of product but will provide opportunities for industrial expansion. This in turn will provide increased employment opportunities which will benefit all business in the area. I support the Indian Canyon Route or Wells Draw route first as it will access more services going more directions.Marilyn Wallis · Jensen, UT
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(printed as 7/25/2019)CommentIf the Craig Route is chosen as the preferred alternative for this project, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission will need to be included in the process of determination of the proper location of public highway-rail crossings and determination of the appropriate level of warning devices for these crossings. Please make sure to keep the Colorado PUC included in all future notifications of this EIS process and feel free to reach out to us for any questions you may have regarding how our agency would be involved regarding siting and construction of the Craig Route alternative.Pam Fischhaber · Denver, CO
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(printed as 7/25/2019)CommentEI-30280Kerry StephensOn the plus side, this would seem like a more efficient way to transport oil and also would remove much of the tanker truck traffic off of Highway 40, hopefully making it much safer. On the negative side, building a rail line through Indian Canyon is unthinkable. This is a "Scenic Byway" and would be totally ruined by the laying of tracks and the subsequent train traffic. Additionally, the Indian Canyon route would run literally through my backyard, which would greatly diminish the quality of life here in the "Mini Ranches". In summary, a definite NO on the Indian Canyon route.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/25/2019)CommentEI-30091Marilyn WallisI very much support the Uintah Basin Railway project. It is much needed in our Basin to help stabilize the economy. It will not only benefit the oil and gas industry by being able to ship increased amounts of product but will provide opportunities for industrial expansion. This in turn will provide increased employment opportunities which will benefit all business in the area.Jensen, UT
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(printed as 7/24/2019)CommentEI-30279Todd NicholsonI own a residence at 19783 Colton Road and have many concerns about proposed railway. The coalition favored route happens to be on the only road we residents have in and out of our neighborhood and directly to our homes. There is literally one road into and out of this neighborhood, and the proposed route is that only road. I understand that the tracks and therefore the route would require approximately a 100 foot easement. This would take about half of my yard/driveway. North facing. 5 acres. If proposed railroad comes through here, there will many safety issues. There are many young families and pets in this area. Many people along proposed route have driveways and homes even closer to it than mine. My driveway is about 250 Ft from my house, many homes drives are closer than this. At what rate of speed will the trains travel? How long are the trains going to be? What if the trains stop in front of our homes and we are unable to leave? What hours will trains be operating? What will the noise and vibration levels be? Will alternate routes be provided if proposed train route takes my entire frontage and the only way out of my neighborhood? I'm concerned about having to cross train tracks whenever I wanton leave my home for any reason. If the proposed route indeed is built, there will have to be many utilities moved/ relocated. Power lines, gas lines, and water lines, and septic drain fields. I'm very concerned about sparks from hot metal wheels on the trains causing sparks and potentially wildfires. The proposed route would run along some very dry and wooded areas. Lots of sagebrush and other vegetation as well. Are the developers of this project going to buy the affected homeowners out? This will adversely affect property values for us. Supposedly an HOA for this neighborhood exists and they haven't been informed about this project.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/24/2019)CommentEI-30278Monette NicholsonI own a residence on 5 acres at 19783 Colton Rd (aka Sowers Canyon). This is my primary residence for the past 6 years. One of the objectives of any route is to "Avoid Urban and Residential Areas: Generally, a route that avoids urban and residential land uses is preferable." The proposed Indian Canyon route runs along Sowers Canyon Rd, which runs about 2-3 miles through the middle of a residential area, and more specifically, through the frontage of my property. This is the only access to the south side of the residential area, and the only access to my home. Safety is an obvious concern. A railway will severely limit accessibility for residences and emergency vehicles. Noise and vibration is also a big concern. Damage to homes caused by vibrations would be an issue, and the quality of life we enjoy will be ruined. This section of the route clearly does not meet the stated objective. A better alternative would be to run a few miles south of the residential area, along County Rd 25 which is already mainly used for oil truck traffic.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/23/2019)CommentEI-30274Vernal Area Chamber of CommerceOur economy is totally dependent on the oil and gas industry. The rail would ultimately allow the Uintah Basin to diversify its economy. This would enable us to attract and bring in other industries to the area. It would also eliminate some of the big downturns in the economy if we had other industries here in the Basin. Thanks, Joel V. BrownJoel Brown · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/23/2019)CommentEI-30090Rhea ConeI am AGAINST the Utah Basin Railway. I am a sixth generation Utahn and oppose this project entirely.Park city, UT
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(printed as 7/23/2019)CommentEI-30089Ashley Communications Inc.Steven Evans · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/23/2019)CommentEI-30088Thomas SmithHaving been employed in the early 1980's as a project consultant for energy development impacts in the Uintah Basin I am somewhat knowledgeable about fossil fuel development in that area. My area of focus concerned oil shale and tar sands development and it's socioeconomic impacts related to boom bust economic cycles along with environmental impacts on local emergency services. Since the proposed railway intends to service the exponential fossil fuel extraction projected in the basin I would assume that (shale fracking) figures heavily into development plans, thus placing an enormous strain on already severely strained water resources in the area not to speak of the related negative impacts associated with ground water contamination , depletion of existing resources and disposal problems associated with waste water contamination. . The mere idea of constructing the railway in the area creates "if they built it they will come" mentality which increases the likelihood that the project with all it's negative impacts will actually come to fruition .Salt lake city, UT
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(printed as 7/23/2019)CommentEI-30087linnie IsbellI'm a member of the board of directors for the Utah Mini Ranches and the Duchesne Mini Ranches. Be advised the indian canyon route comes through the middle of our subdivision and we (700 property owners) with an active association will fully oppose this route through the middle of our homes.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/23/2019)CommentEI-26630Courtney Theener
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(printed as 7/23/2019)Comment
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(printed as 7/22/2019)CommentEI-30277Jayne MorleyI fully support this new rail line. Communities that rely on coal and coal fired power will have a tough time in the future. This new rail line MAY help our local economy by making transportation of raw materials and shipping of locally made products affordable.Craig, CO
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(printed as 7/22/2019)CommentEI-26700Utah Rail Passengers AssociationMike Christensen
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(printed as 7/22/2019)CommentEI-26628Commenter
