Comment EI-32708
Received or sent (printed as 11/30/2022)
Per 40 CFR 1508.25, “Scope” consists of the range of actions, alternatives, and impacts... [and] the scope of an individual statement may depend on its relationships to other statements (§§1502.20 and 1508.28)... The relationship between the proposed CP-KCS merger/expansion of operations at the International Freight Gateway terminal (IFG); and the proposed CN-ICCR acquisition of KCS rail line/ADDITIONAL expansion of operations at the IFG, is integral. All "Cumulative" and "Similar" actions are to be considered in the process of coming to a determination. Commenters for both proposals have previously noted that there are likely discrepancies in the projected volume of truck traffic, with underestimations being probable. The cumulative impact of the similar actions proposed by both the CP-KCS merger, and the proposed CN acquisition are significant, with roadway safety, railroad safety, municipal and county infrastructure expansion and maintenance, noise and vibration among the key issues needing address. Further, there continue to be substantial (20, 40, 78, 174 acre, in the case of the National Nuclear Security Administration), private sector driven developments in the area that themselves will increase truck traffic and likely rail traffic over the course of time. Now is the time to anticipate the impacts, and ensure that the railway infrastructure can adapt/accommodate changes along 155th Street, Missouri Highway 150, Botts Road, Interstate 49, Prospect Avenue, Highway 58, North Avenue, Markey Road, Holmes Road, Kensington Avenue, and at least a half dozen other roadways that can be expected to require upgrade, protection, and myriad other modifications. At the IFG, and in other locations (like Birmingham, MO) flyover rail infrastructure could make sense and, while a substantial investment, it would pay off over time, in the reduction of accidents, eliminating delays along roadways, and eliminating delays for emergency responders.
Submitted by: Thomas Neff · City of Kansas City, MO · Kansas City, MO
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/sub/1/comment/EI-32708 · back to the docket sheet