STB solicits comments on proposed Uinta Basin Railway's environmental impact

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) yesterday began the federal environmental review process for the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah.

The Uinta Basin Railway is a new freight-rail line proposed by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition (SCIC) to connect industries in the Uinta Basin to regional and national markets. Last month, the SCIC selected Drexel Hamilton Infrastructure Partners LP for a public-private partnership to finance, develop and construct the railroad.

Once in operation, Rio Grande Pacific Corp. will operate and maintain the railway.

Through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, the STB and other federal agencies will evaluate potential environmental impacts and identify mitigation measures. The SCIC is working with the STB to identify a route that has would cost the least amount to build and operate, as well as have the least impacts on the environment, local farmland and communities, SCIC officials said in a press release.

A 45-day comment period on the Draft Scope of Study began yesterday and will include six public meetings to be held July 15-19. Comments on the study may be made via the STB website.

"We are committed to the public process of the Uinta Basin Railway study and look forward to working together with the STB, federal and state agencies, the Ute Indian Tribe and the public to find the best solution to build this necessary railroad," said SCIC Executive Director Mike McKee.

The need for additional transportation infrastructure in the Uinta Basin has been discussed for many years. Private and public agencies have completed multiple studies indicating that rail is the most economic and environmentally protective mode to transport goods into and out of the basin, SCIC officials said.

The Ute Indian Tribe been in discussions with the SCIC about the proposed railroad for several months, according to a prepared statement from the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee.

"The Ute Indian Tribe, like all of those who live in the Uinta Basin, understands the significance that a railroad would have for our community. Our isolated basin has long dealt with transportation constraints which prevent much needed economic diversification from moving forward,” the committee stated.