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(printed as 7/22/2019)CommentEI-26573Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/21/2019)CommentEI-30276Stan ShipleyThe railway will interfere with The elk wintering migration range. The wells draw would be a poor route due to the power line that runs in the canyon. Argyle has on both sides faults where are springs come from that feed are cabin would be affected. Pollution will be a big issue due to inversion the forest and vegetation will be destroyed due to the exhaust fan at the tunnel exit noise pollution will be extreme with seven trains a day rattling up and down. If a train accident of any kind happens it will be a major catastrophe with oil spill getting in to are water supply for animals and human consumption. Fires started by trains with our landscape it would be extremely hard to fight and burning up thousands of acres of forests and fires in the canyon are very hard to fight an other reason Wills Draw should be taken off the board as an option.West Jordan, UT
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(printed as 7/21/2019)CommentEI-30086Randy VorhiesI previously worked as an engineer in the oil and gas business. I know the permanent damage that fossil fuel development and use has on our environment. We must greatly reduce our use of fossil fuels and the Enormous costs it's inflicting on us. Utah hasn't kept pace with the direction of other states in a more sustainable future. We're old school and need to adjust our thinking. This is why I don't support this railway connection. We must more fully use renewable sources. Please fully consider why it is that we continue on this destructive path of fossil fuel development. We must get on the path of sustainable resources, not on the worn path of destructive fossil fuels. Thank you. Randy Vorhies.None given, UT
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(printed as 7/21/2019)CommentEI-30085Stephanie HamborskyI am completely opposed to the construction of the Uinta Basin Railway project. In an age of climate change primarily fueled by unchecked resource extraction and fossil fuel use, approving a project to further the destruction of our environment to generate more carbon-based fuels is foolish and focused on short term, marginal benefits only. Our communities, tax dollars, and state wide programs should be investing in activities which not only regenerate our landscape but create long-lasting, robust economic activities providing meaningful, safe, and healthy jobs for all. Please reconsider this project.Moab, UT
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(printed as 7/21/2019)CommentEI-26627Commenter
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30084Mark NixonNo. Let's quit the fossil fuel folly. It's time to move into the next chapter of energy use and quit holding onto the old ways. The railway will significantly increase the Uinta Basin's bad air quality The extracted fossil fuels will significantly add to the climate crisis Extracting the fuels requires large amounts of water which Utah does not have The extraction would significantly degrade the region's landscape The derailment risk is one that communities along the route should not bear It is a major financial risk for the taxpayer It will add to the boom and bust financial cycle of fossil fuel developmentSo. Weber, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30083Holly Snow CanadaI moved my family from California to Utah because of the scenic value of the state. The natural beauty of Utah is it's most important, most valuable resource and if protected, it will be a sustainable way for Utah to support itself economically. I do not support this project for the following reasons: * Utah should decrease development of oil resources and instead invest in protection of the natural beauty of the public lands. It's time for Utah to place more value on its environment. * This project will increase air pollution. * Extraction and combustion of oil will increase fossil fuel development and contribute to global warming - an issue that will affect the whole state. * With increasing temperatures in the past two decades, and in the future with climate change, water availability will become even more of an issue for Utah. This project would use valuable water resources instead of preserving the water resources for other uses throughout the state.Santa Clara, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30081Citizens' Climate LobbyI'm writing in opposition to the proposed Uintah Oil Railway. Drilling for more oil that will be shipped on this railway will significantly add to our current problems of air pollution and climate change. Extraction will require large amounts of water, a precious resource in our dry state. The IPCC has affirmed that we need to switch 45% of our energy sources to clean energy in the next 12 years to have a chance of staying below 2 degrees of warming. Over the next few years there will be a massive transition to clean energy. By the time the railroad is built, the world will be on in the midst of this transition, and oil demand will wane. As a Utah taxpayer, I do not want to take the risk that this railroad will be built and will not be used to it's projected capacity.David Folland · Sandy, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30080Joel BanI wish to comment on the proposed project so that either the no action alternative or the environmentally preferred alternative is chosen. The project analysis should analyze how the proposed project will impact both individually and cumulatively affect global climate change. The project will add to this problem by greatly increasing carbon releasing resources into the environment. Not just the project itself, but the construction of the project rail line as well use of it will greatly increase CO2 emissions to the environment. As such the project should not be implemented. If it is to be implemented a fully analysis of these greenhouse gas emissions must be included in the EIS. The project should avoid lands that are wilderness quality or roadless areas. It should avoid all stream crossings to the extent possible, avoid effects to wildlife, air quality, rare and endangered species, and cultural resources. This project is unnecessary as we're already seeing tremendous and negative impacts of global climate change including here in Utah and the west. This project will only increase these problems. Thanks for considering.salt lake city, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30079Sheila BrownI oppose the UBR doe many reasons. It's cost to taxpayers of 1.2 BILLION dollars is extraordinary, especially for a project that will add significantly to the already poor air quality of the Uinta Basin, increasing respiratory problems for all, but especially children and infants, potentially creating a lifetime of respiratory illness for them. It also uses large amounts of water, which Utah does NOT have. It will destroy the environment around the extraction, risk derailment and its subsequent pollution that the affected communities should not have to live, or die with. Not to mention Increasing Utah's carbon footprint rather than decreasing it, adding to the climate crisis. It will create another boom and bust cycle just like Wyoming went through. Invest the 1.2 BILLION tax dollars on sustainable energy, train workers to build and install solar projects, wind turbines, providing long term employment, long term clean energy, helping the communities involved rather than damaging them. I know the focus is on the quick dollar by exploiting the taxpayers and the environment but the company profiting from this should be paying ALL of the costs, because as soon as the land has been raped, the rail line will be abandoned, the jobs will dry up, and the much wealthier Big Boys will walk off smacking their lips and wiping the dust off their hands, leaving the workers without jobs or benefits and Uncle Sam will say they are lazy and don't deserve welfare, healthcare, etc, etc.Ivins, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30078Judy SchattnerAlthough my great grandfather was a railroad conductor for a mining company and I honor his existence, my awareness has changed. Our world climate demands a different energy focus rather than mining type fuel. I oppose the railroad for the following reasons: The railway will significantly increase the Uinta Basin's bad air quality The extracted fossil fuels will significantly add to the climate crisis Extracting the fuels requires large amounts of water which Utah does not have The extraction would significantly degrade the region's landscape The derailment risk is one that communities along the route should not bear It is a major financial risk for the taxpayer It will add to the boom and bust financial cycle of fossil fuel development Judy SchattnerSt. George, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-30077BRAD WATKINSI'M IN FAVOR OF USING THE "CRAIG" COLO.ROUTE FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT THIS ROUTE,WHILE LONGER, WOULD BE THE EASIER ROUTE TO BUILD AND WOULD HAVE NO TUNNELS NEEDED. NO BRIDGES NEEDED. THE REASON THAT I'M IN FAVOR OF THE "CRAIG" ROUTE IS THAT IT'S FAR MORE THE "PROFESSIONAL" ROUTE TO BRING OTHER MATERIAL INTO THE BASIN. PLEASE, CONSIDER THIS ROUTE FOR THE FINAL DECISION. WHY IS THE STARTING POINT AT THE POWER PLANT?? THIS SHOULD NOT EVEN BE IN CONSIDERATION FOR THE STARTING POINT!!!Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-26694Ran Macdonald
