Comment EI-34356
Received or sent (printed as 9/18/2026)
Dear Ms. Webster: On behalf of Bland Independent School District, thank you for the opportunity to provide preliminary comments regarding the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern transaction under Docket No. FD 36873. As a school district located in a community served by the rail network, we recognize the importance of carefully considering the potential effects of changes in rail traffic and related infrastructure on our students, families, employees, and community. At this time, Bland ISD would like to express the concerns about the change in traffic conditions and the fact that the crossings on our farm to market roads are already dangerous. Many crossings are not equipped with lights or arm guards, and there have been multiple train wrecks in recent years, some resulting in death. With the tracks running parallel to 380 through the District near potential campus locations, we would also request that the agency evaluate and mitigate any potential air-quality and noise impacts, especially if the proposed project is going to increase train traffic, emissions, or horn noise along the 380 corridor. We appreciate the Surface Transportation Board’s efforts to conduct a thorough environmental review and to provide local agencies and communities an opportunity to participate in the process. We respectfully request that the Board continue to consider the potential impacts on local communities, including school districts and the safety and well-being of students and staff, as the review moves forward. Thank you for including Bland ISD in this important process. Sincerely, Brian Bymaster Superintendent Bland Independent School District Cc Bland Board of Trustees.
Submitted by: Brian Bymaster · Bland Independent School District · Farmersville, 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-36873/comment/EI-34356
File docketyard.org/document/50bdfc2dfdacad146f5c45d0073a107b8c33c15edd673af0ec157fe734ea34b2.pdf · back to the docket sheet