Comment EI-31738
Received or sent (printed as 1/3/2022)
Hi, I would like to comment regarding the additional rail traffic that would result in Itasca from the CP/KCS merger. I have been a resident of Itasca for 25 years and I fully support progress and change, but the additional freight trains that would pass through Itasca is just change without the progress. In a world where the focus leans more and more on mobility and ease of transportation, the existence of 2-mile freight trains chugging regularly through a small town sets us back when other towns are moving forward. Noise pollution is a serious concern as well, and with an abundance of planes already flying over Itasca, expecting residents to endure consistent freight trains through town is asking too much. Add in the safety factor where many residents live on the north side of the tracks while the fire department resides on the south side, and it is clear that increased train traffic that would block the crossings simply isn’t the best use of resources. Lastly, if the merger is approved, it would be for profit and to increase efficiencies, so anyone who has taken a business class in their life knows that if 8 additional freight trains per day increases revenue, then 16 per day can’t be far behind. Please do not sacrifice quality of life for a little extra profit. (Received via project website)
Submitted by: Michael Marcinkus · Itasca, IL
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/FD-36500/comment/EI-31738 · back to the docket sheet