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-26626Commenter
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(printed as 7/20/2019)CommentEI-26625Commenter
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-30275MARK NIELSENMY COMMENT IS SIMPLY ABOUT FAMILY HERITAGE. I HAVE BEEN IN INDIAN CANYON MY WHOLE LIFE. MY GRANDPARENTS LIVED IN THE CANYON FULL TIME, FOR MANY YEARS PRIOR TO MY BIRTH UNTIL I WAS 20 YRS OLD WHEN MY GRANDFATHER DIED. I DONT OWN THE SAME PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT MY GRANDPARENTS DID, IM JUST DOWN THE ROAD. MY GREAT GRANDFATHER NIELS EYNER NIELSEN STARTED IN INDIAN CANYON IN THE EARLY 1900S. MOST OF ALL OF THE PROPERTY MY GREAT GRANDFATHER ACCUMULATED IS STILL OWNED BY SEVERAL OF HIS DECENDENTS, INCLUDING ME. THESE PROPERTIES HAVE MANY MEMORIES FOR ALL US. MY COUSINS AND I STILL FARM OUR OWN PROPERTIES IN THE CANYON BECAUSE OUR HERITAGE IS THERE. BELIEVE ME THERE ARE FAR EASIER PLACES TO FARM AND RANCH THAN OUR CANYON, WE ARE HERE BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE. THE CANYON IS VERY NARROW, THE WIDEST SPOT OF MY ALFALFA FIELD IS ONLY 450 FT WIDE, THE RAIL WILL TAKE OUT 100 FT THIS MAKES A HARD FARM INTO EVEN A HARDER FARM. LEAVING ME TO WONDER IF I SHOULD EVEN CONTINUE? LOSING MY FAMILY HERITAGE. I BELIEVE THE RAIL COULD STAY ON COTTONWOOD RIDGE AND STAY ON THAT RIDGE UNTIL IT IS PAST ALL OF THE PRIVATE LAND IN INDIAN CANYON. THE UTE TRIBE OWNS MOST THE THAT RIDGE, I UNDERSTAND THEY WANT THIS RAIL SO IM SURE THEY WOULDNT MIND. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS ROUTE OVER INDIAN CANYON AND WELLS DRAW. I WOULD LOVE TO DISCUSS THIS OPTION WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD LISTEN. MY CELL NUMBER IS 435-823-5508 THANK YOU.DUCHESNE, UT
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-30273Kenneth WolgramI have lived in Moffat County Colorado for over 40 years and would like to express my support for the Craig Route. In my opinion it would most benefit the affected counties in both Utah and Colorado. It appears not to need to utilize either USFS or private land and that as well as existing rail should make this route more economically beneficial. Thank you for your consideration of my opinion.Craig, CO
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-30076Meagan Elizabeth OltmanThe new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. I oppose this project.Brigham City, UT
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26623Public Scoping MeetingsSalt Lake City Scoping Meeting Transcript
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26617Sheri Sandbeck
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26616Sheri Sandbeck
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26615Robert Boone
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26614Monica Spehler
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26613Matt Carlson
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26611Lara Gale
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26610John Spehler
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26609John Spehler
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26608Bonnie Clark
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEI-26572Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEO-3146Consulting agencies
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(printed as 7/19/2019)CommentEO-3145Tribal organizations
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-30075Justin moonMyton, UT
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-30074Sally WeigelPlease, I am deeply concerned about the Uinta Basin Railway. This railway would increase the production of oil at a time at a time where we need to desperately transition away from the fossil fuel. It makes me very upset that billions of dollars would be directed to this project, which would only harm our air quality, public lands, water, and exacerbate global warming. We need to keep oil in the ground. I am 28 years old and am worried about the future. I oppose the Uinta Basin Railway and hope that you will think about our land, air, and ultimately our future when it comes time to make your final decision.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-30073Tanya HenrieI appose this railway due to the fact that it will be crossing many waterways that are vital to the animals and people who need this water to sustain life. There are many natural springs along the preferred route that will be destroyed by this railway. Water is life sustaining for the environment and if it is removed then you have no life left in the environment. Thank you for your time. - Tanya F. HenrieHelper, UT
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26624Brad Stewart
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26622Public Scoping MeetingsVernal Scoping Meeting Transcript
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26604Darlene Kreiner
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26603Doug Hammond
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26602Todd Hull
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26601Mark Hicken
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26600Grant J. Earl
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26599Blaine Roberts
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26598Utah Royalty Owners AssociationAllan E. Smith
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(printed as 7/18/2019)CommentEI-26571Jan Ellen Burton
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-30072Tyler GudmundsenIt looks like the Craig route is planning on using existing track being used by the Deserado mine's train. There is a 50kv catenary running the distance of this rail, only a few feet over the locamotive. This is used for the electric train that delivers coal to DG&T from the mine.... I dont believe a diesel powered locamotive would be able to run this track for that reason.None given, UT
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-30071Mallory MusserAir pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel.None given, UT
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-30070sheila pryoras a country we need to be switching to renewal energy and as such, this 80 mi railway is unneeded. This is a money making scheme at the behest of nature and its citizens. Reject this proposal.salt lake city, UT
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-30069Wesley WolskiThe railway should be along US191 totally and not transit through private property.Grain Valley, MO
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-30068Tom ButineI oppose the construction of the railway for the following reasons: The railway will significantly increase the Uinta Basin's bad air quality The extracted fossil fuels will significantly add to the climate crisis Extracting the fuels requires large amounts of water which Utah does not have The extraction would significantly degrade the region's landscape The derailment risk is one that communities along the route should not bear It is a major financial risk for the taxpayer It will add to the boom and bust financial cycle of fossil fuel developmentSt George, UT
