Comment EI-31862
Received or sent (printed as 2/13/2022)
I am concerned about this merger. I hear persuasive messaging related to economic benefits and improved efficiency, but I am not convinced it will have a positive net effect on citizens and business owners in Minneapolis. In fact, I am reasonably confident the only true beneficiaries of this deal are the investors who stand to profit from the $31 billion merger. The merger has been touted as an economic windfall for regions along the route, supposedly bringing new customers and markets to our doorsteps. But this isn’t sufficient to put up with the resulting congestion and nuisance. Rather than spurring economic growth, the line will bring way more rail traffic, noise pollution, traffic congestion, and potential for accidents than we have right now. Once Minneapolis residents become fully mired in the “new normal,” they will flee to quieter parts of the state and tourists will look elsewhere. The merger will not help our communities. Rather, it will hurt us.
Submitted by: Greg Wenker · Edina, MN
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-31862 · back to the docket sheet