Comment EI-33818
Received or sent (printed as 3/24/2025)
Recently I learned that Texas Materials Group, Inc. is seeking authority from the STB to construct and operate a new rail line in Burnet and Lampasas counties. This proposed line, if implemented, will seriously negatively impact large numbers of Texas families. Many of those have already contacted the STB by petition and letters describing negative environmental impact, safety concerns, economic devastation, detrimental quality of life issues, absence of public notification, and removal of individual property rights. My family is one of those potentially devasted by this proposed line. I currently operate a small ranch located in both Burnet and Lampasas counties on which I raise sheep, goats, and hay. At present I have approximately 200 animals. It is currently lambing season with more baby lambs being born each day. My largest field would be divided approximately one third by two thirds by the proposed rail line spitting off most of the land in Lampasas County from the portion in Burnet County. There would be no way to get to the land in Lampasas County without crossing the railroad. The railroad right of way would have to be fenced. Even if the company put in a rail crossing, I cannot imagine trying to get a herd of sheep or goats across the tracks and into the other pasture without having them scatter up and down the right of way. Currently rail lines exist so trains could go from Burnet to Cedar Park to Pflugerville, to Temple, to Lampasas. Is it further than a new straight line from Burnet to Lampasas would be? Of course, but the question should be is it right to disrupt and damage the lives of so many people in order that this company can shortcut the route used to haul quarry materials and thus increase their profit. I noticed that you offer arbitration and mediation to avoid costly litigation. In this case, the simplest way to avoid litigation is to deny this project. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposed project before the board.
Submitted by: William N Kirby · Kirby Ranch · Lampasas, TX
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-36815/comment/EI-33818 · back to the docket sheet