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-30067James FerroComments on the proposed Uinta Basin Railway oil train. I am a lifelong Utah resident who has worked and recreated in he Uinta Basin area most of my life. I have seen huge transformation in the quality of the environment, not just in terms of physical deterioration regarding air and water resources, but sight-view and aesthetics. I live in Grand County and struggle with a workable balance between land use for commerce, extraction and recreation. I also live on the planet earth and keep abreast of the overwhelming impact that we humans are having on the environment. Now is the time to be prioritizing sustainable energy and consciously sacrificing to limit fossil fuel consumption. It seems clear that there are moneyed interests that believe that the benefits of this proposed railway outweigh the negative impacts. But the questions loom large: "for whom is this a benefit and for whom is this a plan that will degrade quality of life and erode environmental balance?" The role of decision making bodies in an alleged democracy is to protect the common good, to secure a feasible future for posterity and to appreciate the reality of our impact of the life forces that sustain us. To allow the interests of an oligarchy to run unrestrained by the consideration of the future of the planet and the general well being of the general populous is irresponsible. Jobs must develop elsewhere. Industry that creates sources of sustainable energy are a prudent direction in which to proceed. Respectfully submitted, James A. Ferro Ph.D. Moab UTMoab, UT
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-26621Public Scoping MeetingsRoosevelt Scoping Meeting Transcript
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-26620Public Scoping MeetingsPrice Scoping Meeting Transcript
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-26597Twila Shipley
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-26596Raquel Ramirez
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(printed as 7/17/2019)CommentEI-26595J. Concepcion Damian
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30269Brian GorumRail service to the Uintah Basin is desperately needed. This area is landlocked and without adequate transportation this region of Utah will remain depressed. Mineral lease monies for the entire state are driven by the production from the United Basin. A railway over Indian Canyon provides an avenue to 2 competing rail lines versus a single monopolistic line in Colorado. Please help the citizens of this area in providing the long awaited route for prosperity.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30066Barbara RichardsonI oppose the construction of the railway based on environmental concerns. We live in a desert and water is extremely scarce. We do not need to tax our water use in order to create a railway that will increase oil production. The planet also cannot withstand the resulting four-fold increase in air pollution. We need to be developing renewable resources.Kamas, UT
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30065Maranda HammackRather than committing to and investing in production and transportation of fossil fuels which pollute the environment and are detrimental to human and animal health in the area we should focus our time and money on environmentally friendly energy production and transportation.Clearfield, UT
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30064Virginia BottorffWe must do everything in our power to limit environmental impacts in such beautiful and delicate places. Therefore I'm writing against this railway being constructed.Syracuse, NY
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30063Michael A HurleyI feel this rail system is long overdue, and will positively impact the community the State, and the nation by allowing more oil, and less truck traffic on the major highways, while continuing to allow this community to support itself and the nation through efficient energy production and reduced costs.Roosevelt, UT
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30044Kaleigh StockPlease keep Utah beautiful! Protect the environment and Utahn's health! Say no to the Uinta Basin Railway Project! Thank you! KaleighSouth Jordan, UT
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-30037John HoenerMy perception is that Utah wants to be a big, big player (like North Dakota) in oil and gas production. The Unita Basin simply isn't suited for low grade oil to be extracted. Think of the Tavaputs US Oil Sands failure, and it never got into production. And a similar failure in the same location. And others. The cost is too high environmentally and economically to have another failure cluttering the landscape. And did I mention WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Heber, UT
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(printed as 7/16/2019)Comment
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-26619Public Scoping MeetingsCraig Scoping Meeting Transcript
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-26594Roger Peck
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEI-26570Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray
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(printed as 7/16/2019)CommentEO-3654Utah Tar Sands ResistanceRaphael Cordray
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30272Angela MastaloudisAs Utahns we deserve a healthy and viable future, and the Uinta Basin Railway is positioned to jeopardize that reality. Unfortunately, the Uinta Basin Railway oil train is an issue that stands to affect all Utahns and communities across the country. By quadrupling oil production in the Uinta Basin, the project is poised to exacerbate the already horrible air quality in Utah and lead to other negative consequences on our lands, water, and public safety as well as economic growth due to pollution. As a long time Utah resident, I am writing in opposition to the Uinta Basin Railway.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentAs a property owner in the area and someone who has lived next to railroad tracks for years I am very concerned about fires started from sparks that come off of bad wheels, bearings etc. Why would anyone want to leave a trailer or build a cabin in an area that is prone to wildfire because of the rail(safety concerns). Access and egress into our property's will be seriously impacted because of the rail. Also the way information has been disseminated by the SCIC is concerning and possibly verging on illegal. Closed door meetings that should have been open to the public, Very little time left for public comment(looks like it is planned that way) And I question the way public moneys are being spent by them (SCIC)DONALD JONES · LEHI, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30062Chapel Taylor-OlsenUtah's natural areas are a huge part of what this state has to offer its citizens and tourists. It is already threatened by our pope air quality. This oil production risks our natural areas and will increase our air pollution problems. It is time for Utah to move in to green energy production and protecting our natural resources.Price, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30061Sue deVallThis project will enable fossil fuel extractors to move their product to distant markets. I do not believe that taxpayer support for climate changing industries is what we should be doing. Let the industries that want this pay for it themselves.Castle Valley, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30060Anna EyringPlease do not allow more oil production which will make our already bad air quality even worse, not to mention what will happen to our water.... Do the right thing. Our health is dependent on our environment. We must stop polluting our air, land and water.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30059Thomas SmithAir pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel. If the railway is constructed, but recoverable oil reserves in the Uinta Basin are exhausted before it is paid off, taxpayers could be left to cover the cost. To date, there has been very little information about the Uinta Basin Railway provided to the public and little opportunity for public participation. The uncertainty around many details of the project is concerning and should be resolved before the project moves forward. Committing funds to constructing the Uinta Basin Railway is precluding efforts to transition away from boom-and-bust fossil fuel economies" which are susceptible to volatile global markets" and towards more stable, local, clean, sustainable, and just economies.Washington, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30058Jessica SosnaGood afternoon: Thank you for taking the time to read my comments regarding the proposed rail way. Here are some initial concerns that need to be considered and reasons why this project can not move forward: 1. Air pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. 2. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. 3. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. 4. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. 5. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel. It is to my knowledge that at least $27.9 million dollars in public funds have already been illegally dedicated to forward the project and the ultimate cost of the railway would be at least $1.2 billion. We need to think long term, not just on the short term for big corporation profits. This affects us all, so we all need to be part of the conversation. Please do not continue to destroy the little public lands we have left. Please keep this line undeveloped. Thank you.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30057April HandleyMy family is deeply troubled about the Uinta Basin Railway oil train. Although it would no doubt be beneficial for the oil industry, we have to ask: At what price? This project stands to affect all Utahns and communities across the country. By quadrupling oil production in the Uinta Basin, the project could exacerbate poor air quality and have dire consequences on the lands, water, and public safety.Syracuse, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30056Deborah FisherI feel this could be a benefit for the Uintah basin. For many reasons. Jobs, safety on the roads. Competitive prices on shipping.None given, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-30036Rich FaheyAs a property owner in Argyle Canyon, I am fundamentally against the construction of the Uinta Basin Railway. Indian Canyon and it's various offshoots are gems within Utah's landscape. Doing anything to significantly alter this landscape is WRONG. Thanks, Rich Fahey Property owner, citizen, taxpayerSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-26722David Bigelow
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-26618Public Scoping MeetingsFort Duchesne Scoping Meeting Transcript
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(printed as 7/15/2019)CommentEI-26569Matt Carlson
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(printed as 7/14/2019)CommentEI-30271Debbie JonesI oppose this project from the bottom of my heart !!!! Please, please don't let this go forward. Committee members are voting for this project and they admit they really don't know the route. Someone will line their pockets with our money and then ruin mountain homes and no one seems to be doing a check and balance on this project.....realistically!!! This whole SCIC and CIB is being grossly mismanaged and misrepresented!!!! You say you want to hear from us, but then you close your ears!! Why ?? I OPPOSE the Uinta Basin Railway Project!!!Lehi, UT
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(printed as 7/14/2019)Comment
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(printed as 7/14/2019)CommentEI-30050gary hudishYES This area has waited too long for this railway to be built. Only good can come from this kind of improvement. Moffat tunnel is a trap waiting to happen.craig, UT
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(printed as 7/14/2019)CommentEI-30049Gail TaylorWhere do I go to find how the millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to study this inane railway? Why is a railway needed? Of the nine proposed routes, why would the number one choice be over Indian Canyon? The destruction of natural springs and historical sites along with the steep grade should preclude any rational thoughts of using this route. The number one route should be the one considered if a railroad should be considered at all.Rexburg, ID
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(printed as 7/14/2019)CommentEI-26582Sarah WardI appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed rail line. Thank you for your time. My concerns are twofold: first, the impact on the Ashley National Forest. In my opinion, forests should not be torn down to make room for technological advances, when possible. Once we clear forest we can never get it back, and I feel it would be a shame to clear them just for the construction of this rail line. Second, I realize we live in an area of coal, oil, and natural gas extraction and that provides the livelihood for many families. However, in our changing world I believe we need to consider alternative sources of energy. It is my belief that wind and solar power will overtake the more traditional energy resources that are currently used, negating the need for this rail line in the not too distant future.Rangely, CO
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(printed as 7/13/2019)CommentEI-30270Rebecca SlaughThis area, while deemed by some as unimportant, has many individuals that us it for recreation. The sand dunes are located here, as well as grazing for cattle, walking, bow shoots, off-road vehicle trails, biking, farming, and personal residences. While the train may not run directly over the dunes, it will effect the area around there and adversly the environment and the ability to continue these types of recreation. I feel like a serious look should be taken to protect the Sand dunes and their uniqueness in this location. I also think it unneccessary to place the train this close to homes when there are alternative routes availible or the track could be ran more toward the south.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/13/2019)CommentEI-30048Ben BadgerAir pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel.Ogden, UT
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(printed as 7/13/2019)CommentEI-30047Robert WatersHello, I have grave concerns about the Uinta Basin Railway: Air pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. I do not support this project in any way and urge the decision makers to prevent it from coming to fruition. Robert WatersWellsville, UT
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(printed as 7/13/2019)CommentEI-30046Thomas MacomberWould like someone to consider if a dam was built that railroad wouldn't interfere with a choice location - for the dam in which could happen in the futureCraig, CO
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(printed as 7/13/2019)CommentEI-30045ROSALIE WINDI am writing about the proposed Uinta Basin Railway oil train. This would increase production of oil from the Uinta Basin by between 225,000 and 350,000 barrels of oil per day. In a region that currently only produces around 80,000 barrels per day, a quadrupling of oil extraction will affect air quality, public lands, water, and global warming. The 80-mile Indian Canyon route has been identified as the preferred option for the road and is most likely to be constructed. At least $27.9 million in public funds have already been illegally dedicated to forward the project and the ultimate cost of the railway would be at least $1.2 billion. Air pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. As usual, these costs will end up on the taxpayers. It's unsafe and costly.kanab, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentEI-30268Virginia LeeSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentEI-30043dogan ozkanfairbanks, AK
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentWe need job opportunities for the communities. We are excited and could contribute to the cause.Steve McConkie · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentEI-30041Pat AnnoniAir pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the Uinta Basin Railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. Utahns deserve a healthy and viable future, and the Uinta Basin Railway is positioned to jeopardize that vision.None given, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentEI-30040Gene AmmarellSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentEI-30039Steve ShuputA railway in the Uintah basin and the associated increase in oil production would be a disaster for local environment and animal habitat. Due to increased pollution from burning more fossil fuel, it also adds to the air pollution and climate crisis. It's time to move to clean energy, not more of the same dirty energy!Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentEI-30038Connor HansellAir pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel. If the railway is constructed, but recoverable oil reserves in the Uinta Basin are exhausted before it is paid off, taxpayers could be left to cover the cost. To date, there has been very little information about the Uinta Basin Railway provided to the public and little opportunity for public participation. The uncertainty around many details of the project is concerning and should be resolved before the project moves forward. Committing funds to constructing the Uinta Basin Railway is precluding efforts to transition away from boom-and-bust fossil fuel economies "which are susceptible to volatile global markets" and towards more stable, local, clean, sustainable, and just economies.Holladay, UT
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(printed as 7/12/2019)CommentJones and DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30267Brett NelsonI am absolutely opposed to the Uinta Basin Railway project. Protecting the environemnt is paramount. Brett NelsonCottonwood, AZ
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30266Diana ThayerIr seems that this project is not within the ideal that energy should be procured from renewable resources. This railway is expensive and not in the interest of Utah residents. Better to spend these moneys for public transportation not to transport dirty oil.Toquerville, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30035Kyle Nielsenthe proposed Indian Canyon route will highly impact the local ranches and local economy by demolishing range land and family owned property that has been in local families for generations my family's property has been in the family since 1905 (currently in my parent's name) when the government first opened up the option to homestead in Indian Canyon (highway 191)....please use one of the alternate routes that won't affect the local ranches.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)Comment
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30033c clarkPlease stop the Uinta Basin Railway. This will add to our region's pollution. This is not healthy, safe, or necessary. Please protect the health and quality of life of our region's precious people. Put people ahead of profits.Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30032Brooke PerryUtahns deserve a healthy and viable future, and the Uinta Basin Railway is positioned to jeopardize that vision. Unfortunately, the Uinta Basin Railway oil train is an issue that stands to affect all Utahns along with our neighboring communities across the country. By quadrupling oil production in the Uinta Basin, the project could exacerbate poor air quality and could have dire consequences on the lands, water, and public safety. While the project has been moving ahead at full steam, the public has largely been shut out of the process and provided with little information. It should be stopped.South Plainfield, NJ
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30031Zackary AdamsI understand that this railway is being contructed to serve the needs of the oil industry. We already have horrible air pollution along the Wasatch front. We don't need added oil infrastruture. We need oil replacements like solar, wind, geothermal etc.Bluffdale, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30030Paul SmithTo: the Surface Transportation Board From: Paul Smith Hello, Air pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. Increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel. If the railway is constructed, but recoverable oil reserves in the Uinta Basin are exhausted before it is paid off, taxpayers could be left to cover the cost. Committing funds to constructing the Uinta Basin Railway is precluding efforts to transition away from boom-and-bust fossil fuel economies "which are susceptible to volatile global markets" and towards more stable, local, clean, sustainable, and just economies. Sincerely, Paul SmithSalt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30028Colleen McMullenI oppose the Unita Basin Railway Project. Here is a list of my concerns: Air pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel. If the railway is constructed, but recoverable oil reserves in the Uinta Basin are exhausted before it is paid off, taxpayers could be left to cover the cost. To date, there has been very little information about the Uinta Basin Railway provided to the public and little opportunity for public participation. The uncertainty around many details of the project is concerning and should be resolved before the project moves forward. Committing funds to constructing the Uinta Basin Railway is precluding efforts to transition away from boom-and-bust fossil fuel economies "which are susceptible to volatile global markets" and towards more stable, local, clean, sustainable, and just economies. Thanks for your consideration.Kanab, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30026Robert McKinnieIn general, this project is good for the pollution industry but bad for the environment, the Earth, and ALL its population, animal, or vegetable. We should be searching for ways to improve life in sustainable ways rather than searching for ways to revive a dying industry. This should be the goal of both government and corporate boards. Ill-gotten gains are short lived. Who is going to pay for clean up and restoration when this phase is completed?Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30025Nicola NelsonCarbon fuels are a huge factor in climate change. these fuels must be kept in the ground. This railway is not needed as is detrimental to the health of Utahns as well as the rest of the world. Find another way to create jobs in these counties, please.North Salt Lake, UT
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(printed as 7/11/2019)CommentEI-30024Freddie WilliamsSTOP THIS NOW! Air pollution in the Uinta Basin has already reached dangerous levels due to oil and gas development. By quadrupling oil extraction in the region, the railway would exacerbate this problem, resulting in more asthma attacks and other harmful conditions that can lead to premature death. The extraction and combustion of four times as much oil from the Uinta Basin would threaten our ability to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change by staying under 1.5°C warming. Fossil fuel development requires large amounts of water. At a time when water security for the region is more tenuous than ever, increased oil development unleashed by the Uinta Basin Railway would threaten the region's water supply. The new development needed to create a fourfold increase in oil development in the Uinta Basin will result in major impacts to the region's landscapes, including on public lands. New oil train traffic will create increased inconvenience, air pollution, and risk of derailment in the communities through which the trains travel. If the railway is constructed, but recoverable oil reserves in the Uinta Basin are exhausted before it is paid off, taxpayers could be left to cover the cost. To date, there has been very little information about the Uinta Basin Railway provided to the public and little opportunity for public participation. The uncertainty around many details of the project is concerning and should be resolved before the project moves forward. Committing funds to constructing the Uinta Basin Railway is precluding efforts to transition away from boom-and-bust fossil fuel economies "which are susceptible to volatile global markets" and towards more stable, local, clean, sustainable, and just economies.benoni, MA
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(printed as 7/10/2019)Comment
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(printed as 7/10/2019)CommentEI-26567Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/10/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 7/10/2019)CommentRyan Beam
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(printed as 7/9/2019)CommentEI-30022Ken RichinsThis sounds like a very good project for the Uinta basin. It will bring jobs to the area and will be a great asset for the state of Utah. Thank you Ken RichinsRoosevelt, UT
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(printed as 7/9/2019)CommentEI-30021Lindsay FreemanRailway will run through my private ground where it crises green river. This will not only affect the right of way but also numerous other acres as it will divide a farm field in half rendering the whole area useless for my farming operation. Therefore I am against the proposed route as it will negatively impact my livleyhood and farming operation.Riverton, UT
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(printed as 7/9/2019)CommentEI-30020letitia kilgrowI think you people taking millions of dollars of tax payer money to "research" something that has asready been decided and we really have no say so in. to study something we really have no say so in and will take uundred of jobs trom our dying economy is criminala and you should ALL be prosecuted for taking money out of the families in this basin. you ought to be ashamed of yourselves creating a job to maki yourselves millions of dollars foor pretend work should be against the law,,, but then again we alll know it you go to the right church ane know the right people you wont even get arrested if you commit murder and may God help you if we get in your way or opose youVernal, UT
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(printed as 7/9/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 7/8/2019)CommentEI-30015Payne LynnThis rail line would be great for the environment and for traffic safety. The oil tanker trucks have clogged up the traffic on highway 40. Because the trucks are so long it is very difficult and dangerous to pass. In addition a train would produce a fraction of the air particulate emissions that the hundreds of trucks produce. In the long run this is a win-win project.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/8/2019)CommentEI-30014Herm HoopsJensen, UT
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(printed as 7/7/2019)CommentEI-30013Stanford CarlsonThis rail will go just north of my property. It will go right through our access which is not a county road. Will we still be able to access our property? Our property is 4193-0003 on the GIS parcel viewerMidvale, UT
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(printed as 7/5/2019)CommentEI-31232Adrian Van OsThe economy of the Uintah Basin is driven by the production of the oil and natural gas fields in this region.... If this project will increase production by expanding the markets to which the oil can be sold, then this should also create more jobs for the residents of the basin. I'm all for it. Also if this rail system will bring down the costs of getting freight to the basin, Such as groceries and gasoline, this would be good for all. Those of us who struggle to pay the bills every month might be able to live a little more comfortable in our lives. The cost of living is constantly rising and wages are not. Lower costs and better jobs would not be a bad thing for us. As far as environmental concerns, the last time I looked, sagebrush is not in danger of being eradicated..... there's plenty of it around the area. The inoment domain issue can be solved if the rail is kept on BLM lands, which there is plenty of that also.Myton, UT
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(printed as 7/5/2019)CommentEI-30012Linda PughPlease do not consider Argyle Canyon for construction of a railway. It is our recreation land and home. We worked many years to be able to buy a private place with clean air and surroundings, including noise free. This is very upsetting news. We currently have a home about 3 miles away from railroad tracks and can hear every train every day. Nobody expects, because it is human decency to respect others’ privacy, that a private company will intrude on a family vacation spot and private memory making grounds. It is what it is: Private property. Please respect that and build on and near your own private family land.Mapleton, UT
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(printed as 7/4/2019)CommentEI-31231kerry davisIt will be good for the growth in the basin and it will mean a more safer highway.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/4/2019)CommentEI-30011Danny MooreI am very much in favor of the railway for this area. It is something our basin defiantly needs to survive.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/3/2019)CommentEI-30263William ReeseWould love to see the Craig Route built! It's about time we have a railway coming to the Uintah Basin. I am 100% for this railway coming here.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/3/2019)CommentEI-30019Chris GambleI have heard several times that this proposed rail system will be multi commerce, not just oil and gas driven. It was said that hay and alfalfa growers would be able to ship crops and future green industry would be able to expand to the Vernal area. If this is the case then only the Craig line alternative is prudent. Leland bench is in the heart of oil and gas country and the appearance of beginning the Indian Canyon or Wells Draw route from here only demonstrates that it will be an oil and gas driven rail system. I really wish to support this project but more than lip service needs to be paid to non extraction industries. The Indian Canyon route needs initially begin along the Bonanza Highway south of 6000 south. Thing about your desired future condition... a rail service that truly is for all commerce.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/3/2019)CommentEI-30018Joseph JamisonAt this point it does not appear clear the purposes of such a rail line would fulfill. I am not proposing a route, but some concerns that we may have, which may in the end affect routes. #1 Will the rail line be available to public, e.g. transportation for those wishing to ride the train to one of the terminus points to disembark and be met by local travel amenities, or be able to rent transportation? #2 Will such a rail line transport freight to & fro for local economies? #3 How much of our local and largest resource of crude oil will be transported; thereby reducing the impact of trucking traffic along hwy 40? #4 What percent of our (the Basin) GBP (Gross Basin Product) will be affected and in fine which economies? Obviously, much truck routing will be diverted to terminus points. #5 What affect would such a change have on employment in the Basin? The over arching question might well be, "What will be the impact to the Uinta Basin residents, including all wildlife?" Thank you.Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/3/2019)CommentEI-30010Becky CatonI'm thrilled the rail is coming to the Basin! It seems the Wells Draw route would impact the fewest neighborhood areas. Please consider the Wells or Craig routes.Duchesne, UT
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(printed as 7/3/2019)CommentEI-30009Matt CarlsonHeber City, UT
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(printed as 7/3/2019)CommentEI-30008David KarschnerThis project good be the best thing to happen in the last 30 years. I would like to think that Utah and Colorado could work together to make this exciting project happen.Rangely, CO
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(printed as 7/2/2019)CommentEI-31949Uintah CountyWilliam Stringer · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 7/2/2019)CommentCarolyn Smith · Fort Hall, ID
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(printed as 7/1/2019)CommentEI-26565Federal Highway AdministrationStephanie Gibson
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(printed as 6/29/2019)CommentEI-30007Dennis RichardsonYour comments on the Indian Canyon Route state that the lands are owned by government agencies. What about the private lands that will be affected in this routing? There are a lot of us "private citizens" who have land involved in this routing. Are we basically being ignored just to please big business?Helper, UT
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(printed as 6/28/2019)CommentEI-26564Duchesne CountyMike Hyde
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(printed as 6/27/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 6/26/2019)CommentTim Donaldson · UT
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(printed as 6/26/2019)CommentEI-31946Hopi Tribe of ArizonaStewart B. Koyiyumptewa · Kykotsmovie, AZ
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(printed as 6/26/2019)CommentSteve Turner · Denver, CO
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(printed as 6/25/2019)CommentKristy Groves · Duquesne, UT
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(printed as 6/25/2019)CommentEI-26562Federal Highway AdministrationDeirdre Remley
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(printed as 6/25/2019)CommentEI-26561Moffat CountyJeff Comstock
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(printed as 6/24/2019)CommentEI-31944Duquesne CountyGreg Todd · UT
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(printed as 6/24/2019)CommentEI-26560Herm Hoops
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(printed as 6/20/2019)CommentEI-26559Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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served (printed as 6/19/2019)DecisionPROVIDED A NOTICE INTENT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE PROPOSED UINTA BASIN RAILWAY PROJECT; NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT SCOPE OF STUDY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT; NOTICE OF SCOPING MEETINGS; AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON DRAFT SCOPE.
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(printed as 6/19/2019)CommentEI-26558Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 6/19/2019)Comment
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(printed as 6/19/2019)CommentSteve Turner
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(printed as 6/19/2019)CommentDon Hartley
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(printed as 6/18/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 6/18/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 6/18/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 6/17/2019)CommentJones and DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 6/17/2019)CommentDivision of Water Quality
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(printed as 6/17/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 6/17/2019)CommentJones and DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 6/14/2019)CommentEO-3141Ute Indian TribeBetsy Chapoose
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(printed as 6/12/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 6/7/2019)CommentEO-3138Moffat County Commissioners
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(printed as 6/6/2019)CommentJones and DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 6/3/2019)CommentEI-26551Ute Indian TribeLuke Duncan
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(printed as 5/31/2019)Comment
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(printed as 5/30/2019)CommentJones and DeMille Engineering
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(printed as 5/30/2019)CommentEI-26548Moffat CountyJeff Comstock
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(printed as 5/28/2019)CommentHDR Engineering
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(printed as 5/23/2019)Comment
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(printed as 5/17/2019)CommentEI-26516Bureau of Indian AffairsChip Lewis
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(printed as 5/16/2019)Comment
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(printed as 5/12/2019)CommentDarrell Fordham
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(printed as 5/10/2019)CommentEI-26515U.S. Forest ServiceKristy Groves
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentEI-26513National Park ServicePaul Scolari
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentCarlos Braceras
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentMonica Wilkerson
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentEI-26510Environmental Protection AgencyDana Allen
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentEI-26509Uintah County, UtahMatt Cazier
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentDavid Cesark
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentEI-26507Moffat County, ColoradoJeff Comstock
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentSindy Smith
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(printed as 5/9/2019)Comment
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(printed as 5/9/2019)CommentJeff Comstock
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(printed as 5/8/2019)CommentEI-26504Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 5/7/2019)CommentEI-26505Moffat County, ColoradoJeff Comstock
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(printed as 5/7/2019)CommentEO-3084EPA Region 8 (ORA-N)Dana Allen
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(printed as 5/6/2019)CommentNatasha Ballif
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(printed as 5/6/2019)Comment
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(printed as 5/3/2019)CommentEPA Region 8
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(printed as 5/2/2019)CommentEI-26502Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 5/2/2019)Comment
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(printed as 5/2/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 5/2/2019)CommentRyan Beam
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(printed as 4/29/2019)CommentSindy Smith
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(printed as 4/26/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/26/2019)CommentJeff Comstock
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(printed as 4/25/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 4/24/2019)CommentEI-26500Center for Biological DiversityRyan Beam
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(printed as 4/24/2019)CommentEI-26499Moffat County, ColoradoJeff Comstock
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(printed as 4/24/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/23/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/19/2019)CommentGIS Data Available Upon Request
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(printed as 4/19/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/18/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/12/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 4/12/2019)CommentVenable LLP
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(printed as 4/11/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/11/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/10/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/10/2019)CommentEO-3066Consulting agencies
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(printed as 4/9/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 4/8/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/5/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/5/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/4/2019)CommentJones & DeMille Engineering · Vernal, UT
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(printed as 4/3/2019)Comment
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(printed as 4/3/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 4/3/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 4/3/2019)CommentHDR
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(printed as 3/28/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/22/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/19/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/15/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/15/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/13/2019)CommentEvaluation of Potential Route AlternativesHDR Inc · Salt Lake City, UT
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(printed as 3/13/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/7/2019)Comment
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(printed as 3/7/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/28/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/28/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/27/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/21/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/21/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/20/2019)CommentUinta Basin Railway Information PaperVenable LLP · Washington, DC
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(printed as 2/18/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/14/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/13/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/4/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/2/2019)CommentEI-26461Third-party consultantICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.
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(printed as 2/1/2019)Comment
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(printed as 2/1/2019)CommentUinta Basin Railway
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(printed as 1/31/2019)Comment
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(printed as 1/30/2019)Comment
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(printed as 1/29/2019)Comment
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(printed as 12/21/2018)Comment
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(printed as 11/12/2018)Comment
Nothing of that kind in this docket.